It has been a quarter of a century since the Anaheim Ducks inaugural year. The success of a legacy that has been 25 years in the making is, in large part, due to the men dressed in the sweaters.
It is mind-boggling that we are already celebrating the Anaheim Ducks silver anniversary. For some of you, it may seem like it was only yesterday when the Ducks took the ice at the Pond for the first time.
For others, you may not have been following the Ducks for long. However, no matter how long you’ve been a Ducks fan, we can all reminisce about the past.
Today we will continue our stroll down memory lane by honoring the best Ducks to wear jersey’s 34-30. After you finish up here, check out our previous three articles:
34- Daniel Winnick (2012-2014)
Of the nine players to wear the number 34 for the Anaheim Ducks, Daniel Winnick takes the cake. The Ducks acquired him from their cross-state rivals, the San Jose Sharks, during the 2012 post-season. He was signed to a two year, $1.8M per-year, deal.
During the duration of his two seasons with the Ducks, he scored 12 goals in 124 games. He also added 37 helpers, giving him 49 total points. Although those are not the most impressive stats, it serves as a reminder that a player is more than just his numbers.
Throughout his stint with Anaheim, he aided in improving the Ducks execution on the forecheck.
His willingness to take challenges proved that he was a versatile asset in the line-up. Although his average time on ice decreased slightly in his second season, his game improved. Winnick played to the full extent of his contract but he did not return to the team the following season.
Honorable Mention: James Wisniewski (2008-2010, 2014-2015)
Wisniewski deserves an honorable mention considering he is the only other Duck to have worn the number 34 that accumulated more than 8 points during his tenure with Anaheim. In three seasons with the Ducks, the defenseman totaled 46 points (4g, 42a.)
After not re-signing him after the 2010 season, Bob Murray brought him back during the 2014-15 season. He was acquired as a solution to help the Ducks struggling power play unit as well as add much-needed depth to the blueline.