The Associated Press
ANAHEIM DUCKS
LAST SEASON: 54-20-8, 116 points. Won Pacific Division. Lost to Los Angeles in second round of playoffs.
COACH: Bruce Boudreau, 4th season with Ducks, 111-55-22; 8th overall in NHL.
ADDED: C Ryan Kesler, C Nate Thompson, D Clayton Stoner, LW Dany Heatley.
LOST: G Jonas Hiller, RW Teemu Selanne, C Saku Koivu, C Nick Bonino, C Mathieu Perreault, C Daniel Winnik, D Luca Sbisa, D Stephane Robidas.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Devante Smith-Pelly. After bouncing between the NHL and the minors for three years, the speedy, tough-nosed right wing is poised to build on his breakthrough effort as Anaheim’s top goal-scorer in the postseason. He’s likely to get a chance to contribute on the deep Ducks’ top three lines.
OUTLOOK: Kesler and Thompson make the Ducks tougher down the middle, and this deep, balanced club should be in position to contend for the Stanley Cup again. Anaheim is taking its biggest risk in net, hoping Frederik Andersen and prospect John Gibson are ready for full-time NHL duty.
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