Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks: The Good, The Bad and Things Fans Want to Forget – Part 2

By Kennyth M

WINNIPEG, MB - MARCH 23: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on March 23, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MARCH 23: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the pre-game warm up prior to NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell MTS Place on March 23, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Sami Vatanen #45, Logan Shaw #48, Antoine Vermette #50, and Cam Fowler #4 of the Anaheim Ducks converse during a game against the Los Angeles Kings. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Saying Goodbye to #45

Sami Vatanen’s name had been in the rumor mill for a couple seasons. He was expected to be dealt away in advance of the expansion draft, but a shoulder injury likely delayed his departure. Due to mounting injuries that forced Derek Grant into duty as a top line center, it was imperative the Ducks move the popular defenseman. Subsequently, Vatanen was dealt for Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi a, d a 3rd round pick.

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Personally, I love how the trade turned out for the Ducks. With that being said, it didn’t make saying goodbye to Vats any easier. His personality was top notch and he was a joy to watch on the ice.

Furthermore, his journey to the Anaheim Ducks was even better. It is well documented he grew up a Ducks fan and, despite being undersized, his beloved Ducks drafted him in the fourth round. To achieve his dream of playing in the NHL, Vatanen destroyed both the Finnish Elite League and AHL.

Unfortunately, we had to bid him adieu. We appreciate all you gave Duck fans Mr. Vatanen and we send you off with a reverberating chant of, “Quack! Quack! Quack!”

Next: Anaheim Ducks can find value with 23rd overall pick

Coming soon Part 3: The things fans want to forget.

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