Dallas Stars Prospects Win Prospect Tournament, Shine Light on Future

*Image Note: notice Stu Barnes in his first gig as an assistant coach on the top right in the suit.*

There is something about the future that excites people. For some it is the prospect of graduation and that budding internship and job with Bleacher Report, for others it is the prospect of next season. Cub’s fans are long notorious for retorts of “I can’t wait till next season…” but in hockey such things are different.

Some hockey fans follow the offseason with a watchful eye, analyzing draft picks and free agency like a general manager in their own home. Others however ignore the season placing full faith in the team’s leadership and await the finished product.

There is no waiting in hockey; hockey is much like a defensive breakout and return to defense, an ever constant transition. This season saw youngsters like Matt Niskanen learn the ropes from veterans like Sergei Zubov, youngsters like Brenden Morrow blossom into the right of veteran and a veteran like Stu Barnes assume his role as a coach and leader behind the bench. Hockey more than any other sport is much like life, there is only death when it is finally seen as the last step.

Late last night another step in that chain became visible, a needed link in the chain to this cycle of hockey life. As teams begin to evaluate young talent acquired over the summer many hold prospect camps, to see who among them is truly the best.

Others take part in prospect tournaments, where the biggest winners are the prospects and the coaching staff now able to accurately evaluate the talent. Question is, if a trophy is played for in said tournament does it matter?

For the Stars their prospect teams 8-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers can only be a sign of good things to come. Likely both teams gained new knowledge on insight into young prospects and their ability’s to play with the parent club.

First, let me say the Thrashers went through some deeply talented prospect teams to play the Stars. The Thrashers beat the Red Wings in a shootout to move on; showing the immense talent this club has in its future. To Thrasher fans the future is bright; there is a light at the end of the tunnel so the future can continue to be dreamt of.

To Stars fans who know the future is now, don’t forget to keep a watchful eye on the future as well. Likely many of the names profiled below will be mentioned in American Airlines Center either this, or in following years.

The Stars Prospects held a 4-0 record, scoring a total of 20 goals. James Neal a player who could easily be seen in Dallas this fall scored nine points, and consistently led the Stars prospect team, while also leading the league in points. Jamie Benn another young-star scored a league high five goals.

"We’ve got a good group of young guys, and we clicked pretty good," said Benn in the Stars press release. "I think that was a big key for us. We knew that if we’d have team success, we’d have individual success, so we concentrated on the team, and that paid off for us."

Stars co-general manager Les Jackson in the press release said the team adopted an aggressive offensive attitude during the tournament.

"We were trying to push it, for sure," Jackson said. "I think we had the talent and the skill, and those were the strengths of our team, so we wanted to play to our strengths."

Dallas phenom Fabian Brunnstrom showed no signs of letting down expectations adjusting well from a disappointing game one and helping lead the Stars come the final game. Brunnstrom scored on a rebound from defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy to ignite the team in the third period of game four.

Drawing more attention than Brunnstrom was the always dangerous Neal, who drew amazing praise from Jackson and the rest of the front office. "Neal was fantastic," Jackson said in the press release. "He’s determined to make our team, and he played like that every shift."

The impact on training camp: A lot of players drew praise from the Stars front office during this tournament, then again can anyone complain by the results of this talented squad? Brunnstrom is expected still to make the big team out of training camp.

As of now he is listed on the big team’s third line and Jackson as well as Hull have agreed expectations are not too high for him. Both have mentioned the Stars will be patient with his adjustment to his placement on the parent squad.

Another potential parent team maker is James Neal. How about this kid? Leading the league in points and he was a constant pulse for the Stars. He will certainly be a name to look for in the training camp news. I won’t set any expectations for him for this season, but he certainly seems capable of being on the big team for October.

Ivan Vishnevskiy according to the press release is also ready for a successful jump, but to the NHL. In recent months I have heard and read nothing but good things about this young defenseman. I give him 2 years and he will likely be a stable blue-liner for the parent club.

Another name to watch for is the captain of the prospect team, Raymond Sawada. He led the team well and received a lot of praise in previous press releases. Other then that, I don’t have enough information on him to input any expectations on where he will end up at the end of camp. Likely camp will hold the answers on his placement for this season.

Another prospect to keep an eye on is Jamie Benn, listed above was the goal scoring leader of the tournament. Other than this information I know very little about him.

*Note: The training camp roster has been listed under the roster at the Stars website, be sure to check it out.*

Links to DallasStars.com review of Prospect Tournament games:

Stars down Minnesota, 3-2; Will Face Atlanta Wednesday In Final
Stars Pull Out Come-From-Behind Win In Second Game
Stars Win Traverse City Debut over St. Louis, 4-3

Original Source and Image: Staff, Dallas Stars. "Dallas Takes Traverse City Title." Dallas Stars Website 17 Sept. 2008 18 Sept. 2008

Teemu Selanne Finnish-ed in Anaheim?

With Selanne now a month late on letting Brian Burke know of his decision, Ducks fans must begin to wonder if the Finnish Flash is finnish-ed in Southern California. Possibly Teemu has been working out to get back into hockey shape and lost his cell phone, or is enjoying his free time in Finland while Brian Burke is busy fretting over Kevin Lowe, but probably not.

The Ducks and Burke have given Teemu the time needed for such a decision and have received nothing, not even a “screw you guys, I’m goin home…” Instead the most beloved hockey player in Anaheim hockey history is choosing much like Brett Favre to taint his legacy.

But there is one major difference, Brett at least made up his mind, and changed it. Teemu can’t seem to do either one. It’s gotten to the point he may not know if he I coming or going. Do I dare say senility may be setting in for the Ducks leader? It could be possible an onslaught of dementia has the 38 year old forgetting to pick up the phone to give a “shout-out” to Brian Burke.

If Teemu is going to return, it’s a month past the “deadline” imposed by Burke. Before people jump me for pointing out he is a free agent, move on, your nagging isn’t needed as I’m the definite source on Bleacher Report who knows that. My point I this “deadline” was less of a deadline and more about manners. The Cap issue lingers in Anaheim because Burke doesn’t know what to do, everything now rides on Teemu.

Furthermore, if Teemu chooses to hang up the skates, the Ducks would be left out to dry in sorts, as the only option would be to trade for a replacement. Luckily they do have the goods on the table to acquire someone worth it, but the loss of Selanne would hurt.

Personally, I love #8, he skates effortlessly, and scores goals at 38 I can’t score at 21. The man has plenty of miles left on the tires and he is still regarded as one of the top scorers in the NHL, regardless of his age. With all this considered, I would ask Brian Burke and the Ducks to move on, make the trades needed, acquire someone talented and get under the cap and prepare for training camp. The insanity of waiting for Teemu has drug on enough.

When school ended in spring, talk of Teemu was in full swing, as I prepare to return he is still the talk of Ducks hockey. Maybe the Ducks can save face, and make a trade for Andy McDonald, that would ease the pain of losing Teemu, for one of joy to have a real franchise player*, who lived for the Ducks back.

