Apr 25, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center
Rickard Rakell(67) scores a goal on Dallas Stars goalie
Kari Lehtonen(32)during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks entered the 2014 offseason with one big priority: enhancing their center depth. Standing at the tail end of the offseason, it’s safe to say that they have largely succeeded.
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The Ducks acquired former Selke-winning center Ryan Kesler from the Vancouver Canucks, as well as depth center Nathan Thompson from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
However, in the process the Ducks also lost three of their four centers from last year: Saku Koivu (retirement), Nick Bonino (traded to Vancouver) and Mathieu Perreault (UFA, signed with Winnipeg).
This leaves the Ducks with three NHL-level centers, and an open spot. Presumably, that spot will be filled by one of the several exciting prospects waiting in the system. But who will that be?
Training camp just started this week. We’ll know the answer sooner or later, but until then, let’s examine the possible candidates.