Ben Shelley: Season Recap: Did the Ducks make any progress?

No they were terrible! Better trade McTarnish to Detroit for picks!

I really want to say yes... However that is more difficult than I imagined -

They got an actual coach and made a great trade. Then made an another smart trade at the deadline...and a couple c+ trades also.

The special teams still absolutely sucked again.. Cronin and Verbeek having a huge hardon for Z was inexcusable. And frankly continues to baffle me..

The training staff still cannot keep guys ... young guys at that, healthy... It seems we have no weight training program worth a damn.

The rope given to vets who for all intents and purposes suck balls is mind numbing.

Frankie was a revelation and Z is still by far our most gifted player.

Minty - Baby Z and Luneau are the future on the backend.

Terry sucks - Mason is overrated - and Z is still our best offensive threat...

Leo is

PV says he’s looking for a top 4 RD and some grit, speed, secondary scoring in the bottom 6. That seems about right. Pesce or Roy would be a good fit, but Ducks might have to overpay again to get the player they need.

The top 6 seems set but need some time with stable line combos to develop chemistry. Terry had his breakout season paired with Z - I’d like to see those two healthy and paired up again. I have to keep reminding myself that McT is still only 21, but I wonder if he might be better suited to a LW spot with Z in the middle. Cronin gave high praise to Z in the year end press conference, and I’m curious to see where he slots in for the US in the WC this month. He’s still a gifted offensive player who made big strides this year in rounding out his game.

I can’t see the Ducks offering $1.5M to qualify Jones. I’m curious to see how Lundestrom does playing for Sweden this month - could impact whether the Ducks are willing to qualify him at $1.8M. Leason should be back, but guys like Meyers and Groulx are good AHL guys who can provide organizational depth, not the guys who can get you to the next level.

On D, need to quit asking Fowler to be #1 shutdown guy. That’s not his skill set. The Ducks have a glut of talented young D, but they’re all still learning the pro game. There’s a need for another proven guy (not a waivers pickup) to fill a gap and take some presssure off Fowler and the kids. Vaak took a step forward and could provide some depth as the team moves forward if he can stay healthy. Cool to see Zellweger on Team Canada roster for WC.

G looks like a tandem, with some quality young guys in the pipeline. Can’t tell if Gibson is cooked but his play and body language were pretty rough late in the season.

PV says he’s looking for a top 4 RD and some grit, speed, secondary scoring in the bottom 6. That seems about right. Pesce or Roy would be a good fit, but Ducks might have to overpay again to get the player they need.

The top 6 seems set but need some time with stable line combos to develop chemistry. Terry had his breakout season paired with Z - I’d like to see those two healthy and paired up again. I have to keep reminding myself that McT is still only 21, but I wonder if he might be better suited to a LW spot with Z in the middle. Cronin gave high praise to Z in the year end press conference, and I’m curious to see where he slots in for the US in the WC this month. He’s still a gifted offensive player who made big strides this year in rounding out his game.

I can’t see the Ducks offering $1.5M to qualify Jones. I’m curious to see how Lundestrom does playing for Sweden this month - could impact whether the Ducks are willing to qualify him at $1.8M. Leason should be back, but guys like Meyers and Groulx are good AHL guys who can provide organizational depth, not the guys who can get you to the next level.

On D, need to quit asking Fowler to be #1 shutdown guy. That’s not his skill set. The Ducks have a glut of talented young D, but they’re all still learning the pro game. There’s a need for another proven guy (not a waivers pickup) to fill a gap and take some presssure off Fowler and the kids. Vaak took a step forward and could provide some depth as the team moves forward if he can stay healthy. Cool to see Zellweger on Team Canada roster for WC.

G looks like a tandem, with some quality young guys in the pipeline. Can’t tell if Gibson is cooked but his play and body language were pretty rough late in the season.
- hardenx

that is Minty... but he does need a RHD partner until Luneau is a little more seasoned... Keep Gudas with either Baby Z or Vaaks...

I'd like to see if they could interest Florida in Edm's 1st and our early 2nd for Forsling - ... Throw LaCombe in there if you must.

Gibby has completely checked out...

that is Minty... but he does need a RHD partner until Luneau is a little more seasoned... Keep Gudas with either Baby Z or Vaaks...

I'd like to see if they could interest Florida in Edm's 1st and our early 2nd for Forsling - ... Throw LaCombe in there if you must.

Gibby has completely checked out...


- dozerD10

I think you're right about one or both of those picks being in play, but Forsling just signed an 8-year extension - he's part of Florida's core group going forward.

I think you're right about one or both of those picks being in play, but Forsling just signed an 8-year extension - he's part of Florida's core group going forward.
- hardenx

That’s what makes him so desirable. He’s a fixed asset. Florida has no first or second this year… Even if you had to sweeten the pot a little more, it would be worth a phone call.

That’s what makes him so desirable. He’s a fixed asset. Florida has no first or second this year… Even if you had to sweeten the pot a little more, it would be worth a phone call.
- dozerD10

If that's your market then look to the Flyers and Sanheim, and it probably wouldn't cost as much also could talk about TK.

If that's your market then look to the Flyers and Sanheim, and it probably wouldn't cost as much also could talk about TK.
- Flyerloon

I would love that, but does DB have the stomach to weather the blowback from another deal with the ducks?…