2016-17 record: 46-23-13 (105 points)
Lost to Nashville in Conference Finals
Captain: Ryan Getzlaf
For the second time in three seasons, the Anaheim Ducks made the Conference Finals and for the second time in three seasons, that's where their season ended. The difference this time around is that there is no feeling of never getting over the hump, but rather what could have been had they stayed healthy. That is why the majority of the Ducks' roster remains intact.
The only changes to the roster are the losses of both Clayton Stoner and Shea Theodore to Vegas and swapping out Jonathan Bernier for Ryan Miller as the backup goaltender. They were able to re-sign Patrick Eaves to a new deal, which should help their power play, as his absence during the Nashville series was a big reason for the power play failure. Miller should provide a more established presence to push incumbent starter John Gibson, who also had an impact during the Nashville series thanks to injuries that knocked him out for the last two games of that series. Barring that, it's the same Ducks squad from last year, one that will need Corey Perry to rediscover his scoring touch and a defense that should be better for having fewer distractions (see: Hamphus Lindholm's contract dispute at the beginning of the season). As for who to look for to step in from within, Brandon Montour's emergence helped make parting with Theodore a little easier, as he appears to be ready for full-time NHL duty while they will need Nick Ritchie to step up and know when to show restraint during play, as he's cost the Ducks a game or two due to reckless play.
Prediction: 1st in the Pecific Division
Until the Edmonton Oilers show that their defense is at least average, it is the Ducks' division to lose. However, they will face stiff competition and will need to show that they can win no matter who's on the ice.
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