May 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) is defended by Los Angeles Kings right wing Justin Williams (14) in game six of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Ducks 2-1 to tie the series 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
DEFENSE
Hampus Lindholm – Francois Beauchemin
extras – Bryan Allen, Mark Fistric, Ben Lovejoy
To say the Ducks blue line is crowded would be a severe understatement. With 9 defensemen under contract (8 on 1 way deals), there is the likelihood that they will have to expose at least one of them to waivers unless they can find someone to make a trade with. The big question mark is the oft-injured Souray and the confidence the Ducks have that he can play significant time without getting hurt, if he can play at all after missing last season with yet another wrist injury. Lindholm is the lone defenseman exempt from waivers, and there is no way they are sending him down after an outstanding rookie season. The Ducks have $22.4M committed to the 9 defensemen, and with the numbers as they are you would think they would prefer to move Allen and his $3.5M contract, although with Beauchemin, Allen and Souray all entering the last year of their contracts, this logjam will be short-lived.