In a significant move to bolster their roster, the Anaheim Ducks have signed veteran forward Mikael Granlund to a three-year, $21 million contract. This marks the team’s first major free-agent acquisition in over two seasons, signaling a strategic shift as the Ducks aim to improve their offensive capabilities.
Granlund, 33, brings a wealth of experience to Anaheim, having split the previous season between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. He recorded an impressive 22 goals, 44 assists, and 66 points, maintaining his performance despite transitioning from a struggling Sharks team to a contending Stars squad that reached the conference finals.
Granlund’s Versatility and Experience
Granlund’s career has seen him play for several NHL teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Minnesota Wild, the latter of which drafted him ninth overall in 2010. Internationally, he has represented Finland, earning accolades such as two World Championship gold medals and an Olympic bronze alongside former Ducks legend Teemu Selänne.
Known for his versatility, Granlund can play in all situations and line up at center or on either wing. This adaptability is crucial for the Ducks, who finished 30th in the NHL in goals last season. Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek praised Granlund’s skills, noting, “He’s a very versatile player. He was really good on faceoffs last year. He can kill penalties, play the power play, and he can really go up and down the lineup.”
Verbeek emphasized Granlund’s work ethic and ability to maintain puck possession, stating, “He’s what I’d consider a hard-worker, he goes to the hard areas, something that we needed more of. He’s not afraid to be a net-front presence guy.”
Strategic Coaching Additions
Alongside Granlund’s signing, the Ducks have made significant changes to their coaching staff. They have added two assistants to Matt McIlvane’s staff with the San Diego Gulls, their top minor-league affiliate. Dave Manson and Michael Babcock, both with strong hockey pedigrees, will join the team.
At the NHL level, under newly hired head coach Joel Quenneville, the Ducks have brought in Ryan McGill from the New Jersey Devils to lead the penalty kill. McGill’s expertise helped the Devils achieve the league’s second-best penalty kill last season, and Verbeek expressed optimism, saying he would be “ecstatic” if the Ducks could replicate that success.
Revamping the Power Play
Perhaps the most notable coaching hire is former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, who will focus on revitalizing the Ducks’ power play. Woodcroft, who has a track record of success, led the Oilers to consecutive second-place finishes in the Pacific Division and a 50-win season. Despite a challenging start to the 2023-24 season, his strategic acumen is highly regarded.
Woodcroft’s arrival is part of a broader effort to enhance the Ducks’ coaching quality. Verbeek highlighted this commitment, stating, “We really focused in on quality, quality coaching, and I feel very fortunate that we got the guys that we got. Mixed in with Joel, I think we’ve got an outstanding staff.”
Looking Ahead
The Ducks’ recent moves, both on the ice and behind the bench, reflect a concerted effort to rebuild and compete at a higher level. With Granlund’s addition and a revamped coaching staff, the team hopes to break free from past struggles and make a significant impact in the upcoming seasons.
As the Ducks prepare for the new season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these strategic changes translate into performance on the ice. The team’s ability to integrate Granlund’s versatile play and leverage the expertise of their new coaching staff will be critical to their success.
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