Anaheim Ducks
While the Anaheim Ducks finished 12 points ahead of the Sharks, they still have a lot of work to do to find their way to the playoffs as they finished 39 points behind the Vegas Golden Knights, the second wildcard team. Like the Sharks, the Ducks are mostly built on younger players but still have a couple of veterans on their team.
The younger players like Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish are one year older now. For a team that is looking to turn the corner sooner rather than later, it will be up to these players to help this team move in the right direction. The Ducks also have a few older players that hopefully can help this team stay focused if they do end up heading in the wrong direction in the standings.
The veterans, Ryan Strome, Radko Gudas and Cam Fowler have been in this league for a long time and have played their share of playoff games. The Ducks are hoping that these players can help to bring the younger players along. Even if the Ducks missed the playoffs this year, they will need to show growth and the veterans, will need to help guide the youngsters in the right direction.
Prediction
For all the teams in the Pacific Division I think that it is going to be the Anaheim Ducks that make the biggest improvement. While I do not think they will end up with a playoff spot when all is said and done. I do honestly think that they will be battling it out for a wild card spot this year. I picture them having a similar season to what the Flames and Kraken had last year.
The Ducks still do not have the depth or top-end talent to make them a contender, but I think in a couple of years, if all their young players mature properly, the Ducks are going to be a team to watch out for.