6 replies to this topic

[TroyLoney]

The Ducks continue to have problems finding a consistent second line and it's obvious that neither Saku Koivu nor Teemu Selanne is the solution beyond this season. So I ask the Ducks fans who know more about hockey prospects than I do - are there guys in the Ducks system that we can build a second line around as soon as next season?

We know that the Ducks have a great top line. Even in a year that sees the Ducks at the bottom of the Western Conference the top line is performing well. Corey Perry is fourth in the league in scoring and Ryan Getzlaf is sixth. Those are two guys that will continue to be elite players for many, many years to come and along with Bobby Ryan and Joffrey Lupul the Ducks have four top six forwards to build around. That gives the Ducks time to develop a second line from within and stop trying to fill holes with veterans that never pan out (Doug Weight, Brendan Morrison, etc.).

Is Peter Holland a viable option? Kyle Palmeiri? Is Dan Sexton legit? Will we ever see Nick Bonino? Can we expect any of those guys to be NHL ready in the next year? Both Getzlaf and Perry were NHL regulars at the age of 20 so is it possible that Holland and Palmeiri can do the same?

Is a top six of Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Lupul, Bonino and Sexton realistic for next season? If not, are there any young players in the Ducks system who could round out that top six and allow the Ducks to spend their free agency money on defense? Are there any forward options who are ready to crack the lineup in the next 10 months who are top six caliber players?

[DuckNewbie]

Are there any forward options who are ready to crack the lineup in the next 10 months who are top six caliber players?

A good question, for which I have no answer...

But I would throw out a couple of other names who are probably closer to Pro hockey than 2009 draftees Holland, Palmieri, etc.

Deschamps and Brittain were 2008 draftees, and would in theory be closer.


(And, in violation of my "I have no answer" disclaimer):

I have a feeling that none of them are ready to jump immediately into the NHL next season. Keep in mind that Getzlaf/Perry had some AHL time due to the lockout, which primed them for NHL duty. Coming straight from juniors is the exception, and not the rule.

Added: Modify my thoughts due to failed memory. Getz/Perry really only did some playoff time in the 04-05 season with the AHL affiliate....

[forbesy]

Deschamps and Brittain were 2008 draftees, and would in theory be closer.

Neither are expected to fill a top six role. Deschamps is set to be more of a third-line two way type, while Brittain's overall NHL potential is completely up in the air.

[Duckbill]

I think it will be in our best interest if we don't bring back Koivu, Selanne, Niedermayer or any combination of those three to bring in a top free agent to build a second line around. I don't know who would be available, but I think the Ducks would be able to look at an elitbe caliber of player, and not just another veteran. I just don't see any of our guys at this moment of being able to make that next step. That could change before the end of this year though.

[RCraig]

We probably shouldn't expect much help on the top lines from within the organization for at least another year. Hopefully the Ducks will have the opportunity to put together a Bonino/Palmieri pairing next year in the AHL. The Ducks are much heavier on defensive prospects than on offense, and will probably have to move someone like Sbisa, Gardiner or Mitera if they need to plug an offensive hole next year. I personally would love to see Teemu and Koivu stick around for another year, although I think Koivu is approaching the point in his career where he will soon be a 3rd-line choice instead of 2nd-line.

As for trades or free agents, Eklund has the Ducks looking at Kovalchuk which pretty much assures us they are looking at everyone in the league not named Kovalchuk. Whether they can afford to pursue any big name players will depend on whether Scotty returns for another year, whether they keep Jiggy and his $6M salary or Hiller at a slightly lower salary, etc. The Ducks look to have $20M+ in cap space for next year but only 13 players signed (and only 3 defenseman). Assuming they resign Ryan and Wis, their cap space could be down around $13-15M for the eight players they need to fill out the roster. The biggest need will be on defense where they will either need to re-sign or replace Scotty. A top tier d-man will be a $5M+ cap hit in free agency, which leaves $8-10M to fill out their last 7 roster spots. Given the way teams over-spend in free agency, I think it's more likely the Ducks would acquire a top 6 forward with a reasonable price tag and contract term by trading a D prospect and a draft pick or picks than by some major headline free agent signing.

Don't be surprised to see some more movement at the trade deadline this year as Murray probably has a little more work to do to give this team more flexibility under the salary cap and boost the scoring talent in our prospect pool.

[forbesy]

I think Palmieri will spend, at the very least, next season in the NCAA as well. If not another two years. No need to rush him.

[Rooch20]

As far as I can remember, ever since Bryan Murray took over as GM of the team, I have never seen the team rush any particular prospect into the NHL which is good because that means the prospect is more-ready and better equiped to handle the NHL pressure.