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Did Kyle Palmieri's Emergence Make Trading Bobby Ryan Easier?

July 28, 2013, 11:27 AM ET [21 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
San Jose Sharks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Anaheim Ducks re-signed right wing Kyle Palmieri to a three-year deal worth $4.4 million. The restricted free agent agreed to the deal on Friday.

The $1,466,667 annual cap hit is about $3.5 million less than what Bobby Ryan was slated to make this season and next. Ryan was dealt to the Ottawa Senators earlier in the summer for a pair of highly regarded young players and a pick. With Bobby and his 30 goals per season gone, Palmieri has some large skates to fill. I think the Ducks believe he has the skills to do it.

In his first full NHL campaign, Palmieri had 21 points (10g 11a) in 42 games for the Pacific Division champion Ducks last season, finishing with one fewer goal than Ryan in four fewer games played. The 22-year-old added three goals and two assists in Anaheim's surprising first-round playoff loss to Detroit. The three goals tied him for the team lead. Ryan finsihed with two goals and two assists.

Th emergence of Palmieri as a viable offensive weapon made the trade of Ryan a possibility. While I believe Ryan has been on the block for many seasons, the Ducks never managed to pull the trigger because they weren't convinced they had a player to replace his production - even through the trade's return.

After re-signing Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf to monster deals the trade of Ryan became inevitable. With the Senators as trade partners, Anaheim found a team willing to give up young talented players with high upside. Additionally, Palmieri is coming off a season in which he proved himself as an everyday NHL player. Thus making any deal come to fruition.

Its up to Kyle to prove the Ducks right. Palmieri has to be ready to take the next step this season. The absence of Ryan will be felt on the score sheet and in the crowd. The Cherry Hill, NJ native was a fan favorite and for two very good reasons - he produced and he was consistent. Ryan took the NHL and the Ducks lineup by storm. He scored 31 goals in his second season, followed by campaigns of 35, 34 and 31 goals. Not an easy feat to duplicate in today's NHL.

Palmieri, a New York native, has the potential. He scored 29 and 33 goals in back-to-back seasons with Anaheim's then-AHL affiliate, Syracuse Crunch. Palmieri has 15 goals in 70 NHL games over three seasons with the Ducks. He is going to have to pick up the pace this season.

Now a full time NHLer, the expectations are going to be higher. The Ducks have not done much in the way of adding new talent to the roster. Teemu Selanne's future is still undecided and many of the Ducks other young players are still trying to find their role on the team.

Palmieri's role should be crystal clear to him by now - work hard and score goals.

Needless to say, this team will have more question marks than answers heading into its 20th NHL season. The Ducks finished 8th in goals scored during the lockout shortened season. Ryan Getzlaf found his game again and Anaheim spread the scoring love around.

Can they duplicate that same level of play? Will Getzlaf fall back on bad habits? Will the tandem of Jonas Hiller and Viktor Fasth remain cohesive or become a problem? And can Bobby Ryan's production be replaced?

The Ducks believe they have the answer to at least on of those questions and they are hoping it's Kyle Palmieri.

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