Perhaps the Anaheim Ducks prospect that carries the most buzz with him is gifted right winger Emerson Etem and rightfully so. But, the Ducks have another right winger in the system that could someday find himself playing on Anaheim first line.
The Ducks took Rickard Rackell in the first round of the 2011 NHL entry draft (30th overall). He is considered one of the top, if not the top offensive prospect in the Ducks system.
In 2011-12, he averaged over a point a game in 60 games for the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. He finished the regular season with 62 points (28g 34a) and added another 12 (3g 8a) in 13 playoffs games. Rackell wasn't done there. In 18 games with Sweden's U20 team he collected 13 more points (6g 7a).
At 6'2" 190 lbs., Rackell already has good size but would benefit from putting on a few more pounds. He's also been accused of trying to do too much with the puck sometime instead of making the safe play. Nothing to be alarmed about though, one good hit by an NHL defenseman could change all that.
Rackell is a gifted hockey player with a keen on ice sense. He possesses natural play-making abilities. The 19 year-old is a hard worker in both end of the ice, but his offensive up-side is what makes his so interesting. He can carry the puck one-on-one through an entire team or find the trailer all alone for a golden scoring chance. Either way he should be fun to watch.
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I recently read an article that suggested the Ducks should consider trading Bobby Ryan to the Colorado Avalanche for Paul Stastny. It's an intriguing option given the Ducks desire for a legitimate number two center.
Stastny still has two years left on current deal at $6.6 million per year. A bit steep for a Ducks teams that wants to re-sign Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf next summer. Still, it's an option I think is at the very least worth talking about.
Opinions?
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The NHL is in trouble. If a new collective bargaining agreement cannot be agreed upon by Sept. 15 than we risk another lengthy and damaging lockout. Something I don't think any of us want to consider. Here is a column I wrote for RantSports.com about how utterly devastating another lockout could be to the league.
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