2015 Pacific Division Preview
With October around the corner, the Anaheim Ducks are preparing for a new season and setting their sites on another Pacific Division crown and possibly a Stanley Cup.
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Pucks and Pitchforks
With the majority core of veteran players coming back, the Ducks appear to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Ducks added some key additions this off-season. The biggest was acquiring Carl Hagelin in trade with the New York Rangers. Other key additions were defensemen Kevin Bieksa and forwards Shawn Horcoff and Chris Stewart. The Ducks also signed forward Ryan Kesler to a six year, $41 million extension.
Last season proved that the Pacific Division is stacked with talent. The Calgary Flames were the surprise team last season and made a good playoff run only to lose to the Ducks in the second round. During the off-season, the Flames traded draft picks to get Dougie Hamilton, whom they signed to a six year, $34.5 million deal. Also, with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau returning, the Flames look poised to make the playoffs once again this season.
The Arizona Coyotes went through a difficult offseason dealing with the city trying to void their arena lease. In the middle of this turmoil, GM Don Maloney went out and signed free agents Antoine Vermette and Zbynek Michalek. The Coyotes also got No. 3 draft pick Dylan Strome. Despite a rough summer off the ice, the Coyotes made a huge step in their rebuilding process.
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The Edmonton Oilers finished dead last in the Pacific last season and were expected to get some top picks this offseason. The Oilers got top draft pick Connor McDavid, as well UFA top defenseman Andrej Sekera and center Mark Letestu ,who signed a three year deal. Edmonton also made changes in their front office, hiring Peter Chiarelli as their GM and Todd McLellan as their new head coach.
The San Jose Sharks brought in Peter DeBoer as head coach after the departure of Todd McLellan. DeBoer is expected to bring a different kind of game behind the bench.
The Sharks were also in dire need of a goaltender after Anti Niemi was signed by the Dallas Stars. The Sharks went out and traded for goalie Martin Jones ,who is poised to be their starter this coming season. Their forward depth also increased this off-season by acquiring Joel Ward for a good deal.
The Vancouver Canucks appear to be cleaning house this off-season after trading starting goaltender Eddie Lack and defenseman Kevin Bieksa. Their goaltending situation appears to be focused on Ryan Miller as they hope the 36-year old veteran can return to his form. People seem to be confused by what is happening north of the border this off-season. Some would consider this a rebuild, while others say it’s not. The Canucks look poised to have a long, difficult season this year.
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Blue Line Station
The Los Angeles Kings are coming off an offseason full of drama off the ice. First, UFA Jarret Stoll is arrested in Las Vegas for possession of cocaine, Mike Richards has his contract terminated due to mysterious circumstances, and Slava Voynov is currently serving his jail sentence after pleading no contest in his domestic violence charge. In spite of the problems off the ice, the Kings went out and acquired Boston Bruins big man Milan Lucic, whose size and physical aspect to the game will add another big body to the team. The team also re-signed key players Tyler Toffoli and Anze Kopitar to extensions. However, some key faces will be gone from the team this year, including “Mr Game 7”, Justin Williams, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes this summer.
The Pacific Division looks stronger than ever, as it will be difficult to win the division this year.
Bottom Line: It’s gonna be one heck of a ride next season.
The Kings and Ducks will both be good, as well as Calgary and San Jose. Vancouver and Edmonton look like they will remain out of the division race this season.