Anaheim, Ca.- Following the team's fifth first round playoff exit in six years, Anaheim's GM/Owner Mark Kopsack told sources close to the team that changes were afoot. "Our roster was aging, our prospect pool was thinning a bit, and our team, quite frankly, had underachieved for the sixth straight year. It is time for change."
Veteran Players Dealt During 2009 Entry Draft
Over $12.5 million in salary were trimmed when Daniel Alfredsson and defensemen Roman Hamrlik were dealt during Round 1 of the 2009 NsHL entry draft. "We were very pleased to get two top picks (Nazem Kadri, and Louis Leblanc) in exchange for Alfredsson, however, losing a player such as he is never easy to do," Kopsack said. Roman Hamrlik was traded to the Washington Capitals for a third round pick (Josh Birkholz).
2009 Entry Draft
At the 2009 NsHL entry draft GM/Owner Mark Kopsack found himself with 4 selections inside the top two rounds (three of which were in the first round) after making a couple of trades. The Ducks were all about high-powered offense as they selected Nazem Kadri, Louis Leblanc, Kyle Palmieri, and shift winger Richard Panik. "We felt as though we chose some dynamic players who will eventually make a huge stamp on our organization," Kopsack said following the draft. The Ducks had four other picks from the third round through the seventh round and used those picks to add depth to the prospect pool. "We feel as though we had the best draft of our team's history, quite frankly," Kopsack concluded
2009 Free Agency
After suffering heavy losses on the veteran front (Dwayne Roloson, Randy Robitaille, Mark Recchi, Jeremy Roenick, and Jarkko Ruutu) the team had to add several pieces on the open market. "It was a scary time for the team as we missed out on several players we were aggressively going after. Namely Roloson." However persistence coupled with the allmighty dollar prevailed as he team was able to sign versatile wingers, Kirk Maltby and Jeff Hoggan to the team, while at the same time adding hard hitting pivot Ian Lapperriere and netminder Patrick Lalime. "We filled some huge holes with some very capable players," Kopsack told reporters after the open market closed.
2009 Coaching Change(s)
A month and a half before the season began Kopsack promoted head coach Glen Sather to the position of Special Projects Coordinator, a position he felt would strengthen the corporation's upper management structure. "We felt that Glen's abilities were better served in the front office than behind the bench, plain and simple," Kopsack told reporters at a recent press conference. Enter the picture: Cory Clouston. A dynamic, young, energetic and enthusiastic coach who brings an attacking style of play to the team. Just a few days following Sather's promotion, Clouston was hired as the team's new bench boss. "Cory, thus far, has done his part to change the entire climate and locker room environment of this hockey club and it was something that was sorely overdue," Kopsack told reporters today.
Guy Carbonneau, a defensive minded individual who brings a unique attitude behind the bench, was added to the organization as the Louisville Thunder head coach. "With Cory and Guy I think we have the league's best pair of coaches, I really do," Kopsack beamed.
2009 Preseason
The 2009-2010 season brings a fresh set of expectations to the table for the Anaheim organization. "The players look younger, faster, tougher, and a much more physical team than a year ago, believe it or not," said a season ticket holder who we found leaving training camp. "We expect some big things out of David (Krejci) who will be playing between Dustin Penner and Mike Comrie on the team's second line. Ryan (Getzlaf) and Alexei (Kovalev) will be relied on to put the puck in the back of the net, as usual," head coach Clouston told reporters. "Our defense is as mobile, hard hitting, and tough as ever. Hopefully, this league leading core of defensemen from last season will be one year better and one year tougher," Clouston added.
Contract Extensions
The Ducks were proud to announce contract extensions to Alexei Kovalev, Brian Rafalski, Christian Ehrhoff, and Tyler Arnason before the start of preseason. "These four players are incredibly important to the Anaheim organization and their willingness to sign with our franchise for several more years will make our team that much better," Kopsack confirmed. |
