2012-13 record: 30-12-6 (66 points)
Lost to Detroit in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Ryan Getzlaf
The Ducks made a return to prominence in the regular season, finishing behind only Chicago in the standings. However, a first round series with Detroit showed that they have a long way to go before they can win another Stanley Cup. Many of the key player from last year return, but Bobby Ryan was sent to Ottawa in the off-season. Getting Jakob Silfverberg and Stefan Noesen in that trade will help quite a bit, with Silfverberg on the verge of breaking out this coming season. Sheldon Souray's injury also raises some problems, but expect Hamphus Lindholm to get his shot at the vacant blue line spot. Goaltending is still Jonas Hiller and Victor Fasth, with top prospect John Gibson waiting in the wings.
Prospects: With Souray's injury, the vacant spot is Lindholm's for the taking. Rickard Rakell and Peter Holland are likely battling for the third or fourth line center spot, and Noesen has an outside shot at making the team out of training camp. Gibson will start the season in the AHL, as the goaltending spot is solid in the NHL.
Prediction: 2nd in the Pacific Division
Many of the players from last year return, and that includes Teemu Selanne, who has said this will be his last year. That should provide plenty of motivation for the Ducks to give the long-time face of the franchise one more Stanley Cup run.
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