After missing the playoffs last season for just the second time in franchise history, the Anaheim Ducks loaded up this past summer to get back into the postseason.  Despite adding some big name talent like Anze Kopitar, Kyle Palmieri, and TJ Oshie, the Ducks are on the outside looking in at the midway point of the season.

Offensively, the Ducks are 12th in the Western Conference.  While their top players are consistently producing points, there are areas of concern.  Darnell Nurse and Damon Severson have combined for 0 goals.  Matt Dumba didn’t score any either for Anaheim in 30 games with the club before being traded.  Last year’s NHL Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck has a losing record and a GAA of over 2.90.  That wouldn’t be as big of a deal if the team was outscoring their defensive woes, but Anaheim is a -3 in goal differential.

Rumors are starting to heat up as to where the Ducks go from here.  The playoffs are certainly in reach, even with just a couple minor tweaks.  With that said, there’s been rumblings of the team moving out some big pieces including Brent Burns.  He certainly would be a huge piece to move, for a player who has scored 396 points in 446 career games for the franchise including winning two Norris Trophies.

This team needs to shake things up and whether that comes with a couple small moves, or a major deal, this team will look different before the end of the season.