Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks Round Table: Bob Murray’s Best Move of the Season

By Ciara Durant

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: General manager and interim head coach Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks watches from the bench during the first period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: General manager and interim head coach Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks watches from the bench during the first period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA – FEBRUARY 13: Anaheim Ducks right wing Daniel Sprong (11) in action during the first period of a game against the Vancouver Canucks played on February 13, 2019, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Kennyth Marcial — Contributor, Pucks of a Feather

There’s a fairly easy answer, and his name is Daniel Sprong. Although Marcus Pettersson is a good prospect, he has limited upside due to his slender build and was expendable as a result of drafting by Bob Murray and company.

Sprong has, perhaps, the highest goal scoring upside of anyone in Anaheim’s pipeline. Not only does he have one of the best shots in the NHL, but he’s also equally adept to creating goals with finesse. Further, he’s also shown some nice passing abilities at times.

Not only was acquiring the young sniper a coup for GMBM, but he has handled Sprong’s development wisely. When DS11 first arrived in Anaheim, his only impact came in games where he scored. Even then, his impact was relegated to the shift he scored on.

After being scratched for 4 straight games, speculation began to arise that Sprong may not be in the Anaheim Ducks long term plans. In reality, GMBM was sending a message to the youngster. When reinserted into the lineup, Sprong displayed a more complete and consistent game. At this point, his ability to score goals makes him an indispensable part of the Ducks “retooling.”

Phil Dunn — Contributor, Pucks of a Feather

The Anaheim Ducks General Manager has helped keep Ryan Kesler on the ice long enough to get to his 1,000th (and 1,001st) NHL game onto the stat sheet. I’d categorize this as generous “support” as opposed to some kind of genius move. It was one for the fans and the player.

The hobbled veteran could have whimpered into the postseason and nursed his injuries, but Murray and the staff kept him healthy enough to post the games played and check that box. Even while Kesler’s production numbers have significantly tanked, he’s shown the grit that makes him, well, Kesler.

He is an amazing two-way venter that deserves to be mentioned with the likes of Sidney Crosby (936), Ryan Getzlaf (1,000 next season), Patrice Bergeron (1,029), and Anze Kopitar (who will be hitting the 1,000 game mark soon.) I’m glad Kes got it done this year and soaked in the spotlight for that 1,001st game in front of Ducks Nation.

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