Lastly, Burke, put the nails in Teemu’s coffin. It is quite possible the Ducks could be terrible this year without him, but I would rather lose with players devoted to the team than a player who can’t make up his mind. Enough is enough, as is my bantering on this subject.

*Franchise player – someone selfish who sticks by team through thick and thin. Fans know this player would choose the team over selfish idea’s any day.

For definition of selfish please see Teemu Selanne.

Image: Courtesy of The Hockey News

Ken Armer is a Senior Ducks Writer and a Community Leader for the NHL and Anaheim Ducks. You can contact him on his profile or via e-mail at karmer@bleacherreport.com

Brian Burke and Randy Carlyle's Comments on the Contract Extension

*This post is a direct copy from the Ducks press release that was released earlier today. The original can be found on the Ducks website here.*

Ducks Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Burke spoke about Carlyle's extension in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday afternoon. Following is a transcript:

I’m very pleased with today’s announcement that Randy Carlyle has agreed to a contract extension. Randy’s been here three years and his teams have been in the playoffs all three years. They’ve played in eight playoff rounds, which ties Detroit, as far as leading the National Hockey League in the number of playoff rounds in the last three years. He has brought accountability to our organization. We play Ducks hockey, which Randy is the architect of. It is high-octane, up-tempo, physical, old school hockey. Most importantly for me, he pours a lot of energy into the bench and into the game. He brings energy to the game, which I think has really benefitted our players. In my mind, it is a very important announcement for our franchise and I would like to congratulate Randy on this. He’s earned it.

On Carlyle’s ability to coach young players,
I think he’s a good teacher. I think great coaches have to be good teachers. You don’t have a choice in pro sports. Several players are replaced on your roster every year, whether you’re successful or not. If you cannot develop young talent, you’re not going to last very long. I think he’s done a fine job bringing our young players along. I’m not worried at all about plugging in more young players.

On getting the extension done,
This is a statement to our whole team that Randy’s going to be in charge. I think he’s earned it. I told him early on, right after the New Year, that we would sit down as soon as the season was over, regardless of how the playoffs went. Obviously, none of us were happy with the way our playoffs went. Right after the season we talked about an extension and agreed to terms. It was something that we had approached long ago.

I think he’s pretty happy. Coaching is a very difficult trade. It’s been mastered by very few people. It’s a trade that has a short shelf life. When you fail and are fired, it’s very public. For a coach to get a pat on the back and a contract extension, that’s a big day. We’re happy here too.
On Carlyle’s performance thus far with the Ducks,
The way I run my teams, being the head coach is probably the easiest job in the NHL in terms of interference. I don’t offer a lot of input into who is on the power play or what the line combinations are. I believe you hire a strong coach and leave him alone. What I’ve seen is the first year was a transitional year for all of us. We didn’t know our team. They didn’t know us. We made some changes. The second year was magical. It’s ironic we consider this past year disappointing, we had 102 points. We were in the playoffs our third straight year. That’s equal to what the franchise had prior to Randy’s arrival. He’s done a good job. It’s our style, our vision, the way we want the game played. We want a certain style of hockey here in Orange County. We want to be physical and a puck-pressure team that is fun to watch. Randy’s job interview was real short. That’s the guy Bob Murray and I both wanted badly as our coach.

Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle also addressed reporters on Wednesday afternoon via conference call from his summer cottage in Ontario, Canada. Following is a transcript:

On the extension getting done,
I’m very happy and feel honored to be coaching an NHL hockey club, specifically the hockey club that Brian Burke has put together working with the Samueli family, Henry and Susan, and Michael Schulman. We’ve had some success. It’s been a working environment that’s been very easy for me and my family to join. I think that’s the most important thing, that there’s a huge comfort zone with the job that I have in Anaheim. I’ve been very fortunate to work for the Samuelis, Brian Burke, Bob Murray and David McNab. It takes a total team effort with the coaching staff, Dave Farrish, Newell Brown and Joe Trotta. We’ve been able to develop that in there and that’s what so comfortable about it. This extension means a lot to me and my family that we have three more years to get the job done here.

What I did in this situation is I made a decision that I felt was best for my family. I feel very comfortable with this decision. We like it in Orange County. We like the situation that we’ve been presented with. We like our hockey club. There’s a lot to like about my job. The one thing that makes your job easier when you’re in pro sports is you have to win. We fell short of our goal last year. We’re going to try and push ourselves back to the ultimate goal again.
On contract negotiations,
We talked previously. This negotiation took place right after the season. It took all of probably about three or four days going back and forth. It wasn’t anything that got long and drawn out. Basically Burkie and I, we haven’t had one of those negotiations where it takes too long to get something done. We both had a vision of where we wanted to be. I represented myself and Brian represented the organization. It really came together quite quickly. It was something that we had talked about as early as January. We said that we’d put it off until after the season and we did. We weren’t very happy with the way the season ended for us. This was something that we felt we had taken a couple of steps at earlier in the season. It didn’t take very long at all.
On job security among coaches,
I don’t think as a coach that you can really sit back and focus on your job. Your job is to go out and prepare the hockey club to play to the best of their capabilities. I leave the other things up to other people to decide, if you’re doing a good job or you’re not doing a good job. You have peaks and valleys that you go through with your group. You’re part of a hockey club and a team. It’s not about you at all. It’s about what’s going to be best for the team. That’s what we’ve always tried to put forth. We have to work extremely hard, harder than any other coaching staff in the league in my mind because that’s the way we’re brought up. That’s the values that we learned through our upbringing. We feel that we have to do the little things that our necessary to give our players the best chance for success. We feel very fortunate from a coaching staff point of view to be able to have the level of players that we’ve had at Anaheim. That’s first and foremost. There’s an old saying ‘Coaches are hired to be fired’, but to me that’s only because you haven’t worked hard enough or people stop listening to you. If people stop listening to you as a coach, they become tired of you and then changes usually happen. You have to sell your program in different ways to different people. You have to get to know your personnel in a short period of time and what makes them tick and which buttons you have to push.
On the approach he will take to start 2008-09,
Our message was that we were totally dissatisfied with the way the season ended for us. We felt that we had lots of ups and downs through the course of last season, but we felt that we did not play to the level which was required. That’s the number one thing. We’re looking for people who are buying into the program and are going to continue to sell what we think needs to be done. If you don’t want to buy into the program, we don’t think that you’re going to play for our hockey club. We’re not going to give jobs away. People are going to have to earn them. We feel the best way to do that is to provide competition for the position. I know you’ve heard it before, but that’s it in a nutshell. We’re looking for some people to continue to grow in the game and for our younger players to grab more of a leadership role. We’re asking our veterans to again be good teammates and lead the way. We think that we can provide the environment for our players to have success. It’s one of the things that we demand of our group. We do things a little differently. We ask more of our players. We ask our players to be very visible in the community and to support the franchise in charities that we donate to. The number one thing they are, they’re a professional hockey player and they’re paid to play hockey. We have to win hockey games.

