Pronger saw his tenure with the Ducks end at three seasons after a Norris Trophy nomination and a Stanley Cup Championship in 2007. But Anaheim did not see their defense depletion stop there; puck-moving defenseman Francois Beauchemin agreed to a three-year, $11.4 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 5th. He even had a few harsh words about not being re-signed for his former GM Bob Murray and Anaheim Ducks management.
“Yeah, I am a little bit disappointed by them,” Beauchemin said on a media conference call, “Obviously, I had four great years there. When you play in a place for four years and win a Stanley Cup, it’s always tough to leave, but at the same time, when they don’t want you, it’s time to move on.”
The Ducks did lock up captain Scott Niedermayer to a 1-year deal worth $6 million on July 1st. Murray said that Niedermayer “was paramount” to keep on the Ducks. Scott put up an impressive 59 points in 82 games last season, which was the fifth time he amassed 50 or more points in his 16 seasons in the NHL. Not only is Scott capable of quarterbacking a power-play or moving in on an offensive rush, he adds the ability to lead and take control of game situations in every aspect.
Added just before the trade deadline last season, Ryan Whitney is another strong defenseman to have on any blue line. Whitney is another fast defenseman that can carry the puck out from his zone and make smart passes. He is also very strong on the power-play. He does not possess the booming shot of Pronger, but he is very agile and can thread the needle on the pass. Not being a very physical defenseman, Ryan plays his position well and is rarely caught up ice on an odd-man rush.
James Wisniewski was also a late-season acquisition for the Ducks in March, being involved in the Sami Pahlsson deal with Chicago. Wisniewski will not put pucks in the net like Niedermayer or Whitney, but will do all of the dirty work that wins games in the long run. He sacrificed his body numerous times in the Ducks' two playoff rounds in 2009, not to mention throwing hits when needed. He runs under the radar as a smart defenseman that can easily be used against top lines. His determination is his greatest attribute.
Just announced on Thursday, Nick Boynton will be adding his grit to the lineup. Signing a 1-year, $1.5 million contract, Boynton moves from Florida to Anaheim. Nick was drafted by Boston at 21st overall in 1999 for his speediness and ability to move the puck in tight situations. Nick has added muscle to those qualities as well, and is most well known for that nowadays. He will fit in well with a rough and tough Anaheim lineup.
The Ducks have a great young player that could crack the lineup as well. Projected to be the first Italian to ever play on the Ducks, Luca Sbisa has the potential to be a steady sixth or seventh defenseman next season. Luca was acquired from Philadelphia in the Pronger deal to help fill the hole left on defense. At the tender age of 19, Sbisa is yet another puck moving defenseman that will be even more effective in the future.
When adding in the toughness of Sheldon Brookbank and the speed of Brett Festerling, the Ducks still hone a strong defensive battery. If Jonas Hiller can recreate his magic from the 2009 playoffs, the Anaheim Ducks might have the strongest defense in the Pacific Division.
Keywords: anaheim ducks, bob murray, brett festerling, chris pronger, francois beauchemin, james wisniewski, jonas hiller, luca sbisa, nhl, nick boynton, pacific division, ryan whitney, sami pahlsson, scott niedermayer, sheldon brookbank
