With Franchise Hockey manger 7 being released this past week, it was time for a new Dynasty. Hopefully one I actually make it a few seasons into. My original thought was doing a "what if" 1979 season. What if the NHL took all 7 WHA teams, including Wayne Gretzky's Indianapolis Racers. But that's gonna take alot more time to set up with logos and rosters. So for the time being, I'm gonna start with a modern day NHL dynasty. Please welcome back, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
Anaheim announces changes
In a surprise move the Anaheim Ducks are making multiple changes in the organization. Up first is the team name and branding. For the first time since the 2005-2006 season the team will once again be called the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. They will also be reverting back to their inaugural logos and jerseys. Anaheim won the Stanley Cup the first year they dropped the “Mighty” but they have not been to the Stanley Cup Finals in the past 13 seasons since.
The Mighty Ducks also announced a new GM in the same press conference. After back to back seasons of not qualifying for the playoffs and getting swept by in-state rival the San Jose Sharks the last time they did make the playoffs, ownership announced it was time to look for new or in this case old blood.
Taking over the GM responsibilities for the newly renamed Mighty Ducks will be a very familiar face for Duck fans, the teams 1st ever draft pick and 4th overall in 1993, Paul Kariya. Kariya played for the Ducks for 9 seasons from 1994-2003.
Changes in AHL affiliate for the Mighty Ducks
In other news the the team announced they have also changed their AHL affiliation and have cut ties with the San Diego Gulls, who have been their affiliate since 2015. The Mighty Ducks have annoucned they are bringing back the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks to the AHL. Cincinnati was the affiliate from 1997-2005.
The Mighty Ducks open preseason tomorrow night against instate rivals San Jose Sharks. The Sharks finished 8th in the Pacific last season, going 29-36 and failing to qualify for the playoffs.