Randy Carlyle Signs Contract Extension With Anaheim Ducks

On Wednesday the Anaheim Ducks announced they have signed head coach Randy Carlyle to a two-year extension. Carlyle had one year remaining on his original contract and is now the Ducks bench boss through the 2010-2011 season. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“In our view, Randy is one of the top coaches in the NHL,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke in the Ducks press release. “We’ve had an aggressive, hard-working club each of the past three years, largely due to his influence. He’s clearly been paramount to our success since taking over the reins.”

Carlyle was named the seventh head coach in the team’s history on August 1, 2005. In 2007 Carlyle led the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup championship, Pacific Division championship, and a franchise-record three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Only the Detroit Red Wings, Stanley Cup champions this past season have matched the Ducks playoff success since Carlyle has taken over behind the bench. He has the most wins and highest winning percentage in Ducks history, compiling a 138-74-34 record for 310 points in 246 career NHL games (.630 winning percentage).

“Working in Orange County for owners such as the Samueli’s is a privilege, and I’m honored to be able to continue representing the Ducks,” said Carlyle in the press release. “I’m thankful for the great relationship I have with Brian Burke and our hockey staff and expect more success in the future. We fell short of our goal last year and it’s time for us to respond.”

Carlyle is more than just a coach; he is the life blood of the team. His passion and hard-nosed style get carried onto the ice by his players, who over the past two seasons have become one of the most physically bruising in the NHL.

In Carlyle’s first season in 2005-06 he helped lead the Ducks to the Western Conference Finals, but in his second season Carlyle and the Ducks would become the first California team to win the Stanley Cup.

In his third year with the Ducks this past season, Carlyle helped the Ducks achieve their second consecutive 100-point season. Before Carlyle the team had never held such regular season success.

For a guy that never really smiles, his fans and the team have a lot to smile about today after locking up such a successful coach.

For more news on the Anaheim Ducks or any other Pacific Division team be sure to check out Battle of the Pacific, a collaboration of Bleacher Report writers discussing their favorite teams in a blog forum.

Original Source: Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks website

Image: Courtesy of one of the greatest Ducks wallpapers I have ever seen

Anaheim Ducks Busy Signing Day Yields Possible Depth For Affiliates

*Pictured: Josh Green with the Canucks, and Eric Boguniecki of the New York Islanders*

On Tuesday the Anaheim Ducks announced the signing of four players, all of whom will probably be minor leaguers. This is merely my own analysis and only after training camp will we really know.

The Ducks signed 23-year-old left wing Ryan Donally from the Las Vegas Wranglers, the ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames. In 53 games with Las Vegas Donally recorded 37 points, a plus-13 rating, and 176 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 10 regular season games with Quad City, Calgary’s AHL affiliate. In those 10 games he was scoreless with an even plus/minus and 21 penalty minutes. Donally was drafted in the 2003 Entry Draft by Calgary in the third round (97^th overall). Donally was signed to a two-year contract.

The Ducks added another 23-year-old left wing by signing Troy Bodie to a one-year contract. Bodie appeared in 62 games with Springfield, Edmonton’s AHL affiliate last season. Bodie recorded 15 points and recorded 108 penalty minutes with the team. Bodie was Edmonton’s ninth-round selection (278^th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Adding one more left wing, the Ducks signed Josh Green, a 30-year-old veteran NHL player who played last season in Austria. With Salzburg EC he recorded 42 points and 100 penalty minutes in 43 games. Green’s most recent NHL time was spent with the Vancouver Canucks in 2006-2007, collecting seven points in 57 games.

The final Ducks signing was 33-year-old center Eric Boguniecki. The 5-8, 192-pound Boguniecki appeared in 178 career NHL games with Florida, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and the New York Islanders, earning 76 points, and 105 penalty minutes with a plus-14 rating. In 16 games with ERC Ingolstadt in Germany last season Boguniecki scored 18 points.

Boguniecki is the most probable of the four to be seen with the Ducks, the rest are most likely signings for the Iowa Chops, the Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate. Either way the Ducks acquired some experienced players, and got some good young players.

In other Ducks news, rumors have begun to surface that Teemu Selanne has decided to return to the Ducks. I heard this from a reliable source who heard it from a reliable source, so I’m only continuing the rumor. Either way it is nice to keep hope alive.

Original Sources:

Ducks, Anaheim (2008, July, 22). Ducks Sign Left Wings Donally & Bodie. Retrieved July 22, 2008, from Anaheim Ducks Website Web site: http://ducks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368880

Ducks, Anaheim (2008, July, 22). Ducks Ink Forwards Green & Boguniecki. Retrieved July 22, 2008, from Anaheim Ducks Website Web site: http://ducks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368881

Image: Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks website

Puck Drop Update

With the 2008-2009 season right around the corner The Puck Drop founder has begun a new project, called the Battle of the Pacific. The blog is dedicated for writers and fans of the best division in hockey. I urge all Ducks fans to check it out. The Puck Drop writers will be back to writing for Puck Drop come fall. Enjoy your summer!

Anaheim Ducks Announce Brendan Morrison Signing

Today it was announced that the Anaheim Ducks had signed Brendan Morrison to a one year contract, thought to be worth $2.75 million.

Brendan Morrison is a solid veteran with excellent foot speed,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke on the team's website. “He’s an intelligent hockey player and is a tremendous addition to our top six forward group.”

Morrison has quite a scoring touch the Ducks will find handy, scoring 50-plus points in six of his last seven seasons. The center also will add stability to the Ducks second line while young centers in the system, such as Bobby Ryan have one more season to develop before making the jump to the second line.

Last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Morrison was plagued by a serious knee injury, but looks to be healthy come training camp.

In college Morrison was a three-time Hobey Baker finalist, winning the award in 1996-97 as the top collegiate hockey player.

Some Ducks fans have begun to think this signing means the end of the Teemu Selanne era, personally I think not. If the Ducks were looking to replace Teemu, they would have signed a winger, not a center. This acquisition is merely trying to get back the type of player lost when the Ducks traded away Andy McDonald to St. Louis. Morrison is a speedy center with good puck movement.

The Ducks next move will probably be making room for this signing and Selanne if he chooses to return. This means that defenseman Mathieu Schneider is probably without a doubt on the chopping block.

Original Article and Image: Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks website

Anaheim Ducks Expected to Announce Brendan Morrison Signing Tomorrow

The Anaheim Ducks have reportedly agreed to terms on a one year contract with unrestricted free-agent Brendan Morrison. The deal is expected to be announced on Tuesday. The 32 year old is expected to center the Ducks second line, and complement number 1 center Ryan Getzlaf.

