The Anaheim Ducks Will Have a Change in Leadership
Leadership has been a big issue for the Anaheim Ducks this past season. It certainly didn’t help that one of their alternate captains sat out for a majority of the season and the other one was dealing with a debilitating lower-body injury. The leadership shifted several times, and between several players, offering little to no stability for the rest of the team.
The inevitable re-tool would be the perfect time to begin the transition of the changing of the guard. It is unlikely that Ryan Getzlaf will be stripped of his “C”, at least, for the time being. Nevertheless, it is time to start making that transition and it starts with Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler passing the baton.
Ryan Kesler will spend the 2019-20 season on the sidelines, so assigning his “A” to someone else is something that cannot be avoided. This past season, Josh Manson and Adam Henrique really stepped up in his absence, and it would not be surprising if one of them earned this promotion permanently. Both are a great option, but Henrique seems to assert his authority on the ice a little better than Manson.
Corey Perry has been Getzlaf’s right-hand man for several years. They were drafted together, won the Stanely Cup together, and have been leading the Anaheim Ducks together since 2014. While stripping Perry of his “A” would be tough to see, I believe it is necessary going forward.
He needs to really focus on his game, especially with his steady decline over the past few seasons, and get back into the good graces of Ducks Nation. He’s been a terrific second in command, but with the impending retirement of CP10 and RG15 in the next few seasons, it would be foolish to throw someone into the captain position unprepared.
Cam Fowler is the heir apparent to Ryan Getzlaf, and in Corey Perry or Ryan Kesler’s absence, he has taken on the role of alternate captain. However, he still has a lot to learn about what it takes to lead a team. Having a permanent position under Getzlaf would give him the opportunity to really study and learn leadership traits that he has not quite perfected.
Confidence in Prediction: 8/10 (we know that someone will need to replace Ryan Kesler, the question is, will Corey Perry remain an alternate captain?)