The Verdict: 6 NHL Teams Poised To Do Major Damage In 2014-15′ Season

Apr 5, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler (17) skates against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim Ducks:

After falling just short of advancing to the Western Conference finals, the Anaheim Ducks decided it was time to add offensive threats with playoff experience. Both Ryan Kesler, acquired via a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, and Dany Heatley fit that bill.

In 77 appearances this past season, Kesler’s 25 goals topped everyone on the Canucks team, while his 43 points ranked third behind twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin. He struggled defensively though, posting the second worst plus-minus (-15) among teammates and the worst of his career. That could have to do with the teams struggles, as he had a plus rating in every season except the one he split between the AHL and NHL (2003-04′) and the injury-shortened 2012-13′ year where he only played 17 of the lockout-shortened 48 possible games.

Starting fresh with the Ducks, he could end up centering a line which includes elite goal scorer Corey Perry. If that occurs, watch out NHL! Two guys with a nose for the net presents a unique challenge for opponents. To offer a comparison, it would be similar to the former line of Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos down south. That’s how lethal it might end up being.

With Kesler a center, however, the team needed to get a winger to replace the retired Teemu Selanne. Even though he’s known for playing on the left side, Dany Heatley provides the team with a player who can produce big offensive numbers in the right setting. His past two seasons as a member of the Minnesota Wild weren’t good, but overall he’s been able to score with the best of them. Six years potting 39+ goals and 372 in 863 career appearances proves that much.

They also signed former Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers backup netminder Jason LaBarbera, Wild defenseman Clayton Stoner and acquired via trade gritty 4th liner and superb penalty killer Nate Thompson from the Tampa Bay Lightning during Steve Yzerman’s pre-free agency frenzy.

Each one fills a need for the Ducks and, combined with their significant acquisitions up front, the Ducks could see themselves playing into late May or even June next spring.