2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. Today, we’ll preview the Anaheim Ducks.
2021 Offseason
The Ducks had a quiet offseason, without any significant free agent additions or trades. They extended a number of players, including captain Ryan Getzlaf, and look content to continue their rebuild based on growth from within.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Ducks are lacking some top end talent in their forward group and goaltending could be a problem area. Otherwise, their roster is not far away from being competitive as they start looking to turn the corner on their rebuild.
Forwards
The Ducks still need to add some top line talent, which could come from within over the next couple of seasons. Trevor Zegras looks ready to grow into a larger role and projects as one of the Ducks’ highest impact forwards for the 21/22 season. While Getzlaf isn’t as big a force as he was in his prime, he can still contribute in the middle six and provides valuable leadership. Some additional bottom six talent would be beneficial as the Ducks options are limited should they run into injuries in their top six.
The Ducks veterans have projected value below the league median, but there is plenty of projected value from their young players. If one or two can break out while still on an entry level deal, it could help the Ducks fortunes immensely.
Defensemen
The Ducks’ top four looks set heading into the season. As with the forwards, the youth movement should play a role, with Jamie Drysdale projecting as a capable second pair defenseman. Also similar to the forwards, depth is thin and injuries in the top four could be a problem.
Goaltenders
John Gibson’s performance has been on a downward trajectory in recent seasons and it could hold back the Ducks overall. With Ryan Miller retiring, Anthony Stolarz should get a chance as the Ducks’ backup. With his strong projection based on very limited recent action, we should question the model’s bullish projection, however he looks like a capable backup even if he performs somewhat below the projection.
Team Performance
The Ducks are expected to struggle again this season. With an already strong prospect pool, finishing with a high draft position this season heading into a strong draft year could signal takeoff for the rebuild.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
