Great article. Hockey players >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The Stamkos deal looks like good value for both sides. I'm glad he didn't get one of those absurd long-term deals worth a bazillion dollars. Still a few big RFAs left to be signed - Weber, Parise, Doughty.
Who are some breakthrough/recovery candidates on your teams? Who should I be keeping my eye on to start the year?
Lots of Ducks had breakout/career years this past season for Anaheim so I wouldn't expect anything too major next year. I don't think Perry will repeat his numbers, but a 40/40 season sounds about right. Getzlaf should hit the 90 point mark if he can stay healthy. Ryan continues to improve his all-around game, but won't be able to put up the 40+ goals he is capable of until he starts playing on our first PP unit, which won't happen next season unless Selanne retires. Our second line is just getting older and less productive (except for the ageless Teemu Selanne of course). Our third line might surprise some people if McMillan, Cogliano, and hopefully DSP can click. They would be a fun, young line to watch. On defense Vis obviously was the man last year, he and Lydman work so well together. They were both hampered by serious shoulders injuries down the stretch and into the playoffs yet still managed to put up excellent numbers (Vis on the offense and Lydman on the defense of course). Most Ducks fans and Randy Carlyle aren't expecting a huge leap forward for Fowler this year, if he can "simply" repeat what he did last year (you know, score 10 goals and 40 points as a 18/19 year old) while improving his defensive game then I'll be quite pleased. He's a very smart player and solid in his own end, but he had horrible defensive partners last year (Lilja and Sutton aka turnover machine and pylon) so his +/- was dreadful. Sbisa and Beachemin looked great together at the end of last year and will add a physical edge that has been missing from our back end since the departure of Pronger. Sbisa is seriously the man, dude just punishes guys left and right. Excellent skater too...can't wait to see him and Folwer anchor our top pairing down the road.
So yeah, I'm not sure anyone will break out next year from the Ducks because many are coming off great seasons (Hiller included). Maybe look out for someone like Etem or DSP if they make the team.
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