This is Anaheim Calling to the Hockey World. I know it's fairly common for other media outlets to forget that we pay hockey here on the west coast, and even more common for sports writers to ignore the efforts of west coast players when it comes time to hand out end of season awards (see Samuel Pahlsson for the Selke in 2007). Not only are the Ducks forgotten at the end of the year, it's hard to find a blogger who will pick a Ducks player in their preseason predictions as well. So, I will give you something never seen before, early predictions for hardware that feature only Ducks players. I will post the Ducks who I think have the best shot to win some of the more well known trophies.
The Hart: Getzlaf might actually win this trophy. The guy does everything, PK, Power Play, plays against the top lines in the league. Seriously, Getzlaf has the ability to take over a game.
The Norris: Niedermayer is the only possible choice. No one else has the tools, or the ability to dominate when on the ice like Scotty does. But Sbisa might make a case in 5 years.
The Richard: Bobby Ryan has a really good shot. He had 31 goals in 64 games, and he's going to be predominantly playing with Getzlaf and Perry. Perry had the most goals last year, but Bobby has a way around the net that leads me to believe he'll be finishing a lot of Getzlaf passes, and putting away a lot of rebounds.
Selke: I'm a little torn on this one. Ryan Carter looks ready to be the reincarnation of Pahlsson circa 2006-2007, but Getzlaf is adding a defensive element that is hard to beat. In the end I think Getzlaf will finish with a higher +/- and will play more against top lines than Carter does.
Vezina: Hiller. Jiggy has look a lot better than he did last year, but Hiller makes some of the most athletic saves I've seen in a while. I think Hiller is going to be around for a while.
The Art Ross: Getzlaf is an assist factory. Not to mention he has two bona-fide finishers on either wing. If he starts letting that bomb fly from the point during the power play, he might finish with a 110 points.
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