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Offseason Report: Anaheim Ducks

Minnesota Wild v Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 04: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates his goal with Corey Perry #10 for a 1-0 lead over the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Honda Center on December 4, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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From July 16-Aug 16, we’ll be profiling all 30 NHL teams by recapping what they did this offseason and previewing their upcoming campaigns.

Last season

34-36-12, 80 points, fifth in the Pacific Division, 13th in the Western Conference.

Additions

Sheldon Souray, Bryan Allen, Daniel Winnik, Brad Staubitz

Departures

JF Jacques, George Parros, Sheldon Brookbank, Dan Ellis (UFA, still unsigned)

2012 Draft

First round, 6th overall -- Hampus Lindholm, D (Rogle, Sweden)

Looking back

Ducks GM Bob Murray brought in several new veteran presences, but Anaheim’s offseason revolved around two familiar faces: Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan.

Selanne was the feel-good story of the Ducks’ summer as he agreed to return for his 20th NHL season. The 42-year-old Finn -- now officially the NHL’s oldest player -- led the club in scoring last year with 66 points, so this return isn’t one of those ceremonial swan songs into retirement. Selanne will likely be a big contributor for an Anaheim team looking to get back in the playoffs after a one-year hiatus.

As for Ryan -- his situation is anything but good. The summer was marred by trade talks and his particularly harsh critique of the Ducks organization. All’s been quiet recently on the trade front but, given the (seemingly) acrimonious relationship between Ryan and Murray, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it started up again.

Looking forward

The Ducks wanted to get bigger, tougher and more difficult to play against, and they should be next season. Allen (6-foot-5, 226 pounds) and Souray (6-foot-4, 233 pounds) bring a towering presence to the blueline while Staubitz (30 fights over the last two seasons) and Winnik will add sandpaper up front.

Anaheim’s biggest challenge for 2012-13 could be bridging the gap between young and old. In addition to Selanne, the Ducks also have Saku Koivu (37 years old), Souray (36), Toni Lydman (34), Francois Beauchemin (32) and Allen (31) under contract.

The “Big Three” of Ryan, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf aren’t as old -- Perry and Getzlaf are the oldest, at 27 -- but they’re still veteran presences, having all spent at least six years with the Ducks organization.

Meanwhile, several of the club’s prospects seem ready to make the leap, or at least challenge for spots. Emerson Etem, a first-round pick in 2010, is knocking on the door, as is 2009 first-rounder Peter Holland. Kyle Palmieri looked good in an 18-game cameo last season and Devante Smith-Pelly is a roster lock after playing nearly 50 contests in 2011-12.

Have your say

Vote in our poll and let us know what you think of the Ducks’ 2012-13 outlook in the comments section.

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