Morrison was a four-time 20-goal scorer with the Canucks, spending several seasons centering former Duck winger Todd Bertuzzi. Morrison scored a career-high 84 points in 2005-06 but slipped to 25 points in 39 games last season. Morrison’s season was cut short due to a torn ACL injury on his right knee. Morrison is underwent knee surgery on April 7 and is expected to be ready for training camp come September.

Although many other NHL teams showed interest, it is thought Morrison wants to be reunited with former Canucks GM Brian Burke.

I will dive into more information on Morrison once the Ducks announcement tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Original Source and Image: Wood, Dan. "Ducks, Brendan Morrison agree to a one-year deal." O.C. Register 07 Jul 2008 7 Jul 2008

Gary Bettman Plays Referee To Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe Feud

With the growing animosity between Ducks general manager Brian Burke and Oilers general manager Kevin Lowe, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has decided to referee it seems.

Bettman basically told Burke and Lowe to cool it, after a conference phone call between the three men this morning.

"The NHL, in response to Kevin Lowe's comments over the weekend, has ordered both Burke and Lowe to both cease and desist," the Ducks said in a statement according to the Los Angeles Times.

No fines or penalties were assessed.

Lowe responded to Burke on Friday on an Edmonton radio station calling the Ducks GM a “moron” and a “media junkie” along with some pretty harsh comments about the Southern California hockey market.

This was all in response to Burke's initial comments about Lowe being the reason for a sharp rise in salaries for talented young players, using offers made by Lowe to Thomas Vanek and Dustin Penner as examples.

Buffalo matched the $50 million offer to Vanek, while the Ducks let Penner go, refusing to pay a five year $21.25 million contract. After the Ducks let Penner go, Burke said Lowe’s action were "an act of desperation by a general manager who is fighting to keep his job.”

In other Ducks news, the Ducks signed goaltender David LeNeveu to a two way contract. LeNeveu, 25, recently played for the Rangers organization and was a second-round pick in 2002 by Phoenix.

Original Source: Stephens, Eric. "NHL's Bettman orders feuding Ducks and Oilers GMs to cool it." Los Angeles Times 07 Jul 2008 7 Jul 2008

Anaheim Ducks Announce 2008 Preseason Schedule

The Anaheim Ducks today announced the 2008 preseason schedule. The schedule features eight games, all keeping the Ducks close to the Pacific Ocean.

Below is the Ducks’ complete 2008 preseason schedule:

DATE	OPPONENT	VENUE	TIME (Pacific)
Wed., Sept. 24	SAN JOSE	Honda Center	7:05 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 26	@ San Jose	HP Pavilion	7:30 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 27	@ Phoenix	Jobing.com Arena	7 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 28	VANCOUVER	Honda Center	5:05 p.m.
Tues., Sept. 30	@ Los Angeles	STAPLES Center	7:30 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 1	LOS ANGELES	Honda Center	7:05 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 3	PHOENIX	Honda Center	7:05 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 5	@ Vancouver	GM Place	7 p.m.

For my readers in the Anaheim/Southern California area:

Tickets for the preseason home games go on sale on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased on the Anaheim Ducks website. Tickets may also be bought at the Honda Center box officer on a first come, first served basis or can be purchased by calling (714) 703-2545. Regular season home seats are expected to go on sale in September.

The NHL regular season schedule is expected to be released in mid-July.

Original Source: Courtesy of Anaheim Ducks website

Image: Originally found here

Anaheim Ducks Ink Gopher Defenseman Stu Bickel

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

The Anaheim Ducks have reportedly signed 21 year old free agent Stu Bickel, a dependable blue liner from the University of Minnesota. The freshman defenseman will be leaving the team after signing the contract which is said to be for three years.

At 6'3" 210-pounds Bickel is a big defenseman, said to be physical and an intelligent puck mover. In 45 games with the Gophers Bickel recorded one goal and six assists.

Bickel, an undrafted free agent said the Ducks came after him with an offer that "was hard to turn down" according to Twincities.com

"He had a great year for us," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "We're going to miss him."

It is not likely Bickel will be making the Ducks team this year, but he may find a home in Iowa and find himself a big part of the Ducks blueline in the coming years.

Original Article and Image: Pioneer Press @ Twincities.com

Corey Perry Signs 5 Year Contract To Remain an Anaheim Duck

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

Not many teams can begin their offseason saying they already accomplished what they truly wanted to. Some can’t even complete the offseason saying they accomplished it, but not the Anaheim Ducks. For the Ducks it’s Mission Accomplished.

Today the Anaheim Ducks announced right wing Corey Perry has been signed a five-year contract, which will run through 2012-13. Per club policy, no financial terms of the deal were disclosed, but the contract is thought to be worth approximately $5.325 million per year.

“Corey is one of the top young players in the NHL today,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke in the Ducks Press release. “He’s a true Duck, a hard-nosed goal-scorer who’s difficult to play against.”

The 23 year old right wing scored 29 goals, 25 assists for 54 point with a +12 rating and 108 penalty minutes in 70 games last season. Perry was also selected as a 2008 All-Star. Perry ranked among the Ducks top scorers, and shattered career highs in goals, points, plus/minus, power play goals, game-winning goals, and shots. Perry finished the year leading the team in goals, second in points, and tied for second in game winning goals.

In only three games in the playoffs Perry recorded two goals, one assist, for three points along with eight penalty minutes.

Perry was drafted in the first round (28^th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Perry has amassed a total of 59 goals, 64 assists, for 123 points, with a +25 rating and 213 penalty minutes in 208 career NHL games with Anaheim. Perry has appeared in 35 career playoff games with Anaheim, scoring 8 goals, 13 assists for 21 points recording 61 penalty minutes.

Perry was part of the 2007 Anaheim Ducks team who won the Stanley Cup, and is also a close friend to Ducks Center Ryan Getzlaf. Perry is among a group of young players in Anaheim who have amazing talent. Perry was expected to be a highly sought after restricted free agent, but now teams will be left wondering what if. Even if Perry had remained on the market, it seemed probable the right wing would return to Orange County.

Today and moving on into the free agent period, as teams rush to fill major gaps and find a way to win. The Ducks and Brian Burke can feel comfortable they have a sniper in Perry signed until 2012-13. Now all it will take is minor tweaks to minimize the cap hit, and get back Teemu Selanne, who is expected to also remain in Anaheim. For now, in Anaheim, its Mission Accomplished, but tomorrow will certainly bring a new challenge. I’m sure as soon as the Perry deal was finalized, Brian Burke was already on the phone looking to acquire someone new, or trying to get back Teemu Selanne.

Either way, its hockey’s version of Christmas and man is the future bright! Is it hockey season yet?

Original Source: Courtesy of Anaheim Ducks press release on the website.

Image: Courtesy of TSN

Mathieu Schneider May Be Anaheim Ducks Answer To Cap Room Woes

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

With the Anaheim Ducks still taking a slight hit in the financial department with Todd Bertuzzi, and still a lack of money to sign people needed the question arises in Orange County of “Who is next?”

