Anaheim Ducks: The All-Time Top 5 Defencemen in Franchise History

2. Chris Pronger

Scott Niedermayer was a great addition to the Ducks. But his presence did not bring the team a championship. That only happened after Pronger was added to the team.

While other teams feared Niedermayer for his skating ability, they looked on in horror when Chris Pronger was on the ice. He played with a level of intimidation that changed the game every night. Just ask Dan Cleary if he thinks going toe-to-toe with Chris Pronger is a good idea.

Pronger wasn’t all toughness. His slap shot from the point on the power play was deadly. And his outlet passes from the defense of zone almost never missed the mark. Pronger was a huge personality who even captained the team in Scott Niedermayer’s absence. Personally, even though his tenure with the Ducks was limited, I believe his number should also hang from the rafters.

3. François Beauchemin

Every offensive defenseman needs a partner who can allow him to roam. For Scott Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin was that conscience.

The Ducks loved Beauchemin so much that he had three stints with the team. Although he played at least one more season than he should have, Beauch was effective during all three tours with the Ducks. In fact, he never found the level of success with his other teams that he did in Anaheim.

If his last season in Anaheim has left you doubting how great Beauchemin was at one point, just remember the 2012–13 season. That year he finished fourth in Norris trophy voting. He could change the game with a hit, and he had a knack for scoring big goals late in his career. His number is unlikely to hang in the rafters at Honda Center, but his contribution to the team should never be forgotten.