Ben Shelley: Ducks announce opening night roster, Josh Mahura claimed by Panthers

Just looking at this roster. If the Ducks want to improve its gonna come from the younger players. Zegras, Comtois, Drysdale, McTavish, Jones, Lundenstrom. We've been waiting 3 years for these players to take over. This 4th year really should be the 1st step to building up. And Klingberg, Vitrano, Strome, Fowler, Gibson are the core.

The real next step for this team should be defense. Unless they're still tanking. Which they say they're not. But if I was in there shoes I'd stay noncommittal and just see what happens. But if this Ducks team learned to play at least average Defense then I'd consider it a good step forward.

But the thing is. At the current rate. If the Ducks don't learn some defense and develop some mental toughness to win some close games, then I'd say we are on the same path as the Vancouver Canucks. A talented team. Good skaters. But just not tough enough to win hard games aginst good teams.

Better get that 3rd line squared away… it’s been getting caved now that teams played more regulars in the preseason. Silf & Isac need to get with it.

Top 6 and 4th line look ok.

That bottom pair D … oohhhfff

Let’s go Ducks.

I didn’t get to watch any Ducks preseason. Think Mctavish has any fantasy worth? Who is he playing with?

I didn’t get to watch any Ducks preseason. Think Mctavish has any fantasy worth? Who is he playing with?
- Mahewman

He'll be playing anywhere from 2nd to 4th. He might play with Strome but if he struggles Dallas Eakins will probably move him down and reduce his minutes. Keep in mind Jones has looked good. And Comtois is talented too. So there is going to be competition for top 6 minutes.

Better get that 3rd line squared away… it’s been getting caved now that teams played more regulars in the preseason. Silf & Isac need to get with it.

Top 6 and 4th line look ok.

That bottom pair D … oohhhfff

Let’s go Ducks.
- dozerD10

I'm not worried about that. I know the Number guys are making a big deal about it. But it leaves some room for the prospects in San Diego to come up if they show improvement. And it's not like they have huge cap hits or are going to play a ton of minutes. So no big deal.

I didn’t get to watch any Ducks preseason. Think Mctavish has any fantasy worth? Who is he playing with?
- Mahewman

Def… With Strome & Terry

Just keep in mind that Trevor Zegras got sent down to San Diego twice his first full year. But he just dominated the AHL so they just brought him up to stay. I'd think the same would be true for McTavish. But I doubt he stay down for long if he starts running over the AHL competition like Zegras did.