Anaheim Ducks Preseason Team Analysis

With training camp on its way, it is time for the predictions to begin. To predict, though, you need to know every aspect of a team. To help you with your predictions I'll be breaking down some teams around the league.

First up, the Anaheim Ducks.

New Faces

It wasn't a busy offseason for Anaheim, but they did manage to reel in some new faces.

Brendan Morrison flew south this summer and will be sporting a new sweater this year as he is a Canuck turned Duck. The B.C. native only managed to play in 39 games last year due to a wrist injury and a torn ACL. In the 39 games he did play, the 33-year-old center put up 25 points.

The second notable signing for the Ducks was another British Columbia native, Steve Montador. Montador played in 73 games for Florida last season where he scored 23 points, was a +1, and had 73 PIM.

Leaving Players

Notable players not returning to the team for the upcoming season include Todd Bertuzzi who had 40 points in 68 games. He's heading for Calgary. Also gone is veteran Doug Weight, who had a disappointing 25 points last season. He looks to bounce back playing in New York for the Islanders.

Forwards

The offensive load next season will rely heavily on Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Chris Kunitz. They were the top three scorers for the Ducks last season as they all put up 50 points or more ( Getzlaf 82, Perry 54, and Kunitz 50).

Newcomer Morrison will also be looked to for points if he can stay healthy. Also 21-year-old Bobby Ryan will have to show what he can do if he wants more ice time than he saw in his 23 games last year.

Defense

Right now the top six defensemen for Anaheim look like this (not lines just the players):

Niedermayer

Pronger

Beauchemin

Montador

Huskins/O'Donnell

Schneider

Schneider meanwhile has been involved in trade speculation and he could be gone before the season begins, opening a spot for a return player in the trade, Sean O'Donnell, or Kent Huskins.

Pronger, Niedermayer, and Beauchemin will once again have to lead the defense for the Ducks.

Goaltenders

The Ducks have one of the best starting goalies in the league in J.S. Giguere who should play at least 60 games. Young back-up Jonas Hiller will keep J.S. Giguere fresh for the playoffs. Hiller can play 20 to 30 games for the Ducks in the upcoming season.

Captaincy

Captain: Chris Pronger

Alternates: Chris Kunitz and Rob Niedermayer

Management

General Manager: Brain Burke

Head Coach: Randy Caryle

Assistant Coaches: Dave Farrish and Newell Brown

Goaltending Coach: Francois Allaire

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Sean Skahan

Head Athletic Trainer: Tim Clark