Ryan Getzlaf
Having notched 45 points in 43 games, Getzlaf has forced his way into the Hart conversation. He’s been the focal point of Anaheim’s offense. The next highest scorer on the team is 16 points behind him, and he’s done a lot of his damage without usual linemate Corey Perry, who has missed significant time due to illness and injury. As a result of Perry’s absences, Getzlaf hasn’t had a consistent set of linemates either, yet he’s still managed to absolutely tear it up offensively. Grade: A+
Ryan Kesler
Through 43 games, Kesler has been exactly as advertised: a steady second line presence that can pile up points while being responsible defensively. Although he starts the majority of his shifts in the defensive zone, he actually has a positive shot attempt differential. On any given night, Kesler has at least two or three shifts where he’ll simply dominate possession. On pace for around 60 points, his season has been a resounding success. Grade: A
Corey Perry
After an absolutely torrid start to the season, Perry has repeatedly been set back by health issues. In only 28 games, he’s notched 15 goals and 24 points, and has looked every bit as dangerous and aggravating to the opposition. His possession statistics aren’t impressive, but his sheer talent and attention that he commands on the ice more than outweigh that deficiency. Health will dictate how he fares the rest of the way, yet he remains a force to be reckoned with when in the lineup. Grade: B+
Matt Beleskey
It remains to be seen whether Beleskey can maintain his 16.7 percent shooting (probably not), but a team-leading 17 goals at the midway point is no joke. He’s bounced around from line to line, looking especially potent when slotted with Ryan Getzlaf. He leads all Ducks forwards in possession rating, hinting that his goal scoring can be maintained as the season wears on. Grade: B+
Patrick Maroon
Maroon has two measly goals on the season, but don’t be fooled: he’s still posting a very respectable possession rating and provides a physicality beneath the goal line that few Anaheim forwards can match. He’s also suffering from some horrible puck luck with a microscopic 3.7 percent shooting percentage. Part of that is bad luck, but he’s also missed a handful of golden opportunities that could easily pad his stats. Whether he’s scoring or not, Maroon remains one of Anaheim’s most important forwards. Grade: B
Jakob Silfverberg
Much like Maroon, Silfverberg has been suffering from an incredibly low shooting percentage. More was expected in raw production from a player who was acquired in exchange for Bobby Ryan. However, there’s reason to believe that Silfverberg can reverse this trend. Although Boudreau has used on him on just about every line, he continues to have one of the team’s best possession ratings. When he’s on the ice, there’s a good chance he’s creating shots for himself and his linemates. His positive impact on even strength play should eventually help his goal totals come up. Grade: B
Kyle Palmieri
Unfortunately, Palmieri missed a large chunk of the season due to injury. His play on the ice is barely breaking even possession wise, but his production has been excellent in the games that he has played. He’s also managed to provide perhaps one of the Ducks’ coolest goals of the season, so he has that going for him. Grade: B-
Andrew Cogliano
There aren’t many third liners in the National Hockey League that can match Cogliano’s speed. He’s tenacious on the forecheck and can actually provide some offense as well. When he’s on the ice, the Ducks generally control the play, although not by as great of a margin as Silfverberg and Maroon. All that could really improve in his game is his offensive production, yet his defensive play is so steady for a third liner that he’s already providing more than enough for Anaheim. Grade: B-
Nate Thompson
Given some of the toughest minutes of any Ducks player, Thompson has managed to come out with respectable numbers for a fourth line center. It is difficult to grade him alongside players who carry much greater responsibility, but as far as his assignments are concerned, he’s performed well enough. Grade: B-
Devante Smith-Pelly
Smith-Pelly has had an extremely underwhelming season. While he hasn’t looked out of place in Anaheim’s top-six, he simply hasn’t produced enough to justify his consistent looks on the top two lines. His physicality is a nice asset, but it doesn’t outweigh his mediocre play at even strength. A few goals in the next few games would go a long way in sparking his play. Grade: C+
Rickard Rakell
Rakell has been serviceable as a third line center. His positive impact on five on five play has been a nice bonus, and his production isn’t all that bad considering However, it’s difficult to argue that he’s really had any sort of meaningful impact past the fact that he doesn’t hurt the team possession-wise. Anaheim would benefit quite a bit from his increased production. Grade: C+
Tim Jackman
Jackman’s role on the Ducks isn’t all that complicated: get out there and smash some bodies. In that respect, he’s done just fine. As far as contributing to any other facet of the game, he’s having a very Tim Jackman-esque season. Grade: C
Rene Bourque
Bourque has been given every imaginable opportunity to succeed on the Ducks. First line and first power play unit minutes have amounted to two goals in 19 games. He’s had little to no impact, and it’s a wonder that Boudreau continues to give him top line minutes. Grade: D
