5 Anaheim Ducks Who Need to Perform

2.) Ryan Kesler

Apr 13, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward

(17) moves the puck in front of Calgary Flames goaltender

(31) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

In what is the without a doubt the Ducks biggest acquisition since the Chris Pronger trade (we all know how that worked out) the Ducks finally have found their answer at center behind Ryan Getzlaf. It has been well documented that the Ducks were young and thin down the middle behind Getzlaf and Kesler fixes that problem. Kesler is an All-Star, US Olympian, solid two way center and plays an agitating game. Giving up Nick Bonino to get Kesler hurts but Kesler is no doubt an upgrade. Kesler plays a more punishing style and is more composed which will translate better with the Ducks seeing the Sharks, Kings or both in the playoffs next year and beyond. He also has a much better face-off percentage which is something the Ducks desperately need. On paper this is a great addition but Kesler needs to play to the caliber he is capable of. He needs to be capable of scoring 25-30 goals and racking up close to 70 points. He is capable of doing that even if his last few seasons as a Canuck don’t reflect it. The Ducks are a vastly superior team than the Canucks and the chance to compete for a Cup should inspire Kesler to play at his highest level. He knows this is his chance to get a championship and I don’t think he is going to waste it. Put the right players on his wings and his added leadership Kesler could prove to be the player that puts the Ducks over the hump