Ducks' settled lineup brings measure of calm

The latest air of uncertainty was released following the recent trades of defensemen Mathieu Schneider and Sean O'Donnell, giving the Ducks a clearer picture of who will remain in the organization.

Though the departures might be better described as a fire sale, they cleared enough money from the books to sink the Ducks under the salary cap, re-sign popular forward Teemu Selanne and allow the remaining players to fully concentrate on the season opener Oct. 9 in San Jose.

Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger, who scored twice in a 3-2 overtime victory Wednesday night against the Kings at Honda Center, including the game-winner with 1 minute 56 remaining in overtime, was sorry to see his teammates depart but said it's important for the roster to be settled heading into the season.

"You want to have your team solidified by the end of training camp," said Pronger, who scored his first goal in the opening minute of the game. "Make sure guys know who is going forward and who's going to be committed and dedicated to the task at hand."

Two months into last season, the Ducks were confronted with uncertainty when defenseman Scott Niedermayer decided to end his three-month hockey sabbatical and return to the team. To make salary room for Niedermayer, the Ducks traded center Andy McDonald to St. Louis.

After the recent trades and addition of several new players to the defensive corps, Pronger said he doesn't anticipate any delay in getting accustomed to his teammates. Among the newcomers on the Ducks' blue line are Ken Klee, who was part of the Schneider trade, and Steve Montador, who was acquired in the off-season through free agency. There are a number of young players also pushing to make the roster.

"You look at Kenny and Steve, both physical guys who can move and make plays," Pronger said. "That's kind of where the league is going, mobile guys who can make passes and move the puck up the ice, get it into the forward's hands and play solid defense."

Putting the puck in the net is also a valuable skill, as Pronger showed against the Kings.

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The departure of Schneider and O'Donnell is good news for Kent Huskins, a 29-year-old who played six minor-league seasons.