I’m not sure if Ducks GM Bob Murray reads this blog or not. Maybe I’m psychic. Maybe I just got lucky. In any event, ast week I wrote about nothing going on with the Ducks. Shortly thereafter the Ducks got busy with on and off ice news.
Nick Ritchie
The Ducks signed 2014 1st round pick Nick Ritchie. Terms of his entry level contract were not disclosed. Ritchie said after he was drafted that he intends to make the Ducks main roster after training camp. I don’t know about that but the kids got moxie. The Ducks had a great comment about Ritchie when they announced his signing: “The big, strong winger fits the mold of the type of player Anaheim has recently shown an affinity for and has the potential to be a star in the NHL.…
Patrick Maroon
Last week I wrote that Murray should get moving on contract extensions for Matt Beleskey and Patrick Maroon. Two days later the Ducks announced that Maroon was signed to a three year, $6M extension. Maroon may not the most skilled guy in the league, but he works hard and does the little things needed to be successful. His raise is well deserved.
Teemu Selanne
Selanne’s hockey career may not be over just yet. The NHL part is, but he may play in Finland next season. The 44 year old Selanne began his career with Jokerit in Helsinki. The team moves to the KHL beginning this fall and want to bring back their biggest star for that. That new coincided with the Ducks announcement that his jersey will be retired. His number 8 will rise to the rafters on January 11, 2015 when the Winnipeg Jets come to the Honda Center. Selanne is arguably the best player in franchise history and its only fitting that he receives this honor.
On Tap
Training camp begins next month and I’ll be running a series of articles on the current roster.
-Ed