New to the Flock: Evaluating the Ducks’ Offseason Additions

Jan 5, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler (17) reacts after a goal Anaheim Ducks left winger Matt Beleskey (39) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

For the Anaheim Ducks, the 2014-2015 season is one that is full of promise.

Last year, the team captured the Pacific Division title for only the second time in franchise history, came one point shy of winning the President’s Trophy, and skated toe to toe with the eventual Stanley Cup Champions in a seven game series.

Of course, the success of last season tastes bittersweet at best, because it did not conclude with a trophy, a ring, and a parade in the streets of Anaheim.

The Ducks have a solid core of promising young talent, but entered the offseason with a couple of key vacancies to fill. Some of these vacancies will be filled by young up-and-coming players, but some will have to be filled by proven veterans through trades and free agency if the Ducks want to be legitimate contenders this season.

We’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that the right offseason move can make. In 2006, then-Ducks GM Bryan Murray traded for star defenseman Chris Pronger. Pronger ended up being the final piece of the puzzle, and the Ducks won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.

This offseason, Ducks GM Bob Murray acquired four veteran players. While not every player lives up to the hype, Ducks fans have plenty of reason to be excited about what each of these players bring to the table. Will they be the final pieces that the Ducks need to capture the franchises second Stanley Cup?