Post by Anaheim Ducks on Jul 6, 2022 17:03:07 GMT -6
The Anaheim Ducks failed to make the playoffs by 1 point, while the farm team San Diego Gulls finished 2nd overall and went on the win the Calder Cup. GM Travis Felts sat down with the media briefly following the completion of both playoffs.
First of, congrats on the success of the San Diego Gulls. What does the Calder Cup win mean for the organization?
Thank you. You know, it is always great to win. A lot of young guns stepped up in the playoffs. Guys who spent the year in the minors, guys who bounced between the minors and the Ducks, and guys who couldn’t find a consistent or significant role on the big club. When given the chance in important games, they killed it. We will be given some players a bigger look next year for sure.
The Ducks ended the season on quite a run, but was it too little too late?
We got too far behind early on in the season. Once the guys got used to each other and found chemistry, they started showing results. It looked optimistic, but optimism alone doesn't win cups. It is a long and grinding season.
Fans are blaming the missed post-season on the head coach, a major criticism was the amount of line changes throughout the season. What is the status of Jeff Blashill?
He will be here next year. Players have to play. Can’t blame it all on the coach. Some guys had career years; others didn’t meet expectations. We will assess the lineup in the off-season and their performance in the pre-season. Hopefully this year we will find the right chemistry earlier.
You said you will be assessing the lineup, does that mean trades or UFA signings are in the works?
Sure. The team is competitive, and players will need to step into larger roles, or we will need to fill in the missing pieces from outside.
Do you think you will be able to get out of the strong Pacific division next year?
Yes.
First of, congrats on the success of the San Diego Gulls. What does the Calder Cup win mean for the organization?
Thank you. You know, it is always great to win. A lot of young guns stepped up in the playoffs. Guys who spent the year in the minors, guys who bounced between the minors and the Ducks, and guys who couldn’t find a consistent or significant role on the big club. When given the chance in important games, they killed it. We will be given some players a bigger look next year for sure.
The Ducks ended the season on quite a run, but was it too little too late?
We got too far behind early on in the season. Once the guys got used to each other and found chemistry, they started showing results. It looked optimistic, but optimism alone doesn't win cups. It is a long and grinding season.
Fans are blaming the missed post-season on the head coach, a major criticism was the amount of line changes throughout the season. What is the status of Jeff Blashill?
He will be here next year. Players have to play. Can’t blame it all on the coach. Some guys had career years; others didn’t meet expectations. We will assess the lineup in the off-season and their performance in the pre-season. Hopefully this year we will find the right chemistry earlier.
You said you will be assessing the lineup, does that mean trades or UFA signings are in the works?
Sure. The team is competitive, and players will need to step into larger roles, or we will need to fill in the missing pieces from outside.
Do you think you will be able to get out of the strong Pacific division next year?
Yes.
