3 Anaheim Ducks who might see a performance dip next season feat. Frank Vatrano

The Anaheim Ducks had an up-and-down season last year as the club looked to build on as many positive points as possible.

Players like Mason McTavish stood out as ones who took a strong step forward. However, others could be potential candidates for a regression next season. While Ducks fans will hope that won’t be the case, there’s reason to believe that a performance dip may be on the horizon for some.

Here’s a closer look at three Anaheim Ducks who might see a drop in their performance next season.

3 Anaheim Ducks who might see a performance dip next season

#3. Cam Fowler

Fowler was Anaheim’s top-scoring blueliner with five goals and 39 points last season. While his points total wasn’t bad given the circumstances, two issues emerge.

First, Fowler’s point production dropped nearly 10 points from the previous season. This situation may be an indication that Fowler’s production could be on the decline. If that’s the case, an even lower points total this season could be a possibility.

Second, Fowler was a minus-36. That stat is alarming, considering that the previous season saw Fowler put up a minus-23.

Of course, plus/minus ratings don’t depend solely on one player on the ice. Nevertheless, the number does paint a concerning trend that could be a signal of a significant regression this upcoming season.

#2. Troy Terry

Terry topped the 20-goal mark for the third year in a row. However, his goal total was a considerable drop from two years ago when he scored 37.

Moreover, last season marked the second year in a row that Terry’s points total dropped. He went from a career high 67 points in 2021-22 to 61, and then 54 this past season.

As such, these numbers may be an indication that Terry is trending downward. If that’s the case, this season could mark a further regression, potentially seeing him miss the 20-goal mark.

The Ducks will need Terry to return to his old goal-scoring form to have any chance of climbing out of the basement.

#1. Frank Vatrano

Vatrano led the Anaheim Ducks in scoring last year with 37 goals and 60 points. Those numbers marked career highs for Vatrano, surpassing his previous career high of 41 points by a wide margin.

While last year’s point totals could represent a turning point in Vatrano’s career, chances are his production will see a dip this upcoming season.

Specifically, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Vatrano’s numbers regress to his career averages of roughly 30 to 40 points per season.

Perhaps a more realistic expectation would be 20-plus goals and 40-plus points for the 30-year-old Duck.