Are the Ducks Getting the Right Players?

A first-round playoff exit for the (my) Anaheim Ducks was a stepping stone in their pace back towards the Stanley Cup. Now the offseason will prove if they can actually take that next step, and it starts with acquiring players from Edmonton...or is it really a step backwards?

Over the past few days, the Ducks traded for Andrew Cogliano and signed Jeff Deslauriers to serve as a backup for potential returnee Jonas Hiller. The Ducks did not resign Ray Emery, leading to the Deslauriers signing. I think the Cogliano signing was a lot better and while Deslaurier was great for Edmonton, he proved at times that he's not the most reliable player in the league.

I think the Ducks are getting the players but it's going to take a while for them to really blend in with the Ducks' offense, especially since Todd Marchant is retired and the potential retirement of one Teemu Selanne. If Selanne does indeed retire, I think Cogliano can fill the void that Selanne will leave. He is very speedy through the center and prove time-and-time again that his speed and agility really helps shut down defenses. If you looked at him in Edmonton last year, he was very agile and knew exactly how to kill the defenses, such as Calgary and Minnesota to name a few.

Now while I believe Teemu might not retire, it doesn't mean that he's already an impact for the team in the offseason. If Teemu does come back, it means he and Cogliano are going to be a great help along the Ducks' offensive line. It also means that the Ducks will be more improved than they were last season, especially with Cogliano.

Let's go back to goaltending now. With Deslaurier coming in, will we see the end of Dan Ellis? I am a big fan of Dan Ellis when he was with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now that he's with the Ducks, he has proven himself a great goaltender when the Ducks have asked him. But Deslaurier might signal the end of the Ellis in Anaheim. I would look for him to get traded before the trading deadline next February because if Deslaurier is signed for two years, it means that Ellis might already be on his way out. I hate to see Dan Ellis go but some things are unavoidable when it comes to Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray.

There are still some things that I just don't get about the Ducks. Their offseason moves either seem to leave question marks or prove that they are not reliable. However, with Cogliano, I think the Ducks will have a shot. What do you think, Ducks fans? Will Cogliano prove himself in Anaheim? We'll find out, puckheads.