Lindholm is untouchable. His underlying stats are exceptional.

If Vats is moved, it means a Fowler extension is on the horizon. If Fowler is moved, contract #'s were too far apart.

Anything is possible I guess, because sitting in the minors is another D (Jacob Larsson) that may be better than anybody. He started the season with the Ducks, much to the surprise of everybody. Time will tell with him.
- quackup

Lindholm is the next captain. In addition to Larsson, Megna and Pettersson are on the way up. I was impressed with Megna during his cameo.

Thanks for your contribution.
- Ed Stein

Ducks are a collection of douches, but you're really starting to grow on me Ed.

It depends on if/when a contract extension for Fowler is decided as to who the third protected defenseman will be. As of now, I have Vermette protected, but a case could be made for Shaw.
- Ed Stein

Damn. Thats very interesting.

Man that's hard to read. Do you have a spell and grammar check on your computer? I'm not a fan of online grammar police, but this is pretty bad.

IMO the Anaheim Ducks, the best team in the 2017 Playoffs.
They just didn't have a Goaltender. Really too bad.
Believe me Ducks fans, as a Detroit fan myself I know how you feel. I think the Red Wings could have won 8-10 cups in the 90s -20s instead of four, if they had better goaltending. It is very demoralizing when you know you have the best team, but your Goaltending lets you down

I think management made a huge blunder letting Anderssen go to Toronto.
With Anderssen, the Ducks would have probably won all.

It's that time of year to start kicking the can on, "Will Stoner be bought out?"

Anyways, this season is over, but this is Hockeybuzz, so let the speculation begin! I don't see Ducks management not protecting Manson in the expansion draft. You have to remember with Manson that he was a forward his entire career until he was in college, so I think while he has the grit and positioning of a strong defender; his shot from the blue line is an area where he can improve. Furthermore, the guy has potential to be in the league for sometime, and when that guy's 30 that'll be a lot. Fowler took a step forward under Carlyle, while Vatanen took a step back. Vatanen was dynamic 2 seasons ago, and was thought to be signed at a very reasonable price, yet this year it only was glimpses of yesteryear here and there. As pointed out by others Lindholm has strong stats, but his point production took an unforeseen dip. The Ducks are lucky that they have some rising stars in the fold with Theodore and Montour. Both of whom are already protected.

GM Bob Murray has gone on the record and said, "8 Defensemen is a necessity for the playoffs." The funny thing is, while Theodore and Holzer were on the outs at the end of the Nashville series. There is also Despres and Stoner who both went down early in the year. Obviously this isn't a sustainable situation, but it is noteworthy. We haven't seen Despres in nearly 2 years. That's a difficult situation. My guess is he's giving the NHL another shot. Will he be protected for the expansion draft? Unlikely. Will he be chosen by the Golden Knights? Unlikely. You might say that'd be a gamble if they picked him. Maybe a roll of the dice. I kid, but to wrap up this point it is that the #9 and #10 guys on the depth chart at this time last year had a positive impact in the playoffs, so good for them! Holzer was a strong healthy scratch as well. Depending on how the expansion draft goes, I could see Murray bringing him back for another year.

Unfortunately they didn't get the job done this year, and there is the expansion draft. Given that and other factors, I think there will be a restructuring of the lineup. Obviously there will be a trade of a defensemen for most likely a young winger. The reality is, Anaheim knows the importance of value in regards to their assets, and we've seen it time and time again over the years. Sometimes players go on to play great like Palmieri and Maroon. Then there are the Beleskys, Fasths, and Penners. Murray takes asset management as seriously as anyone. We saw a significant slowing of roster turnover this year, but the time is now to make some judgement calls, and rightfully so.

All in all the expansion draft is an interesting stipulation to the normal draft, free agency storyline. It should make for an interesting summer.

Ducks are a collection of douches, but you're really starting to grow on me Ed.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

As long as I don't grow on you like a fungus.

As long as I don't grow on you like a fungus.
- Ed Stein

Don't hate on fungi. They serve a very important function in any ecosystem.

IMO the Anaheim Ducks, the best team in the 2017 Playoffs.
They just didn't have a Goaltender. Really too bad.
Believe me Ducks fans, as a Detroit fan myself I know how you feel. I think the Red Wings could have won 8-10 cups in the 90s -20s instead of four, if they had better goaltending. It is very demoralizing when you know you have the best team, but your Goaltending lets you down

I think management made a huge blunder letting Anderssen go to Toronto.
With Anderssen, the Ducks would have probably won all.
- GeoffY

Doubtful. Went down that road last year. Injuries happen, but I think if we had a healthy Gibson for games 5 & 6 we see a different result. Bernier had a save % of around .880 for those two games. I think we could have overcome losing Rakell and Eaves. Losing Gibson, imo, proved to be too much.