Although me saying, “it will without a doubt be so-and-so” is plain stupid, especially since I never saw the Bertuzzi drop coming, but it seems most logical financially to drop the aging defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Schneider, the oldest player on the team at age 39, will collect $5.75 million in 2008-2009.

He is undoubtedly worth the money, but not in the Ducks organization. Many teams would find value in Schneider. His age is a non-factor; he seems to be one of those players that, like a fine wine, have gotten better with age.

Even looking north on the I-5 we find a team who could find value in Schneider, the Los Angeles Kings. Schneider has already played many years with the Kings. Currently the Kings are adopting a win now and at all costs attitude, which would make adding Schneider a good call for them as well.

I’m not saying this is what the Ducks will do; it is merely just a scenario. I highly doubt they would trade a great blue liner like Schneider to the cross town rival Kings, but moving him certainly is a win for everyone involved.

For the Ducks, moving Schneider provides money available to sign free agents and the ability to begin developing young defenseman such as Brian Salcido. For Schneider it would provide him the ability to be a top defenseman, rather than remaining in Anaheim and being a third or fourth guy.

Most of all, for the team acquiring Schneider, they get a defenseman with tons of experience and talent. Schneider is worth every dime of his salary, and a man who even at 39 years old is capable of being the top defenseman. Any team in the NHL would improve from his presence; in Anaheim he provided a great amount of depth on the blue line.

Unfortunately it seems he needs to leave, not because we don’t want him or need him, but more because we can’t afford him and the others we need to re-sign. For Ducks fans, we know at the end of the day Brian Burke will do what it best, he sees things in the budget we can’t. Maybe Burke will find a way to keep Schneider and sign all the guys we need. That would be nice, but I won’t get my hopes up.

*Salary Figures are Courtesy of nhlnumbers.com

Image: found here

An Insider's View of the Anaheim Ducks: Exclusive Interview with Adam Brady

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

To My Readers:

First, let me get some background information out of the way. Adam Brady is the Director of Publications and New Media for the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center. Adam has been a huge influence on my writing, and I must admit makes some topics and articles much easier, as he does the hard work for me.

To my readers, be sure to always cite your information. As guys like Adam deserve credit for their work, just as we deserve credit for ours. I’m hoping this will be the first of many interviews with Adam.

To Adam:

Thanks Adam for taking the time to do this, I know you have had a hectic schedule lately with the draft and everything. If there is anything you want to add to aspiring sports writers please do, as your friendship and advice has certainly helped guide me. Even when I point out the American Airlines Center is in Dallas, ha-ha.

Ken: What is the best part of your job, and working for the Ducks?

Adam: Even though my job covers Ducks publications (like Ducks Digest) and the website, I would say my favorite part specifically is working on the Ducks Blog. It really gives me the freedom to use my writing ability in kind of a different, hopefully entertaining way. And one of the best parts is the response I get from fans on a daily basis. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Ken: How did you end up working for the Ducks?

Adam: I had been living in Northern California for about nine years and was looking for the chance to come back down to Orange County, where I grew up. I found out about the opportunity with the Ducks and went after it. Apparently, the interview went pretty well. I started in September of 2005, doing strictly publications. It wasn’t until March of ’06 (just before the Cup run) that I took over the website as well. The lucky thing for me is that since I started working, they’ve been pretty good. There were some years before I got here that were pretty lean.

Ken: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Adam: I’d say from both a blog standpoint, the hardest part is coming up with material. It’s not so hard during the season when the Ducks play every other night or so, and I was literally writing something every weekday. But during the offseason it’s tough. That being said, there are times I think I don’t have much to offer, then a half hour later I look up and I’ve written 800 words.

Ken: Who is your favorite Ducks player to interview and work with?

Adam: I don’t think you can do much better than Teemu Selanne as far as a guy who “gets it” when it comes to talking to media or providing a good quote. It sometimes gets hidden in the heavy accent, but he’s very well-spoken, very bright and seems to know after all these years how to give reporters what they’re looking for. Another guy that is kind of underrated as far as how bright and thoughtful he is would be J.S. Giguere. I’ve had good experiences with him as well. Scotty Niedermayer is also a very smart guy, who might tend to give the bland quote once in a while, but every now and then you get some good stuff from him.

Ken: Who is your favorite Ducks player personally?

Adam: As far as on the ice, my favorite player is Sammy Pahlsson. I just love the way he plays the game. He’s such a no-nonsense guy, so quiet, and yet he’s always one of the toughest guys out there. At the same time, if you were to put him on a top-two line, I think he could easily be a 20-goal scorer. He just seems to have that scoring knack, but he’s not asked to fill that roll. I think he’s one of the more underrated guys in the game, but the more we keep claiming that, the less he’ll be underrated.

Ken: (I know Brent Severyn from where I worked in Dallas) Is Brent as crazy in Anaheim as he is in Dallas at the rink?

Adam: Brent is truly one of my favorite people in the organization. He’s just a good guy to be around. He can definitely give it out and he can definitely take it. Considering what he used to do to guys on the ice at times, it’s amazing how not afraid to make fun of him I am. That being said, one of these days he’s going to throw me into a wall.

Ken: Most memorable experience while working with the Ducks (besides the Stanley Cup win)

Adam: Well, it’s hard to find a “second-best” to that, but I would say being with the team in London was pretty memorable. That was just a surreal experience from the moment we got on the plane all the way through the two games. It was just so strange being over there with the Ducks, especially knowing no team had done that before. And to have people come up to me at the arena because they recognized me from the blog was pretty unexpected and flattering.

Ken: Has working for the Ducks changed your ability of being a fan?

Adam: No, I really don’t think so, aside from not being able to cheer in the press box. I’m still a huge fan of this team, even though I’m kind of in a unique position where I’m writing about them on an almost-daily basis. It’s expected that I am still a fan of the team even though I’m supposed to be writing from an unbiased perspective. But because I work for the team, I don’t think people expect me to trash them – and hopefully understand when I don’t. But I’m just like any other fan when I’m watching the team on TV, watching intently like anyone else.

Ken: If you were Brian Burke for one day what would you do?

Adam: Fire Brady.

On to the serious journalistic questions:

Ken: With such a busy draft how excited are you of Jake Gardiner?

Adam: It’s hard to get overly excited about a guy that you know probably won’t develop into an NHL-caliber player for at least two years (and he admitted that himself). That’s especially because he’s only been a defenseman for about a year and is still getting used to playing back there. But the fact that he made such a dramatic switch and excelled at it shows that he’s a naturally gifted player. And the fact that he’s going to be immersed in a great program like Wisconsin (as are two of the other 10 Ducks picks) is definitely a positive for him.

Ken: What have you heard as to why Burke chose to invest in a pick that will go to college for four years when a junior hockey selection would be available in two or three for NHL play?

