Our Anaheim Ducks monthly mailbag, July 2018: Jerseys, Sleepers, and more
It’s the fourth Friday of the month, which means it’s time for the monthly Anaheim Ducks mailbag. You ask the questions and our Pucks of a Feather staff answers them.
Here are our last few mailbags: June 2018, May 2018, April 2018.
What do you guys think about the new third jerseys?
Chris Bushell – Really like the new jerseys I know some people have an issue it’s not the “original Mighty Duck” jersey but that’s not what they were going for. They are incorporating all the jerseys they’ve ever had and think they look incredible. If there’s one issue I have it’s the shoulder patch because I think the colors don’t work but it’s minor and still love it.
Ciara Durant – I know there’s been a lot of contention about the third jersey. I’ve heard every complaint in the book about it. Yes, the Ducks could have made the third jersey a complete throwback. However, in retrospect, that completely defeats the purpose. The new third jersey was created to bring together all 25 years of Anaheim Ducks history. It’s all about linking the Ducks of the past with the Ducks of the present.
I may have been a little shocked by how much black was incorporated into the jersey. Nevertheless, I am loving the creative spin they put on this jersey. Who would have thought that eggplant, jade, orange, gold, silver, white, and black would have collectively looked good together? I honestly wish they would have put that much creative effort into the 25th-anniversary logo. That, however, is a different rant for a different day! I’m just excited to see the new third jersey’s in action on opening night!
Kenny Marcial – I love the new jerseys. I know the eggplant has been iconic for the retro look, but I’m glad they replaced it with black.
Ed Stein – Honestly, I’m kind of meh on them. I appreciate them embracing the Mighty Ducks logo, but I think the jerseys are too busy.
Jacob Robles – I really like them. I personally wanted the Orange alternates to make a comeback but those will be back next year so I can’t complain. There are some minor things I’d change but regardless, they’re still really nice. Excited to see what the full kit looks like.
If John Gibson, and/or Ryan Miller go down, and Jared Coreau or Kevin Boyle the answer?
Ciara Durant – The likelihood that both Gibson and Miller go down at the same time is slim. I mean, Reto Berra only played five games last season. Nevertheless, I have learned that anything is possible, especially with the Ducks luck. I think Boyle or Coreau could be used as a backup, for a game or two, if necessary. However, I don’t really see either of them having too much activity on the roster this season. I think they are more like GMBM’s collateral to keep in his back pocket as a “just in case.”
Ed Stein – Depends on how long one or both of them are out. If one of them is a long-term injured reserve candidate, expect the Ducks to bring in someone like Kari Lehtonen to fill the gap.
Jacob Robles – I don’t think so to be honest. Coreau has some NHL experience but not enough that really sells me on him being able to take over. Same goes for Boyle. But who knows, we were unsure when Grant had to take over for Getzlaf and he did a fantastic job.
Chris Bushell – Like any team, if you lose your starter and back up it’ll be tough. No Boyle and or Coreau aren’t the answer and the Ducks wouldn’t be able to do much with either of them long term.
Kenny Marcial – Coreau and Boyle would only be relied on to give the starter a breather, so I don’t think either will be a hindrance in that role. We are already in a superior situation in net than most in the league. I am not going to worry about who is our 3rd goalie is. That’s a problem we can remedy during the season if it proves to be an issue.
My fantasy draft is next month, any sleepers on the Anaheim Ducks I should consider?
Ed Stein – This one is up my alley. First of all, consider John Gibson a top-five goalie at this point, and draft him accordingly. Next, depending on how many peripheral stats your league has, Josh Manson will get you hits, blocks, PIM and will again score 30 or more points. Finally, my ace in the hole is Ondrej Kase, he could score 50+ points next season.
Kenny Marcial – I believe most of the Ducks regulars are going to produce close to expected. I feel Kase and Eaves will likely present the best values. Eaves can really pay off since he will be a late round flyer. For those who don’t follow Ducks closely, they will be unlikely to draft “The Beard” because he was diagnosed with
Guillain–Barré syndrome. Since that was a misdiagnosis, there is a legitimate chance he produces like a top-six forward.
