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Reader Poll Answers – Part 2

February 10, 2017, 1:55 PM ET [24 Comments]
Ed Stein
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
This is part two of the Ducks readers poll.

Question 4) What Ducks player has been your most pleasant surprise this season?

Ondrej Kase. I was hoping he'd have a strong year in SD, so him spending most of the season in Anaheim has been a nice surprise. - Always Mighty

Nick Ritchie - great offseason workout - really developing into a power forward who is going to be a beast for the next decade – dozerD10

I’ve been really proud of Silfverberg. He is as tenacious as it gets with those puck battles. He finds a way to get the job done in the offensive zone. The guy harasses the opposition relentlessly and doesn’t take egregiously stupid minor penalties. - IGotTheMemo

Ed: For me its Rickard Rakell. For many reasons I thought this was going to be a mediocre season for him. 1) He signed late. 2) Rakell had surgery to remove scar tissue from an earlier appendectomy, before his season started. 3) When he came back, coach Randy Carlyle had him out of position, playing left wing on the top line. I didn't see his offensive breakout coming. The former 2011 first round pick has fit in well with Getzlaf and Perry. Additionally, he has been a positive asset on a power play that at times has struggled. Runners up – Josh Manson and Ondrej Kase

Question 5) What Ducks player has been your biggest disappointment this season?

If anyone answering this says anybody but Corey Perry I'm calling into question your sanity. Yeah, Perry has a decent amount of assists but the Ducks are already paying someone a lot of money to dish out apples. The fact that Cam Fowler, Nick Ritchie, and Andrew Cogliano have scored more goals than him is embarrassing. - duxcup07

#10 only because he's paid to score goals, and his goal total right now is abysmal. - quackup

Perry's lack of goal-scoring is obviously a problem. Sami's drop-off has been a letdown. - mckay93

Ed: After reading your comments, I had to rethink my position. Originally, I was between Sami Vatanen and Jonathan Bernier. Both of who, I expected much more from. Upon further reflection, I must agree with the popular opinion. The biggest disappointment this season has been Corey Perry. To get some perspective on Perry's goal drought, I'll put it this way. I play in two fantasy leagues; an 18 team, and a 20 team. After checking my rosters, here are some of the players that have more goals than Perry: Thomas Vanek, David Krecji, David Perron, Anders Lee, Jordan Staal, Matt Moulson, Martin Hanzal, Bryan Rust and Mike Green. Not exactly murderers row. The Ducks success is tied to Perry being able to score and he isn't getting it done.

Bonus Question) You be the GM. What realistic trade would you make to make this team better?

As much as there is perceived need for a scoring winger, I would rather have guys like Silf, Cogs and Kase who play a good two way game and have the skill and speed to produce offensively, especially with the center depth on the roster, or someone who can control the puck for extended periods in the offensive zone like Perry and Ritchie. Loui Eriksson can do both, which is why I am hoping Murray targets him at the deadline. - sniper11

OEL from Arizona is the obvious choice for a defenseman, since he's getting old enough to the point where he won't be able to provide many years of effectiveness to the Coyotes by the time they are ready to compete. It would be an expensive undertaking, but offering up some of the players that might be left unprotected along with a blue-chip prospect and a draft pick would be a basis to build on. - thecanuck341

I'd look at 2 teams that have a lot of offensive talent and need defensive help badly. The obvious choice is Toronto and JVR for Vatanen plus a third might work. Hell, I'd even toss in a second, seeing as the draft is weak this year. The other team they might be able to do something with is Tampa Bay. this would be fantasy trade, Jonathan Drouin for Sami plus a pick. With this move the Ducks get offensive help AND cap relief, which probably means it'll never happen. - duxcup07

Ed: I have two, a small one and a big one. The small trade is quite simple Clayton Stoner to the Rangers for Tanner Glass (of course, if NYR wants to send a prospect it would be better). Stoner can't stay on LTIR forever. He helps the Rangers as a physical presence on the back end, while the Ducks can bury Glass in San Diego and take full advantage of the cap space.

For a big deal, of all the names tossed about as being available; GM Bob Murray would be best served by making a run at Gabriel Landeskog. If the price is a young defenseman (Vatanen). A top prospect (Kerdiles, Nattinen, Kossila, Steele) and a #1, Anaheim could do it and without emptying the pool. The Avs captain fills several needs, he's a big powerful forward who can put the puck in the net. He's only 24 and is signed through 2020-2021.

As I wrote on Tuesday the poll answers have been top notch this time around. Thanks to all that participated.

-Ed
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