Fixing the Wheel: The Anahiem Ducks Off-Season

By Chris Bouthillier, Puck Drop Staff Writer
May 25, 2008

It was one of the biggest stories of the playoffs. Even though both teams finished in fourth and fifth spots respectively, the Anahiem Ducks were beat by an energetic Dallas Stars team that hasn't made it out of the first round since 2002-03.

On paper the series looked to be a mismatch, based on how the defensive-minded Ducks pummelled their opponents in the playoffs a year ago. But when it came down to it, the Ducks best players couldn't match the speed and determination of the Stars.

The always talked-about edge that the Ducks' players had turned dull in the first round, and Randy Carlyle's boys were sent packing.

But it's not Carlyle's fault, nor is it GM Brian Burke's fault. If the finger should be pointed anywhere, it should be pointed at every single player on this underachieving squad. They are much too skilled to be wallowing in first-round agony, and they know they let their fans down.

One thing that won't help the Ducks would be Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne, who now have until the NHL Entry Draft in late June. Personally, if they wish to do the team well they will both walk and retire, leaving get legacies and punching their tickets into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

What does this do to benefit the Ducks? With a core than includes Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan, this team will continue to be modeled after coach Carlyle's personality. Not to mention, Chris Pronger is still sporting the 'C' on his jersey and will be looking to be a more effective leader on and off the ice.

The loss of Niedermayer will leave room there are numerous candidates who can attempt to fill his spot on the blueline. On a free-agent list loaded with top-natch defencemen, names such as Brian Campbell and Wade Redden are the most appealing.

However, the best fit for the Ducks would be John-Michael Liles (currently of the Colorado Avalanche). He doesn't have a well-known reputation in the league, but he was the Avs' top-offensive c who is best used for his speed and his ability to break out of the zone in a flash.

Liles would also be a bargain because the Ducks need to make sure they have the salary cap room to sign restricted free agent Corey Perry to a long-term deal. The Ducks will also need to fill the gap with Teemu Selanne out of the picture.

The best replacement the Ducks could find for the Finnish Flash would be out of their own system, most likely using Bobby Ryan as a permanent second-line right winger.

Before the team can do anything, they have to prepare for the Entry Draft. Over the past few seasons Brian Burke and his staff have made the most of their draft picks. With Matt Beleskey coming out of the OHL, the fourth-rounder of the '06 draft is looking to make a name for himself.

After racking up 90 points in 62 regular season games (also receiving 106 PIM), Beleskey registered 33 points in 21 games in the OHL playoffs, bringing his Belleville Bulls back from a 3-1 deficit to force a Game Seven in the finals.

Out of any of the picks that Brian Burke has made with the team, Beleskey has been the most "in your face" style of hockey player, which suits the Ducks' brand of hockey.

Despite a slight hiccough this season, the future looks bright if the Ducks play the right cards. Brian Burke publicly made the commitment of staying with the team, stating that he sees a world-class organization in the Anahiem Ducks.

On the ice, the team will have to stay strong in rough territory, also known as the Western Conference. Discipline will be the x-factor next season, as the Ducks go on the quest for Lord Stanley's mug once again.