San Diego Gulls Report: 2017-18 Season Wrap Up Edition

The San Diego Gulls came into the season as a postseason participant in both of their AHL seasons. There was plenty of talent on their roster to do so again. Unfortunately, off-season injuries to their parent club, the Anaheim Ducks, made for a tough start.

The Start

In October and November, the San Diego Gulls predictably went 7-11-1. But they knew they would be shorthanded as stars like Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen, and Ryan Kesler started the season on injured reserve after having surgeries during the off-season. Add to that more injuries, including to captain Ryan Getzlaf, and you know San Diego was missing its best players because they’d been called up to Anaheim.

In fact, head coach Dallas Eakins did a good job of keeping this team in the hunt with their severely hamstrung lineup. Their start could have been a lot worse while they were missing core players.

Dog Days

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During the dog days of the season, December through February, the San Diego Gulls cleaned up. They went 22-9 over that stretch, as they got their core players back from Anaheim. That was an amazing record.

How Did They Finish?

They didn’t. At least they didn’t finish well. March began well as the San Diego Gulls amassed a 5-2-3 record. They were in second place, and their playoff ticket was bought and paid for. All they had to do was show up and play the rest of the season out.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t do that. They finished the season 2-7, missing the playoffs by a single point. They even lost their last three games knowing the whole time they only needed only a single point. This would go down as a choke of historical proportions if San Diego sports fans hadn’t been trained to move on shortly after their regular seasons were complete over the past few decades.

Season Standouts

Kalle Kossila led the San Diego Gulls in goals (21), assists (33), and points (54) in 55 games. It’s hard to imagine he won’t get a good look in training camp next season. Kevin Roy was the straw that stirred the drink all season. No one else was as noticeable on the ice. But he was limited to 37 points in 45 games because he spent substantial time in Anaheim. Corey Tropp led the team in penalty minutes (119) over 50 games. What do these players have in common? They’re all in need of new contracts before next season starts.

Andy Welinski led the Gulls’ blueliners in goals (10), assists (24), and points (34) in 51 games. He spent time with Anaheim near the end of the season, and he played there in the playoffs. His game still needs work in his defensive zone, but his skating and play-making is fun to watch.

Welinski should get a chance to compete for a roster position in Anaheim along with fellow defenders Jacob Larsson and Marcus Pettersson. In fact, Pettersson appears to have graduated from the Gulls already. He proved himself to be steady and smart. He could use a full season up in Anaheim to get the experience he’ll need for future playoff runs.

Next Season

Nobody knows which Anaheim Ducks prospects will make the big club next season. What we do know is they all can’t make it at once. Ducks General Manager Bob Murray wants the Ducks to move to a smoother skating, up-tempo style. And many of the prospects fit that mold. But they’re not all ready yet.

Next: Ryan Kesler's Exit Interviews

Prospects that may not be ready for the NHL quite yet include forwards Troy Terry, Sam Steel, and Max Jones. you can add defenseman Josh Mahura to the list as well. None of these players would need to be returned to their junior hockey teams if they failed to make the Ducks’ roster. No matter which young talented skaters join the Gulls next season, they’ll be worth the price of admission.

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