The Anaheim Ducks are transitioning from their veteran core of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Ryan Kesler to the next generation. It’s time to let Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm take over leadership of the defensemen instead of bringing in recycled veterans.
The Anaheim Ducks are heading towards an interesting season. They are far from “re-build mode,” but something is missing. They either need to add an impact player or some of the young players must step in order for Anaheim to be bonafide Stanley Cup contenders.
The defense corps has been a strength of the Ducks. Fans can see via Anaheim’s past drafts that defense is always a high priority position. The old adage is defense wins championships. That isn’t 100% true, but it’s pretty darn close. To return as a cup threat, the Ducks “old men” on the blue line need to step up.
Blacklist
Toni Lydman, Bryan Allen, Clayton Stoner, Kevin Bieksa. Yes, this list will give most Anaheim Ducks fans nightmares of slow-moving, turnover prone defensemen the team has signed the last few years.
GM Bob Murray’s reasoning for the majority of the signings was to add a veteran presence. He believed that a young inexperienced group of Dmen needed a little help to find their legs, and show them what it takes to win. Additionally, veteran leadership was needed to stabilize the group when things went south. This season the Ducks don’t need to sign a free agent to accomplish this. they have the answer, make that answers already under contract.