theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.
The Anaheim Ducks have won four consecutive Pacific Division titles, but the club still enters the 2016-17 campaign under enormous pressure to take the next step.
With essentially the same roster, and a new coach in Randy Carlyle, the Ducks are likely to be in the thick of contention in the Western Conference once again next season.
Here's a projected depth chart for Anaheim next season:
Forwards
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Ritchie | Ryan Getzlaf | Corey Perry |
| Andrew Cogliano | Ryan Kesler | Jakob Silfverberg |
| Mason Raymond | Rickard Rakell | Chris Wagner |
| Stefan Noesen | Antoine Vermette | Jared Boll |
- Newcomer Antoine Vermette is a nice addition to the Ducks' bottom six, and expect Rickard Rakell to move to center, as Nate Thompson is out indefinitely with an Achilles injury suffered in the offseason.
Defense
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Hampus Lindholm | Sami Vatanen |
| Cam Fowler | Kevin Bieksa |
| Simon Despres | Clayton Stoner |
- Hampus Lindholm is a restricted free agent in need of a contract.
- Josh Manson and Shea Theodore made strong impressions last season, and could very well play into a roster spot.
Goalies
| G |
|---|
| John Gibson |
| Jonathan Bernier |
- 23-year-old John Gibson will finally be the No. 1 man in the Ducks crease, as Frederik Andersen was dealt to Toronto in the offseason
- Backing up Gibson in net will be former Leaf Jonathan Bernier
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