Are the Ducks goose cooked?

Seriously though. Will Anaheim be a contender anytime soon? They're on the outside now and likely won't make it in this year. Pronger will likely be gone. Does Selanne hang'm up? What about S. Neidermeyer. The rest of their Defense has looked below average as well. This team is in serious trouble for the next several years IMO.

Anaheim has some decisions to make, for sure. Mostly on defence, where just about their entire d corps is a free agent this summer with the exception of Pronger.

If they can get Scott Niedermeyer signed to an extension, then I am pretty sure that Rob Niedermeyer will sign one as well, and they will push into the playoffs.

If they become sellers, then expect them to be major sellers, as Selanne will go as well. and the return for a guy like Giguere could be high as well.

They will restock nicely, but this rebuild could take 2 or 3 years.

I forgot about Giggy who will also likely be gone. What do they have coming through the Farm system? This may take more than 2 or 3 years with guys like S. Niedermeyer, Pronger, Selanne, Giguere ALL gone. Those guys don't grow on trees.

Giguere has a NTC and likely won't waive it because his son needs the medical attention that apparently can only be provided at UCLA.

So he rides out his contract then retires? Or does he take a massive pay cut?

Cap'n Clutch wrote:So he rides out his contract then retires? Or does he take a massive pay cut?

I don't know. But he's certainly made enough money over his career to retire and take care of the health of his son (which would be a top priority in any father's life). I just know that that was one of the few NTCs that Burke ever gave out because of the gravity of the situation.

So the Ducks currently sit in 7th in the West in a ridiculously close race to the finish. Do they stay in the playoffs? Do they make noise if they do?

I hope so. I really don't like Anaheim.

They will probably make the playoffs. I see it coming down between St-Louis and Nashville. Unfortunatly the Oilers are probably done.

caissie_1 wrote:They will probably make the playoffs. I see it coming down between St-Louis and Nashville. Unfortunatly the Oilers are probably done.

My understanding is that Nashville has lost Martin Erat to a leg injury. That doesn't bode well for them.

St Louis is continuing an amazing comeback.

Anaheim is playing very strong hockey right now...they would give the Red Wings a rough and tough battle...despite some people's misconceptions about Nieds and Selanne being 'too old' LOL.