Adam: From what I’ve heard from Burke, they went with the best player available, regardless of position. They definitely were leaning toward a defenseman, but they weren’t limiting themselves to that if someone really special was available when they selected. I think the fact that they wanted Gardiner at 12 and traded down hoping they would still get him at 17 says something about the kind of player he would be. And I don’t think the fact that he might spend a couple years in college was a concern.

Ken: What do you think of Nicolas Deschamps? Will he be a regular Duck in two years? Is it expected he will go to Iowa this fall?

AB: I actually don’t know a lot about him and I’m not sure what the plans are for him in the near future. He’ll be here for conditioning camp over the next week, and I’m sure we’ll have a better idea after that.

Ken: What was the best part of your draft experience?

Adam: To be honest, just the city of Ottawa itself. I was really reminded how much I liked that city. When we were there for the Final, we stayed in a hotel that was outside the downtown area. This time I was right downtown, so I got an even better feel for the city, even though I was there a short time. At the draft itself, it’s always fun to be a part of any experience where all 30 teams are involved and there are some pretty big shooters in the room. In addition to that, the crowd at Scotiabank Place was great, even when they booed Brian Burke.

Ken: What up and coming Ducks prospect in the system are you most excited about?

Adam: I guess it would be too obvious to say Bobby Ryan, but I am curious to see how his career pans out. We saw glimpses of how good he can be last season, and I really root for him because he’s a good kid with a ton of pressure on him. As far as someone that really hasn’t had any NHL time, I’m definitely interested to see what Brian Salcido can do. It’s partly because he’s a SoCal kid and partly because of the fact that much of the Ducks defense is getting up there in age, so a young d-man who can play is going to be vital.

Ken: What do you feel the Ducks must do to reload for a Stanley Cup run this season?

Adam: Well, I think the fact that Scott Niedermayer just decided to come back is huge, and hopefully that paves the way for Teemu Selanne to do the same. I’m also fairly certain Corey Perry is resigning. That being said, I don’t think that’s going to be quite enough. This team had a lot of trouble scoring goals last season, and I think they need a little help to find scoring on that second line. That probably starts at the center position. We’ll see what Brian Burke and the rest of the front office is able to do about that, considering the limitations of the cap.

Ken: Do you think the Ducks will make any waves in free agency or trades during the off season?

Adam: I have a hard time believing they will, but I’ve thought that in the past and the Ducks have made some moves. I think the Ducks are pretty limited as far as what we can spend on free agents, but you never know what the team might do in order to fill those needs.

Again, I would like to take time to thank Adam for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer these questions. Hopefully this will be a semi-regular thing between us. To read more of Adam’s work visit the Anaheim Ducks website, or Adam Brady’s Ducks Blog.

Anaheim Ducks To Hold Conditioning Camp Next Week

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

For Ducks fans already looking forward to the day when the young prospects and talent the Ducks have in the system will see steady playing time can look forward to next week. Today on the Anaheim Ducks website, it was announced the team would be holding a conditioning camp for their top prospects.

The camp will be held from June 27th through July 3rd at Anaheim Ice.

Ducks coaches will be evaluating 24 prospects through a rigorous on and off ice training regimen.

Some expected players at the camp are Ducks 2008 first round draft choice (17th overall) Jake Gardiner, as well as 2007 first round selection (19th overall) Logan MacMillan.

Fans are welcome to attend the one-ice workout sessions for no charge at the following times: - Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.- Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Monday from 9 to 11 a.m.
- Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Original Source and Image: Courtesy of Anaheim Ducks website

Anaheim Ducks Place Todd Bertuzzi On Waviers

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

Today it was announced by the Anaheim Ducks they had placed Todd Bertuzzi on unconditional waivers with the intention of buying out his contract. If Bertuzzi is not claimed, he will clear waivers tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Pacific Time.

“Todd Bertuzzi is a quality person who we believe can still play at the NHL level,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “Unfortunately, we are handcuffed by our salary cap situation. We thank him for his efforts last year and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Bertuzzi underachieved in his first year in Anaheim, recording 14 goals,26 assists for 40 points in 68 games. In those 68 games "Big Bert" also recorded 97 penalty minutes. In six playoff games against Dallas Bertuzzi recorded 2 points, both assists.

"I didn't see it coming but it's not that surprising. He was overpaid and her underproduced. If dumping his salary means we can re-sign Teemu selanne and or corey perry, then it was money well spent. Hopefully we can find another winger that will compliment our forwards." said Christy Finn, season ticket holder with the Anaheim Ducks.

Bertuzzi does leave a gap in the forward lines due to his size, but with a rich free agency Burke could easily fill from the inside out, or pursue someone new. Either way, things are heating up in Orange County this offseason.

Bertuzzi was expected to make $4 million in 2008-2009. Now his future looms with uncertainty.

Original source and image: Anaheim Ducks website

Scott Niedermayer to Stay With Ducks For ‘08-’09 Season

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

The Anaheim Ducks today came one step closer to making their way back to post-season success today with the announcement Scott Niedermayer would not be retiring. Niedermayer was the teams captain, and Conn Smythe trophy winner in 2007 when the Ducks won the Stanley Cup.

“It’s no secret what Scotty has meant to this organization over the past three years,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “Needless to say, we are thrilled he’s returning to play for the upcoming season.”

Its no secret what Scotty has meant to any organization! The man wins regardless of where he is. He is one of the classiest NHLers there is, and he is always considered in the top ten, possibly even five, of defensemen.

For Example: “Niedermayer has won four Stanley Cup championships and is the only player in hockey history to have won a Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship, World Cup, Memorial Cup and World Junior title. He helped lead the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup title in 2007, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.” As quoted from the Ducks website.

“I had a great time last season after returning to the team,” said Niedermayer. “I’m excited about having another opportunity to win, and fully expect this team to be competing for another Stanley Cup next spring.”

Niedermayer will speak to the media later this afternoon and his comments will be available on AnaheimDucks.com soon afterward.

Now the only piece remaining in limbo is Teemu Selanne, who has no timetable to decide as he is a free agent. Among sources, such as myself Selanne is expected to return to the team, especially with Niedermayer’s return.

Article Source: courtesy of Anaheim Ducks website

Open Mic: Ken Armer Named Anaheim Ducks GM, Selanne and Niedermayer to Coach

Originally posted on Bleacher Report:

Ladies and Gentleman, due to the recent stepping down of Brian Burke to pursue a job with the Toronto Maple Leafs has left me, Ken Armer, as the Anaheim Ducks General Manager. How an amateur hockey writer from Texas becomes a General Manager I will never know.

First order of business is the NHL board of Governors has selected the sale of the Ducks to a close personal friend of mine, Aria Grant.

(Ms. Grant stands, moves to the podium and after a short speech turns it back over to me)

Ms. Grant and I have already spoken very heavily about the decisions I am about to highlight. Between now and the beginning of the season the following actions will be implemented for the organization.

