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Anaheim Ducks: Teemu Selanne, Bobby Ryan and Turning 20

July 3, 2013, 3:19 PM ET [40 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I apologize for my lack of posts the last couple of weeks. I recently started a new job and have been focused on getting that situation sorted out. But, enough of that. Let's talk about the Anaheim Ducks.

Only one problem though...there's not much to talk about.

With the exception of a smattering of Bobby Ryan whispers, The Ducks have been a non-factor in any of the happenings in the NHL. Even their draft was very ho-hum. Anyway, here are a few snippets I threw together.

The Draft: Anaheim nabbed defenseman Shea Theodore with the 26th pick. This keeps with the Ducks recent theme of drafting defenseman. I like the pick, but as with all picks, only time will tell. (Still waiting for Cam Fowler to blossom)

I do like how NHL Central Scouting’s B.J. MacDonald decribed him...

"Smooth as silk. He's a really nice player. He can lay down a pass just as good as anyone in the league, always on the tape. He's really heady and really smart, and he actually runs their power play. I like everything about him. Good size, good movement.”


Not bad.

Ducks History: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim were hatched on June 24th 1993. The franchise has officially moved past the teen years and into its twenties. Congrats on 20 wonderful years.

Teemu Selanne: The ageless wonder is taking his usual time off prior to making a decision on next season. At this point I’m not sure he should come back, but if he thinks they Ducks are close to competing for another Cup (and I believe they are) he may give one more year a shot.

Bobby Ryan: The draft passed and the Ducks still have Ryan on the roster. The Philadelphia Flyers just signed Vinny Lecavalier. I would consider the Ryan to Philly rumors dead. With that said, teams are still interested and Anaheim is willing to listen. My guess….Ryan scores 25+ goals for the Ducks next season.

Saku Koivu: The Ducks are still working on re-signing Koivu to another one-year deal. I think Koivu proved he can still play a pivotal role in the Ducks offense and another year seems fitting considering his age.

Ben Lovejoy: Anaheim re-upped Lovejoy for another three seasons. The contract is reportedly worth $3.3 million, which I think is a fair price for what he brings to the table. The Ducks acquired Lovejoy from Pittsburgh in early February for a fifth round pick in 2014. He had 10 assists in 32 games and added two more in the seven game first-round loss to Detroit. I like the re-signing. I thought Lovejoy never looked out of placed and helped to solidify the Anaheim blueline. I’m on board with this deal.

Francois Beauchemin: Beauchemin was named to the 2012-13 Second All-Star Team. He played in all 48 games for the Ducks and earned 24 points (6g 18a) and had an impressive plus/minus rating of +19. I'm glad the NHL decided to throw the Ducks a bone with this one. Fans in Anaheim know how important Beauchemin was to the team this season.

Qualified: The Ducks issued qualifying offers to Matt Beleskey, Kyle Palmieri, Mat Clark and Alex Grant.

I'm hoping that free agency stirs the pot a bit and the Ducks get active. Otherwise the summer is going to feel allot longer than it already does.

***

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