Anaheim Ducks Ranked 3rd By ESPN Rankings

After the free agency frenzy that took place at the beginning of the month, ESPN is already looking ahead to next season.

In the “Post-Free Agency” power rankings, the Anaheim Ducks come in at third behind only the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings.

Here is an excerpt about the Ducks from the rankings:

"“The Ducks brought in Clayton Stoner to add defensive depth, but the real addition came at the draft, with the acquisition of Ryan Kesler being the only disruption to the team’s solid collection of emerging NHLers.”"

After falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champs, the Los Angeles Kings, in the second round, the Ducks desperately needed to fill the void behind Ryan Getzlaf on the second line.

The vacancy was filled via trade with the Vancouver Canucks as the Ducks acquired Ryan Kesler for Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa, and the 24th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.

While other teams were making big moves on July 1, the Ducks made a smart signing by adding to their defensive depth. Anaheim brought in Clayton Stoner on a four-year, $13 million deal. Stoner will fill in for the departed Stephane Robidas.

With a good mix of veterans, young players and new additions, the Ducks are primed for another successful season in the Western Conference.

Here is the full list of the rankings:

1. Los Angeles Kings

2. Chicago Blackhawks

3. Anaheim Ducks

4. St. Louis Blues

5. Colorado Avalanche

6. Minnesota Wild

7. Boston Bruins

8. Tampa Bay Lightning

9. Pittsburgh Penguins

10. Dallas Stars

11. Columbus Blue Jackets

12. New York Rangers

13. Nashville Predators

14. Washington Capitals

15. San Jose Sharks

16. Montreal Canadiens

17. New Jersey Devils

18. Detroit Red Wings

19. Florida Panthers

20. Arizona Coyotes

21. Toronto Maple Leafs

22. New York Islanders

23. Ottawa Senators

24. Philadelphia Flyers

25. Calgary Flames

26. Vancouver Canucks

27. Winnipeg Jets

28. Edmonton Oilers

29. Buffalo Sabres

30. Carolina Hurricanes

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