Anaheim Ducks Expert Panel: Exploring 2019-20 Lineup Options

First Line Combinations

Khalid Hart:

Rickard Rakell–Ryan Getzlaf–Jakob Silfverberg

Rakell and Silfverberg arguably have the best shots on the team, and with the subtraction of Corey Perry, are the most prolific scorers on the team as well. We all know Getzlaf has always had a pass-first mentality, so why wouldn’t you couple that with the teams best goal scorer?

Jonathan Maxfield:

Rickard Rakell-Ryan Getzlaf-Jakob Silfverberg

The Ducks lack pure goal scorers. Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg likely pack the biggest punch in the goal-scoring department, putting them with the best pure passer on the Anaheim Ducks is the best way to get the most out of them. All three are not slouches in the defensive zone either, with Silfverberg particularly being a force in his own end, making this line a threat in all three zones.

Jordan German:

Rickard Rakell-Ryan Getzlaf-Jakob Silfverberg

Getzlaf is still a staple player going into his 15th season, and although his production went down last season from 61 points to 48, he’ still giving the Anaheim Ducks great numbers. He’s still very strong when it comes to faceoffs. Rakell was another player that suffered during last season, only playing 69 games and ending with 43 points compared the previous season’s career-high of 69.

Considering that 43 points is a rough season for Rakell, there’s a very high roof on what he can do. With Getzlaf’s passing skills and Rakell’s knack for scoring goals from anywhere in the zone, it’s one combo that most wouldn’t argue over.

Silfverberg is also the epitome of consistency with at least 40 points in 70 or so games over the last three seasons. He’s even been in the talks of receiving the other alternate captain position thanks to his development over the past few years. He has dominant wrist shot to compliment both Getzlaf and Rakell’s special puck handling skills, and with these three, there will always be some nasty goals waiting to be scored.

Ciara Durant:

Rickard Rakell-Ryan Getzlaf-Ondrej Kase

Rickard Rakell and Ryan Getzlaf have proven chemistry, Getzlaf being the natural passer and Rakell being the natural goal scorer. Together, the two of them could be the top point producers of the entire team. Both are responsible players who see the ice well, and the Anaheim Ducks need that representation on their top line.

With the absence of Corey Perry, the Ducks now have an open spot on the right-wing and I believe they should give this spot to Ondrej Kase. He is set to have a breakout season, and despite his injuries, he would bring energy and creativity to the Rakell-Getzlaf pairing. His youthful spirit could also help keep both players accountable and keep them from falling into the slump they did last season. Kase also adds a scoring touch to the top line and giving him the added responsibility could promote healthy growth and development.