Don't hate on fungi. They serve a very important function in any ecosystem.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

I good shi take mushroom every now and then is a good thing.

Kudos Ed look forward to more summertime blogs - great work -
I was one of those who greeted Ducks back home - guys looked pretty depressed -
Hopefully one of the fixes this off season is finding a way for Ducks to rid themselves of # 10 - I've had it with his act - he may have had some GWG this postseason but 2 of those were more the result of NT than anything # 10 did - he was just lousy for 8.6 this yr - the D will do nothing but get better - and the backup goalie issue needs to be addressed - another top 6 forward is needed that can finish and I look forward to the expansion list -

Kudos Ed look forward to more summertime blogs - great work -
I was one of those who greeted Ducks back home - guys looked pretty depressed -
Hopefully one of the fixes this off season is finding a way for Ducks to rid themselves of # 10 - I've had it with his act - he may have had some GWG this postseason but 2 of those were more the result of NT than anything # 10 did - he was just lousy for 8.6 this yr - the D will do nothing but get better - and the backup goalie issue needs to be addressed - another top 6 forward is needed that can finish and I look forward to the expansion list -
- dozerD10

They need more than one forward.

They need more than one forward.
- Ed Stein

Agreed .. but at what cost ?? - I'm thinking a couple of the SD kids can make the team next yr up front and contribute - So perhaps a nice add in a trade and some inhouse additions with perhaps pickup somewhere else along the line -

Ed Stein: Pick up the Pieces
- Ed Stein

Ed I noticed in your blog you forgot to thank the so called "trolls" for coming out and making you some bonus money for the extra hits. You're welcome.

P.S. Ducks still lose that game with Gibson in net.

Being a Pens fan, I don't get to watch the Ducks much. But here's what I saw while following them in the playoffs with one eye sleeping:
1. Ryan Getzlaf is one HELL of a player. Maybe the most underrated.
2. So is Cam Fowler... hope y'all can keep him so he doesn't end up in the eastern conference.
3. Kessler obviously has skill, so why does he waste so much time being a such a jakass on the ice? (example: Matt Cooke, his own worst enemy)
4. Bieksa is an idiot... the Ducks would be FAR better off without him, and I felt the same way of the 'nucks when he played there. The game is changing, and this db will continue to find it harder to find a roster spot, in ANA or anywhere else.
5. Goaile may be the Ducks' weak link... hard for me to admit with Gibson being from my home town.
6. Game 6 against the Preds was incredible hockey... had my heart going, and I really didn't care who won. And I'm still wishing the refs (and the NHL) didn't ultimately decide OUR game 6 against the Sens the other night.

GO DUCKS !! (next season)


oh yeah... GO PENS !!

Is Max Jones expected to make the team in the next couple of seasons or is he a project ? I remember him being ranked as high as 3rd overall to start his draft year. How excited are you guys for him ?

Lindholm is the next captain. In addition to Larsson, Megna and Pettersson are on the way up. I was impressed with Megna during his cameo.
- Ed Stein

so is it pretty much only Fowler and Sami V that are potentially traded before the exp draft?

I mentioned previously (i think to you Ed) about a swap for JT Miller, just wondering what you guys think

Ducks will be one of the most interesting teams to watch during the expansion draft

so is it pretty much only Fowler and Sami V that are potentially traded before the exp draft?

I mentioned previously (i think to you Ed) about a swap for JT Miller, just wondering what you guys think
- mrn22

I think that is a pretty terrible trade if you meant Fowler or Vatanen. I dont think the Ducks have any good reason to trade Fowler

I think that is a pretty terrible trade if you meant Fowler or Vatanen. I dont think the Ducks have any good reason to trade Fowler
- YuenglingJagr

you think Vatanen for Miller is a terrible trade?

I think that is a pretty terrible trade if you meant Fowler or Vatanen. I dont think the Ducks have any good reason to trade Fowler
- YuenglingJagr

Fowler's contract is up at the end of next season.

you think Vatanen for Miller is a terrible trade?
- mrn22

I don't think its terrible. I like Miller, but I'd rather have Hayes.

Is Max Jones expected to make the team in the next couple of seasons or is he a project ? I remember him being ranked as high as 3rd overall to start his draft year. How excited are you guys for him ?
- blizzzard

They like him. He is still a few years away.

you think Vatanen for Miller is a terrible trade?
- mrn22

nah that one isn't as bad. I wouldn't make it though if I were the ducks. I think defensemen are at a premium in the NHL (see Hall/Larsson) but the overwhelming similarity in all of these trades that are "lopsided" is desperation/need.

Fowler's contract is up at the end of next season.
- Ed Stein

Again, why would they trade him? If you're insinuating that they might trade him because of contract negotiations...I won't say it isn't a possibility, I would just say it is a stupid move