3 From 30: Anaheim Ducks’ Rising 3

This is a new series that will follow each team. I will pick three players from every team that I think will be great in this upcoming season. I will start out this series with the Anaheim Ducks.

May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Emerson Etem (65) skates down the ice against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Led by Corey Perry, the Anaheim Ducks made it into the playoffs last year. They played strong in the first round, losing to the Detroit Red Wings in 7 games. Even though they got knocked out early, they did look very promising. There are three players that I can definitely see stepping up, especially since Bobby Ryan has left the team and went to the Ottawa Senators.

Emerson Etem played awesome last year. He seemed like he fit right in with the crew, with his speed and skill. Etem had produced three goals and seven assists in 38 NHL games. That’s not really a lot, but he has some great room to improve. He also notched five points in seven playoff games. With the leader they have, and his little bit of playoff experience, he can come back stronger next season. He isn’t the only player who we will see improve.

May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) moves the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Fowleris a strong defenseman. In his 195 NHL games(3 seasons)he has recorded 16 goals and 64 assists to total 80 points. This defenseman peaked in his first season at 40 points. He played rather well that season, and has slumped ever since. But this can be his season. If these two players advance the way I plan on them to, this Anaheim team could go far into the playoffs next season. But, there is still one more player to go.

May 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Andrew Cogliano (7) skates with the puck against the Detroit Red Wings in game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Cogliano joined the Ducks from the Edmonton Oilers the season before the lockout. He has recorded 49 points in 130 games in the Ducks uniform. This isn’t great, but he has room to advance. The way he plays, he could definitely work out some squeaks during the offseason and tear up the competition next season. I remember during the playoffs last year, I always held my breath when he had the puck. I was afraid he would break out some wicked moves against the Red Wings. Luckily for me, he only recorded one assist.

That was it for the Anaheim Ducks. Let me know who you think will improve for this team. You can tweet me @NardoneDylan or the site @tmmots. Email us at tmmots@yahoo.ca and you can email me at Dylan.nardone@gmail.com.