Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks: The top five draft classes in team history

By Chris Bushell

JUNE 26: General Manager Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks looks on from the Ducks draft table. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
JUNE 26: General Manager Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks looks on from the Ducks draft table. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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2004 Season: Player Ruslan Salei of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
2004 Season: Player Ruslan Salei of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

#5 – 1996 Entry Draft

In just the third year of drafting the Ducks landed two gems with their first two picks, defenseman Ruslan Salei and forward Matt Cullen. Salei played for the Ducks from 1997-2004 and was a steady presence on the blueline.

Salei showed great leadership through the Ducks’ Stanley Cup Finals playoff run. He would move on to a few other NHL clubs until 2011 before returning to his native Russia. Tragically Salei passed away in a plane crash in 2011 but, his presence is still felt by Ducks fans.

Matt Cullen joined the Ducks the same season as Salei did. He had many good years in Anaheim including back to back 40 point seasons ( one point shy of three straight). Cullen played for a variety of teams following the Ducks and is still a current member of the Minnesota Wild. A three-time Stanley Cup winner (Hurricanes in 06, Penguins in 16/17), he has been a valuable depth forward his entire career.

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