As the roster is right now, how confident are you that the Ducks are a playoff team? Why or Why not?
Readers: Majority says yes, but there is dissent.
Yes. It won't be as the Pacific Division Champs – Always Mighty
Not with the current roster. Need to add depth and scoring up front to be a serious playoff team. - Hardenx
Ed: As the roster currently stands, the Ducks are in a dogfight for 3rd place. SJ and LAK will lead the way. Calgary and Edmonton challenge the Ducks for a guaranteed spot. I agree with most of you that adding a quality forward or two completely changes the equation.
Are you worried that Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell are still restricted free agents?
Readers: Although some people are getting a bit impatient, everyone expects the two RFAs to resign. The bigger issue is how much will it cost.
No, they will get it done and be ready for camp I'm sure. - Orange_me_Black
No. Murray said it would take time. Hopefully they are working out long contracts and not bridge deals. - CptAhab
Ed: GM Bob Murray said repeatedly that the Lindholm and Rakell deals will get done in August. How much and how long are key components to watch. Clearly the Ducks want to wrap up Lindholm long term. As a firm believer in the power of good will, I believe negotiations will be amicable. Neither of the two will draw an offer sheet, so Anaheim is literally the only game in town.
Should the Ducks buy out Kevin Bieksa's contract?
Readers: Lets just say Bieksa is not a fan favorite, but his veteran presence makes him useful.
No for the time being, Bieksa still has value as a 4-6th D and is a great mentor for the young D core – getzlaugh
Ed: He is one of the top six defenseman on this roster. I wouldn't be surprised to see him rested more this season. If he gets bought out next summer, it will be done to open up a spot for a younger player. Next summer I think Murray sits down with Bieksa and his agent and says something to the effect of: “Our championship window is now. If we have to protect you, we will lose a core player and that can't happen. We don't believe Vegas will select you in the expansion draft, because there are less expensive, younger options. So, we would like you to waive your no movement clause.”
Who will be the Ducks breakout player this year?
Readers: Its expected that Shea Theodore will earn this title. There was also some love for Nick Ritchie.
Id say Theaodore . With Ritchie and close second. - Eman87654
Ed: For the Ducks to be a serious contender, it better be Nick Ritchie. Anaheim is so thin at left wing that they can't afford for Ritchie to be anything less than solid. There is no doubt Shea Theodore is a big time talent. He may not get as much of an opportunity to shine as Ritchie does. Due to Nate Thompson's injury, someone is going to get an opportunity to center the 4th line. It would be nice if Stefan Noesen or Chris Wagner could really step it up.
How many regular season games does John Gibson play this season, over under 50?
Readers: Toss Up.
< 50 games - I think around 52-56 games. Bernier here makes it easier to rest Gibby on some nights. Duckfan93
Under 50, too injury prone. - Asplanchna
Ed: I should be an oddsmaker, 50 seems to be the magic number. Without injuries, the Ducks would ideally like Gibson to play 55 games or slightly more. His injury history makes that questionable. I'll go optimistic and say over.
What player do you think the Ducks will lose in the expansion draft next summer?
Readers: Despres is the favorite to go, but Manson and Cogliano are candidates as well.
Ed: I'm going off the board on here and my Bieksa answer should tip you off. The Ducks window with Getzlaf and Perry is probably the next two seasons. Bob Murray won't want to break up his group of talented NHL defensemen. Unless they tank, Rakell and Silfverberg are staying put as well. I don't think Cogliano would get selected. Murray will earn his pay at the expansion draft with some crafty backroom dealing. He'll get Vegas GM George McPhee to take on a spare part like Chris Wagner and then send Brandon Montour over in a sweetheart deal for a low entry draft pick or depth forward. Of all the prize young players Anaheim has, Montour is likely the guy who is squeezed out of a job with the big club.
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