Anaheim Ducks 2020 – Looking into our Crystal Ball
By Ed Stein
Anaheim Ducks training camp hasn’t even started for the 2018-19 season. Why not look a few years into the future? Every team needs a plan.
The Anaheim Ducks of 2020 will be somewhat different than the team that lines up to start this season on October 3. Young players will force they’re way up to the big club. Conversely, some of the current veterans won’t be with the team
Management and Coaching
As I stated in a previous article, Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray has a job with the team as long as he wants one. When the 2020 season starts, he’ll be 65 years old. If that isn’t his final season, it will be close to the end. Murray will want another shot at the brass ring, so he may roll the dice on a free-agent.
What kind of odds could someone get for Randy Carlyle being the Ducks head coach in 2020? Don’t make the bet. While he is a competent coach, the league is getting younger and faster. Those are two qualities that haven’t been part of his coaching style. A better bet would be current San Diego Gulls head man Dallas Eakins behind the Ducks bench.
Goalies
In 2020 John Gibson will likely be one of the top five goalies in the league. Number 36 has everything going for him, size, skills, and intangibles to be among the best. He will be 27 years old when the season starts. Gibson’s prime years are starting around 2020. He’ll be capable of carrying the team on nights when they aren’t at their best.
Who is going to back Gibson up? Your guess is as good as mine. Recent draft picks Olle Eriksson-Ek, Lukas Dostal, and Roman Durny most likely won’t be ready by then. Additionally, Kevin Boyle hasn’t shown he’s NHL material yet. A league veteran would have to be brought in, to support Gibson.