- In exchange for the Ducks overlooking the fact Brian Burke is still on contract with the organization the Toronto Maple Leafs have offered a first round draft pick next season along with the contract rights to Pavel Kubina. The Anaheim Ducks look forward to his added talent on our team.

- The naming rights to the Honda Center have been changed to The Pond at Honda Center, to keep with Mighty Ducks tradition and blend it with the new Ducks image.

- Randy Carlyle will step down as head coach, and now assume responsibilities as Assistant General Manager

- Teemu Selanne has chosen in light of the recent changes to retire, and will fill the new void as the Ducks Head Coach, and will handle all offensive strategy and game planning.

- Scott Niedermayer, like Selanne, has also chosen to retire and will be the defensive coach for the Anaheim Ducks.

- Brent Severyn has been named the strength and conditioning coach to the Anaheim Ducks

- Doug Weight was released, and Corey Perry was resigned (contract details are not disclosed as is club policy)

- In exchange for a second and third round pick in 2009 Andy McDonald will rejoin the Anaheim Ducks from the St. Louis Blues

- Andy McDonald will be named the Ducks captain, with Alternates being Francois Beauchemin, and Ryan Getzlaf.

- Todd Bertuzzi has been spoken with, and he will be moving to a center position in training camp, if he works out well he will run our “enforcer line”

- With the salary left over from Scott Niedermayer, and Teemu Selanne the Ducks announce the signing of Ryan Malone and Darcy Tucker. Both have been signed to multi-year contracts. We look forward to both joining the team.

- The Anaheim Ducks will play a pre-season game against the Dallas Stars, in Iowa.

- The Iowa Stars will now become the Iowa Renegades, and for the 2010 season will move to Kansas City from Des Moines. The Renegades name is in reference to the lawlessness attributed to the Midwest due to figures like Jesse James during the settling of the West.

- Ducks 2008 second round draft pick Nicolas Deschamps will be invited to training camp, and is expected to play at least half the year in Anaheim.

- The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings have announced once a week scrimmages on Mondays with coaches selecting members of the teams, and the players changing each week. All goaltenders in the Ducks system will receive playing time. This will provide prospects time against veterans and provide them a chance to prove themselves before training camp.

- The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks have begun a cooperative charity to increase hockey knowledge and popularity of the sport in California.

The expected depth chart for the Anaheim Ducks is:

Forwards:

Perry, McDonald, Getzlaf

Malone, Carter or Deschamps, Kunitz

Pahlsson, R. Niedermayer,Marchant

May, Bertuzzi, Tucker

Defense:

Pronger, Kubina

Beauchemin, O’Donnell

Schnieder, Huskins

Goal:

Giguere – starter, Hiller – backup

Ken Armer finishes the presentation, and waits for the Media (that’s you Bleacher Report) to fire questions. Let’s have some fun with this everybody!

To Ducks fans and Bleacher Report Readers who dislike my “changes”:

Before you start sending me hate mail, I was just having a little fun, letting my mind wander. Most of this stuff is far fetched, but I needed to string a story together, and I tried to make it as semi-possible as I could. Also, bear in mind i wrote it at work on the night shift. If the post is rude, and is not a question, it will either be ignored or marked as offensive if it is way overly rude.

Comment / Question away my friends!

Anaheim Ducks Sign Brian Sutherby; Make Qualifying Offer To Corey Perry

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the organization had signed Brian Sutherby to a one year contract extension. Holding to club policy, no financial terms were disclosed but the deal is thought to be around $800,000.

The 26 year old, 6’3”, 210-pound center saw action in 50 NHL games this past season saw time with both Washington and Anaheim. In those 50 games he recorded one goal, one assist, for two points with 64 penalty minutes. Sutherby has appeared in 304 career games over six season, amassing 62 points and 338 penalty minutes. Sutherby saw his most action with the Capitals in 2005-2006 playing in 76 games. During these 76 games he recorded a career high in goals, assists, and points (14, 16, 30). Sutherby also saw action in the Stanley Cup Playoff games between Anaheim and Dallas in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Sutherby went scoreless with two penalty minutes.

Sutherby was acquired from the Washington Capitals on November 19, 2007 in exchange for Anaheim’s second-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Sutherby was drafted by Washington in the first round, 26^th overall of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

In other Ducks news, Anaheim made qualifying offers (no financial terms were disclosed due to club policy) to forwards Stephen Dixon, Jason King, Geoff Platt, Drew Miller and Corey Perry.

As reported in the Ducks press release, forward Shane Hynes and goalie Gerald Coleman did not receive offers and will become free agents as of July 1.

Original Source and Image: Anaheim Ducks website

Anaheim Ducks Owner Samueli Suspended by NHL, Club Governor Announced

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

For background information on this story, by this writer click here.

After it was announced by the NHL that Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli had been suspended for recent legal issues, today the organization announced Chief Executive Officer Michael Schulman has been named Club Governor. Henry Samueli’s wife, Susan, a co-owner of the Ducks said she would abide by the terms of her husbands suspension from the NHL.

“I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension,” said Henry Samueli. “I’m confident the team will be in great hands in my absence.”

“In support of my husband and to avoid any improper appearance, I’ve notified the league of my intention to abide by the terms of Henry’s suspension,” said Susan Samueli.

The regular operations of the franchise will not be changed, as both Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke and Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Tim Ryan both will be reporting to Schulman.

Henry and Susan Samueli purchased the organization in June, 2005. They immediately revamped the team with a new image replacing the old Disney ties with a new more Orange County feel. The new ownership and team changes were the beginning to a fantastic 2007 season which saw the Ducks become the first California-based hockey club to win the Stanley Cup. With the Samueli’s ownership, the club has also created several new charitable initiatives benefiting Orange County, including educational programs, fundraisers and monetary donations.

“Although we will not be involved in decision-making, we will be cheering on our Ducks as loudly as ever.” said Susan Samueli.

Article Source: Ducks, Anaheim. "Ducks Name Schulman Club Governor." Anaheim Ducks online 24 Jun 2008 24 Jun 2008.

Image Source

Trade Possibilities to Keep the Anaheim Ducks Under the Salary Cap

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

It is already official that the Ducks will have to trade someone this offseason if veteran defenseman Scott Niedermayer and forward Teemu Selanne decide to come back to the team after contemplating retirement.

Although the jury is still out, the rumored players to be on the chopping block are:

Todd Bertuzzi – a power forward that did not live up to expectations after his first year in Anaheim. He is currently expected to make $4 million this up-coming season which at 32 and production down makes him an easy trade for Anaheim to a team looking for help. He could draw interest from teams such as Florida, Columbus and who knows where else.

Ken’s take: I was really disappointed with Bertuzzi, he had a hard adjustment to Orange County, but I don’t think he will be Burke’s first option to trade. I look for him to remain in Anaheim.

Todd Marchant – a grinding forward making $2.66 million in 08/09. He was a huge help to the Ducks in winning the Stanley Cup, but is not a huge producer, even for a 33 year old. Not as notable a trade target as Bertuzzi but still would be good for a team.

