Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Three Anaheim Ducks who need to step up in 2018-19

By Kennyth M

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 25: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks participates in the pre-game puck drop ceremony with his kids along with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and teammate Ryan Getzlaf #15 on January 25, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 25: Patrick Eaves #18 of the Anaheim Ducks participates in the pre-game puck drop ceremony with his kids along with Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets and teammate Ryan Getzlaf #15 on January 25, 2018 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Anaheim Ducks
BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 6: Brandon Montour #26 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates the overtime game-winning goal by Adam Henrique (not shown) against the Buffalo Sabres on February 6, 2018. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Anaheim Ducks struggled through the majority of 2018-19. To return as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, several players need to step up their game.

Considering the injuries and outlook heading into the season, Anaheim had a successful 2017-2018 campaign. Achieving similar success in 2018-19 would be a colossal failure, as the expectations are winning a Stanley Cup. Potentially losing Ryan Kesler, for an extended period, would hurt those aspirations, so the Ducks are going to need career years from several other unsung contributors.

Honorable Mentions

Joseph Blandisi – As I previously wrote in 5 Ducks prospects who can surprise, I believe Blandisi will be a contributor in Anaheim’s bottom 6 forwards. His ascension could aid the Ducks on both ends of the ice.

Ondrej Kase – Kase took a huge leap in his offensive performance last year. Scoring 20 goals in 66 games with only 13 minutes of ice time a night only excites fans for what he can do in an expanded role. Staying healthy will be key for Kase, as he’s suffered multiple concussions since joining the professional ranks in North America.

Brandon Montour – The newly resigned RFA has already been a key contributor for the Ducks. After a fast start offensively, he hit a lengthy mid-year slump. In that time, Montour worked on his defense to ensure he had a positive impact in every game. He has another level to reach and will be financially motivated to do so after signing a two-year bridge deal.

Home/Ducks News