Jacob Robles – While I don’t expect a crazy big year out of him by any stretch, I would say Patrick Eaves. I’d say it’s a risk because of his history with frequent injuries but he and Getzlaf do some great things together. I think having him 100% to start the year bodes well for us.
Ciara Durant – I am honestly so excited for my fantasy draft this year! I mean, I finished ninth with my team last year so I’m definitely not an expert, but it was my first year. I think you should consider Montour. Especially since he’s projected to have more consistency on the blue line this season (fingers crossed we stay away from all those injuries!)
Chris Bushell – If an extension doesn’t happen this summer Jakob Silfverberg could be a sleeper. He’s playing for what is most likely his last big contract and could have a big year, Montour on the back-end as well.
How will Brandon Montour’s new contract affect Marcus Pettersson when he is a Restricted Free Agent next summer?
Chris Bushell – Montour’s contract only affects Pettersson if he has a great year. Even then he’d need more than one good year to get paid a la Montour. I expect big things from Pettersson next season and then a bridge contract to follow.
Ciara Durant – I don’t really think Montour’s contract will affect Pettersson too much. Unless of course, Pettersson has a break out year, as Montour did, and becomes a regular on the Ducks roster. I guess we really can’t effectively answer this question until we see how Pettersson plays this season. His stats from last year don’t really give you much to go off of.
Ed Stein – Think of Montour as two years ahead of Pettersson, and then add for inflation. Next summer Montour’s deal won’t be a big part of his contract, but a couple of years down the line, he will catch up.
Kenny Marcial – Montour’s contract won’t affect Pettersson’s in the slightest. Montour has already been heavily featured in a top-four defensive role, whereas Pettersson has barely played 20 games of protected bottom pairing minutes. Even though he looked alright in limited action, I wouldn’t be surprised if Pettersson spends a majority of next season in the AHL to continue his development. His next contract should hover around $1M per season unless something dramatic happens this season.
Jacob Robles – I think the only way Montour’s new contract affects Pettersson is if he has a monster season. We haven’t seen enough of him yet to warrant really comparing the two, but I believe he gets a decent payday if he breaks out.
Can the Ducks take back first place in the Pacific division?
Chris Bushell – Absolutely they can take the division back. Everyone is healthy (except possibly Kesler) and the injection of youth coming, they’re on par with LA & SJ. I think Vegas regresses and while Calgary is better they still don’t have great D/Goaltending. No other threats below these teams.
More from Pucks of a Feather
- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?
Ciara Durant – Yes, I think it is very possible. No one even thought they could come back and take the second place spot from San Jose last year, and they did. I think especially with a healthy roster and a cohesive plan of attack for them out on the ice, this season can get them back to the number one spot! They maybe have some challenges, however, I think they’re motivated to come back and prove a point to fans and haters alike.
Ed Stein – Sure they can. I’ll even go as far as saying they probably will. If the Anaheim Ducks can stay healthy. At 90% or more full strength, the Ducks have as much talent as any team in the Pacific. Two big keys are John Gibson must play 60-65 games. Also, Anaheim still needs a speedy left wing that has some scoring ability for the second line.
Jacob Robles – Yes. I’m not going to say Vegas’ first year was a fluke. The hype is going to settle down and I think they’ll still be good, but not as good as they came out of the gate. San Jose and Calgary are the only teams I really see as potential threats to passing us. Arizona is on the up and up but still have some work to really solidify their lineup. Edmonton is on the verge of cap hell so who knows what’s going to happen there.
Kenny Marcial – The Ducks have the talent to take back the Pacific Division crown. Despite all the injuries, we were able to finish second in the division last year. With Eaves recovered from whatever illness afflicted him and some progression from our young players (Kase, Montour, Ritchie), we have a competitive roster. Kesler’s health is key, but either way, our roster is in much better shape heading into this campaign.
Next. Best player to wear jersey numbers 16-20. dark
*Note – Some questions are edited due to similar ones being submitted.