Ken’s take: Marchant is the third most likely in this list to be traded. He is a good player and doesn’t make much of a dip into the cap. His age is a slight issue, but nothing too serious

Mathieu Schneider – a great offensive defenseman, and was brought in last season to replace Scott Niedermayer during his retirement phase, instead when Niedermayer returned Schneider added great depth on the blue line. His offensive talent saw him light the lamp often in one of final regular season game against the Kings. At 38, Schneider is the oldest player on the Ducks team, and will be collecting $5.75 million in 08/09. Schneider seems likely to be the player the Ducks most want to get rid of. The $5.75million would be nice to have back in the bank.

Ken’s take: If Schneider is the one subtracted from the team, the Ducks could trade for a defenseman worth half as much, and spend the remaining money on Teemu Selanne, and signing another forward or defenseman. The Ducks know they need to improve some small issues over last season such as goal scoring, and with that $5.75 million back, it seems best. Schneider’s age has me wondering why he isn’t one contemplating retirement, as he is older than Niedermayer (33) and Selanne (37).

All three of these players would be good choices, and Brian Burke will certainly get the best deal possible for his team. Before any decisions are made though the Ducks need to know the return status of Teemu and Scott, which is the only way the trade will truly matter.

For example: If both leave the team, then Burke only needs to worry about obtaining enough money for Corey Perry and getting that money should be fairly easily done with a small trade.

Source: Salary figures came from nhlnumber.com.

Anaheim Ducks: Henry Samueli to Plead Guilty in Broadcom Case

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

With the Anaheim Ducks organization worrying about prospects, veterans considering retirement, and contract issues with players this offseason, Owner Henry Samueli is worrying about the justice system.

Samueli co-founded Broadcom in 1991 with Henry T. Nicholas III, his former engineering student at UCLA. They each threw in $5,000 and worked out of Nicholas' Redondo Beach home, moving to Irvine four years later and taking the firm public three years after the Irvine move.

The company boomed with microchips, and helped make Samueli one of the most influential and superrich men in Southern California, including giving him the ability to buy the Anaheim Ducks, which a he bought in 2005 for $75 million and are currently worth substantially more now after their Stanley Cup victory in 2007.

Samueli’s name adorns the engineering schools at UC Irvine and UCLA and a 500-seat performing arts theater in the county's arts district. His gifts reportedly top $200 million.

All this considered makes Samueli the biggest name to be ensnared in a national stock backdating scandal.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Santa Ana said today the Anaheim Ducks owner and co-founder of Broadcom has agreed to plead guilty to lying to federal authorities regarding his role in the backdating of stock options for Broadcom Corp.

The powerful billionaire and one of Southern California’s most prominent philanthropists, is expected to enter his plea this afternoon to a single felony count. Under his agreement with federal prosecuters, Samueli will be placed on probation for five years and be forced to pay $12.2 million in penalties, Assistant U.S. Atty. Robb C. Adkins told the Los Angeles Times.

Samueli is getting off much easier than other Broadcom exec’s. Fellow co-founder Henry T. Nicholas III has been indicted on 24 felony counts of misdating stock options to make them more valuable to employees, of distributing drugs to associates, and spiking the drinks of certain Broadcom customers. He faces a long prison term if convicted.

William J. Ruehle is just as unlucky, Broadcom’s former CFO (chief financial officer) has been indicted on the options charges as well.

Both Ruehle and Nicholas have pleaded not guilty.

Samueli’s plea agreement, expected to be filed later today, will not require the him to testify on behalf of the government, and indeed it would be unusual to ask him to do so, given that he has acknowledged providing false testimony to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Adkins said.

"It's not our custom to put perjurers on the stand," he said.

In a civil fraud lawsuit, the SEC has charged all three men and former Broadcom General Counsel David Dull with defrauding shareholders by concealing the true costs of employee stock options. The defendants denied wrongdoing and that case remains open.

Craig Berger , a New York-based stock analyst with FBR Capital Markets who has followed Broadcom, said he doubted the backdating case would affect the company's market performance. "I'm not going to justify Broadcom's actions, but this is what tech companies did back then," he said, adding that Broadcom's size seemed to make it a target to federal authorities. "They're trying to make a point."

Article Soure: Reckard, E. Scott and Christopher Goffard. "Broadcom co-founder Henry Samueli to plead guilty in stock options fraud case." Los Angeles Times 23 Jun 2008 23 Jun 2008

Image Source: Forbes Magazine via google

Anaheim Ducks See Busy Day One Turn Into Exciting Day Two At NHL Draft

By Ken Armer, Senior Ducks Writer for The Puck Drop

The Ducks saw just as much exciting action take place on day two as day one. The Ducks added six selections in the second and third rounds. With the 35^th overall pick the Ducks took Nicolas Deschamps of Chicoutimi of the QMJHL.

Deschamps, a 6-0, 173-pound center had 24 goals and 43 assists in 70 games last year. His 67 points led all league rookies in scoring and he was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team. He was ranked as the No. 21 North American Skater by the Central Scouting Service.

“I’m very happy to be going to the Ducks,” said Deschamps (pronounced Day-SHAW). “It’s a good organization with good fans. They’re always good and they always compete every year. It’s going to be great to go to camp with those guys.”

Just four picks later, at 39^th overall, the Ducks drafted center Eric O’Dell from Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League. The 5-11, 174-pound O’Dell had 14 goals and 18 assists in 28 games for Sudbury last year.

“This is a huge day,” O’Dell said. “This is my hometown, so I have a lot of people cheering for me. It’s great. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

With the 43^rd overall pick, the Ducks took another future UW Badger, when they drafted Justin Schultz from Westside of the British Columbia Hockey League. The 6-0, 163-pound center had nine goals and 31 assists in 57 games the past year.

At 71^st overall with the tenth pick in the third round the Ducks drafted left winger Josh Brittain. At 6-4, 210-pounds Brittain played for Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League and was fourth in team scoring in 2007-08 with 51 points (28-23-51) in 68 games.

With their two more picks in the third round the Ducks at 83^rd overall took goalie Marco Cousineau of Baie-Comeau in the QMJHL. Cousineau had a 2.18 goals against average and .903 save percentage in 58 games last season. At 85^th, the Ducks drafted Brandon McMillan of Kelowna of the WHL. McMillan had 15 goals and 26 assists in 71 games.

With the team’s only selection in the fourth round, the Ducks drafted defenseman Ryan Hegarty of the U.S. Development Program. Hegarty had seven goals and 12 assists in 47 games for the USA U-18 team.

The Ducks closed the day taking defenseman Stefan Warg in the fifth round. The 6-2, 187-pounder from Stockholm, Sweden played for Vasteras of the Swedish Junior League last season.

Sources and Image: Staff, Anahaim Ducks. "Ducks Add Eight in Day 2 of the Draft." Anaheim Ducks online 21 Jun 2008 21 Jun 2008