It will be the same old story again this season as we wait for these veterans to make their decisions. Only this time the story will be written a bit differently. The one thing that changed? The Anaheim Ducks missing the playoffs. The moves that GM Bob Murray (or someonelse?) will make this offseason will be greatly dictated based on the decisions these players make. They have all shown they have the skills needed to play the game (and play it well). They make up 2/3 of the 2cd scoring line and (in my opinion) Scotty is worth two defensive spots in our roster.
The Anaheim Ducks organization has made it unofficial policy to keep plans close to the chest. This year it has been different. A series of interviews from the 3 players and the Anaheim Ducks GM have brought forth clues as to what may happen. At the very least they gave us food for our speculative thoughts.
Saku Koivu: (35 years old, 71gp 19g 33a 52p, 2cd line center)
Koivu had the most positive news out of the trio. In a recent interview from anaheimducks.com, Koivu made it clear that he wants to stay a Duck. He says he loves it in Anaheim and even though he wasn't satisfied with the last season, he has enjoyed his time and his role on this team. He's been a smash hit with the fans after his one year stint. Of course Koivu is the best 2cd line center since (if you count 07-08) Andy McDonald. But Koivu brings so much more than 19 goals and 52 points to the team. Koivu works night in and night out, he never gives up, he performs when he is called on to step it up, and brings an overall positive attitude and leadership that the Ducks were missing in Chris Pronger (Koivu will even take a checking role if he has to). It's no wonder the fans in Montreal loved Koivu so much.
Koivu has made it his goal to get a contract in Anaheim (he wants 2 more years) and haas stated that he hadn't even thought of and doesn't even think he will test the free agent market. Hopefully if Koivu returns it will prompt teammate Teemu Selanne to return.
My Prediction: Murray would be an idiot not to sign it.
Teemu Selanne (39 years old, 54gp 27g 21a 48p, 2cd line RW)
41 goals 31 assists 72 points.
That was Teemu's projected numbers, had he played all 82 games. That would be 2cd on our team in terms of points and 7th in the NHL in goals…7th. I hope someone tells Teemu that.
But, something tells me he knows. Well he unofficially tells us he knows. In a recent interview Teemu was asked about his retirement plans. He said he wishes he hadn't played so well, because the decision would be much easier. And he's right, he hasn't played this well since the 06-07 season. He clearly has plenty of hockey left in him. He missed 28 games and he still almost hit the 30 goal mark. Plus he still scored 600 goals and passed his boyhood idol Jarri Kurri on the all time goal scorers list. And there are still so many milestones within reach, his for the taking. That makes it tougher still on Selanne.
A factor that could cause him to lean toward his retirement is the injuries he suffered. In his mind he is more injury prone because he is getting old and frail. He is being a little too modest in this scenario. He took a speeding puck to the jaw and the hand, those kind of impacts would have injured anybody in the NHL. Still, he's got skills, he isn't getting worse (cause he's a hockey legend), he has all kinds of milestones still within reach, and he had fun in the most dismal Ducks season to date.
My Prediction: One More Year (at least)
Scott Niedermayer (36 years old, 10g, 38a, 48pts, Top Anaheim defenseman)
Scott Niedermayer has made several statements about his plans to retire over the past few days. None of them were too telling about which way he is leaning. He is more cryptic this year than any of the previous years. Although from the audio on the final thoughts, Scotty's tone didn't seem too optimistic about his answer (but who can sound optimistic after missing the playoffs, especially a captain who is a perennial winner.) plus Murray is scouting big name dman at the moment. One bit of information he HAS given is that he will make his decision very soon, not before the season begins (this coincides with Murray's comments below). This statement isn't too convincing though as he has said it before.
Scott Niedermayer is still a defensive force. The whole league wants him, and even though his play has slipped lately he is still our best dman. The Ducks should not pay him more than or 6 million dollars though, they need money to look to the future and if he demands more, they should search other options
My Prediction: Could go either way but. I say he goes this time. Koivu or Getzlaf new "C" (I'll have a separate blog on why I think "someone" should get it).
Bob Murray
Murray's game plan has changed up a bit. Since he took over for Burke, he has played the same conservative role as his predecessor. Making smart trades maintaining respect for players who have historic background with the team. That is all changing. All eyes are on him this summer to make amends for this last, horrific season. Murray went forth to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun and spoke as openly about his offseason plans as any GM has since the lockout.
He informed LeBrun that the Anaheim Ducks organization would not play the waiting game with Niedermayer and Selanne this year. He has spoken to both and has given them a strict draft day deadline. He is looking to boost the blue line and said he is open to trades and that he is unafraid to make one OR two big moves at the deadline.
This could have negative repercussions on the decision's of Selanne and Niedermayer as mulling retirement takes real time and thinking. It's a life choice. If they do not make up their minds until the season starts, they should be prepared to be paid whatever salary money is left over after free agency.
Murray obviously doesn't want to lose these players. Under ordinary circumstances he would wait. These aren't ordinary circumstances. He is responsible for organizing the first Anaheim team to miss the playoffs since the lockout. It is a mess that he is preparing himself to clean, at whatever cost.
Prediction: Well this whole Offseason preview saga is about what he will do. Stay tuned.
So thank you for reading, if you haven't done so already, make sure you check out the other parts of my offseason preview. It's pretty good, I have to say.
The next part of my preview will be on the free agents.
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