The Anaheim Ducks must improve in various areas for a successful season, as the keys to progress could differ from person to person. After all, this organization has the fourth-longest playoff drought at six seasons and has finished in the bottom five of the NHL standings four times over that span.
The most straightforward measure for determining a successful campaign is climbing the ranks by winning more hockey games. However, focusing on some aspects that desperately need progression is important and could ultimately lead the club to its desired destination.
Molding Young Talent Into Future Leaders
The Ducks named Radko Gudas the ninth captain in franchise history on Sept. 19. “[Gudas] plays with emotion. He’s an emotional leader. We’re a young team and I thought that was important for our team,” said general manager (GM) Pat Verbeek. “One of the great things about [Gudas] is it doesn’t matter what team he plays for, his teammates love him. And I think that is an incredible asset to have as a leader.”
Even though the Ducks plan to rely on younger players to drive the team forward, it is evident that the team’s decision-makers wanted a veteran presence at the forefront. It may have been done to allow the budding stars to develop and excel a bit further away from the spotlight that comes from having the captaincy. It could also allow them to focus on playing rather than being the representative who has to speak with the media or on-ice officials. The burden of answering questions after tough losses can carry a heavy toll, especially if wins continue to be hard to come by in 2024-25.
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Still, the team will give integral roles to young core players like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Pavel Mintyukov because they will be the future leaders of the club. They will be heavily relied upon for their on-ice skills and will also play crucial roles as voices in the locker room. “We all lead together, and that’s not going to change,” said Gudas after becoming captain.
Ducks Must Be More Disciplined
Last season, the Ducks ranked second in total penalty minutes with 1,108 while receiving the most minor penalties (377), having the most shorthanded ice time (514:41), and leading the league in times shorthanded (330). Despite placing fifth overall in penalties drawn, the team had by far the worst net penalties in the NHL at minus-94….
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