The Anaheim Ducks, originally known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, entered the NHL in 1993, capturing the hearts of fans with their exciting brand of hockey and unique Disney-inspired branding. While names like Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry are synonymous with the franchise, many other players have donned the Ducks jersey. Some had brief stints, while others played more significant roles that have faded from memory over time. Here are three players you might have forgotten played for the Anaheim Ducks:
1. Todd Bertuzzi: Known for his controversial past with the Vancouver Canucks, Todd Bertuzzi joined the Anaheim Ducks for the 2007-08 season. Acquired by then-General Manager Brian Burke, who was familiar with Bertuzzi from his time in Vancouver, the power forward played 68 games for the Ducks, contributing 14 goals and 40 points. Despite being a solid addition to the team, Bertuzzi's time in Anaheim was short-lived. To free up cap space to re-sign Corey Perry and Scott Niedermayer, the Ducks bought out the remaining year of Bertuzzi's contract. He then signed with the Calgary Flames. While Bertuzzi's tenure in Anaheim was brief, it serves as a reminder of the team's efforts to maintain a competitive roster following their 2007 Stanley Cup victory.
2. William Karlsson: Before becoming a star with the Vegas Golden Knights, William Karlsson was drafted 53rd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011. Karlsson made his NHL debut with the Ducks during the 2014-15 season, playing in 18 games before being sent down to the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. At the 2015 NHL trade deadline, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for James Wisniewski. After a few seasons in Columbus, Karlsson was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft, where he had a breakout season, scoring 43 goals. Karlsson's journey highlights the unpredictable nature of player development and how a change of scenery can unlock a player's potential. Although his time with the Ducks was brief, his success elsewhere demonstrates the organization's eye for talent.
3. Ken Klee: A veteran defenseman with over 600 games played for the Washington Capitals, Ken Klee's career took him to several teams, including a short stint with the Anaheim Ducks. In the summer of 2007, Klee signed with the Atlanta Thrashers and was then traded to the Ducks right before the start of the 2008-09 season. However, his time in Anaheim was even shorter than Bertuzzi's, as he was claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes after just three games. Klee finished the season with the Coyotes and retired in the summer of 2009. While his time with the Ducks was fleeting, Klee's presence represents the constant roster adjustments teams make to find the right mix of players.
These three players, while perhaps not as prominent in Ducks' history as some others, each played a part in the team's story. Their inclusion serves as a reminder that the history of a franchise is built not only on its superstars but also on the contributions of those who wore the jersey, even if only for a short time. From expansion team beginnings as the "Mighty Ducks" to their Stanley Cup win in 2007 and beyond, the Anaheim Ducks' journey involves a wide array of players, each with their own unique story.
