Season Preview: Anaheim Ducks
Major Additions: Todd Bertuzzi, Matthew Schneider
Major Subtractions: Dustin Penner, Teemu Selanne*, Scott Niedermayer
* - both Selanne and Niedermayer are considering retirement but neither has confirmed their choice as of yet
Analysis
The defending Stanley Cup champions kept a significant portion of their core together but lost a few key pieces - particularly if their captain and leading scorer from last season both elect to retire. Since GM Brian Burke did an admirable job filling both of those holes, should the two elect to play in the upcoming season the Ducks could be an even stronger team than they were a year ago. That is, of course, assuming they can fit their team under the salary cap, which could take some magic.
If, on the other hand, one or both of the two decide to retire, the Ducks are undeniably a weaker team. Schneider’s best days are behind him and Bertuzzi’s $4 million salary is a payment for the way Todd has not played in many years.
There is good news, however. Dustin Penner is gone but the influx of draft picks - not to mention the cap space - will be instrumental in Anaheim’s future. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are each a year older and more experienced. Bobby Ryan should be ready to make the team. Burke has a pretty solid roster and several big bargaining chips - notably Bryzgalov - should he decide to seek a trade.
The road to defending the Stanley Cup is a long shot, but you have to consider the Ducks contenders as much today as they were a year ago.