Examining the Anaheim Ducks relationship with the San Diego Gulls
The Anaheim Ducks enjoy a special relationship with their AHL affiliate in San Diego. Kenny Marcial takes a deeper look at that relationship and its benefits to both teams.
In 2015, due to a show of force by several NHL Western Conference Teams including the Anaheim Ducks, the American Hockey League (AHL) expanded to the Pacific Coast. Consequently, Anaheim ownership purchased their AHL affiliate and hockey in San Diego was re-born with their relocation.
Instead of creating a new brand to market, the Samueli’s revamped San Diego’s former Western Hockey League team, the Gulls. Fans have embraced the return of hockey to the area, and the Gulls have finished in the top three in AHL attendance all three seasons since their return. In addition, the Gulls led the entire AHL in attendance for 2017-18.
The Samueli’s ownership and the success of the Gulls have created a relationship Anaheim Ducks hadn’t seen before. It is working out well for the organization as a whole.
Location, Location, Location
For years, franchises in Pacific Division were fighting for their minor league affiliates to be conveniently located. The Ducks were affiliated with the Norfolk (Va) Admirals before setting up shop in San Diego. A flight from Norfolk to Southern California takes nearly seven hours, but that’s just flight time. Take into consideration a player has to pack his gear, get rides to and from the airport and waiting for their flight, it was an all-day ordeal.
The lengthy travel time created roster advantages for teams in the East. If an Anaheim player woke up sick or got hurt in the pre-game skate, GM Bob Murray wasn’t picking up his phone to hail someone in from Norfolk. He needed to rely on guys who should have been scratched or overwork his regular players.
In addition, player development an arduous task. Instead of gently exposing young prospect into the lineup, by necessity it was more sink-or-swim. Luckily, the expansion has allowed the Ducks to be merely an hour away from their AHL team and rectified previously held advantages by Eastern teams.
All Systems Go
Instead of fostering a relationship with a previously established AHL franchise, the Samuelis decided to buy their own, for several reasons. First, they got to decide where the team would be located. Second, it’s another financial investment opportunity. There was a vacancy waiting to be filled by a team willing to call San Diego home after the Chargers headed north.
Systematically, the biggest impact of owning a developmental team is being able to decide how it plays. Previously, the affiliate would have its own coaching staff and playing style, while the Ducks furnished the prospects. A recall to Anaheim was time-consuming, and players were exposed to a completely different style of play.
Now Anaheim calls all the shots. They have uniformity in both clubs playing styles and get to mold the rosters how they see fit. If they want to see how a guy like Kalle Kossila plays center, it’s not a request, but a certainty.
Roster Hustle
For fans, the Ducks stocking their farm system with veteran NHL’ers and one-way contracts remains a fragile process. Due to the Samueli’s vested interest in the Gulls success, they have been willing to pony up and pay players well to remain in San Diego.
Despite the desire to field a competitive team in the minors, fans have been slow to understand the new trend. Why would the Ducks sign Steve Oleskey or trade for Leland Irving?
In years past, those above moves would never be made by the big club. Norfolk would fill out any open slots on their roster. Because the Ducks are now announcing the signings, the assumption has been it’s for them. In rare occasions, those guys might get an NHL game or two, but Murray has made it clear he’s willing to spend money to ensure San Diego is competitive.
Current Offseason Moves that will Impact San Diego
This offseason, the Ducks have signed Anton Rodin, Luke Schenn, Brian Gibbons, Carter Rowney and Andrej Sustr. They will all have a legitimate shot at making the Ducks roster, but not all of them will do so. Sustr is the only player I’d bet money on remaining with the Ducks all year. Gibbons has the talent to carve out a role as well.
Outside of Rowney, they were all given one-year deals with cap hits that can be buried in the AHL (where they will likely be). Murray understood most, if not all (excluding Sustr), would be spending time in San Diego. While there is much debate on the hows and whys, there’s no need to fret the idea of Carlyle rolling out the third pairing of Schenn and Sustr.
Quickly, everyone Google Carter Rowney
Which brings us back to Rowney. His contract left everyone scratching their heads for numerous reasons. But after extended analysis, it makes sense.
The 29-year-old journeyman with 71 total NHL games received a three-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.133M. Why so much for a guy that has a totaled 12 points? One of the biggest reasons is his ability to play heavy defensive minutes.
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He started over 75% of his shifts in the defensive zone and played nearly a quarter of his minutes short-handed. Factoring in Ryan Kesler‘s health issues and Adam Henrique potentially centering a scoring line, the Anaheim Ducks needed a player to take some of those defensive responsibilities.
Even with his ability to shoulder the defensive load, his AAV doesn’t appear to make sense for what he brings to the table. Unless it was understood he would spend time between San Diego and Anaheim. He brings value with the role he can play, but it’s not one Anaheim requires every game.
To be sent down, Rowney has to clear waivers. There are several teams that would likely take him on for a league minimum salary. Murray gave the defensive specialist enough term and money to scare other teams off, but his contract can effectively remain buried in San Diego without affecting the Ducks salary cap crunch.
Another aspect to consider is Rowney’s ability to be a high-end scorer in the AHL. The past two seasons he scored 34 goals and 77 points in 100 games. That means the organization is paying Rowney slightly above league minimum to have a defensive role in Anaheim and moonlight as top line player for the Gulls.
Next: Ducks extend Henrique and Roy
What looked like an albatross contract in the beginning, actually makes sense considering what he brings to both of Samueli’s franchises.