The Anaheim Ducks will start the season with their new GM Pat Verbeek making his first full season run with the team. Verbeek traded away several players last season and brought in several new faces to the team.

The team turned things around last season, but only slightly. Can Verbeek get this team accelerated to be a contender for the playoffs or will the Ducks continue another year in the rebuild?

Regardless how the season unfolds for the Ducks, they will be exciting to watch with a mix of young and veteran talent. Pat Verbeek brought in John Klingberg, Frank Vatrano, and Dylan Strome to add some veteran leadership to the team.

Anaheim will be playing against tough competition with teams like the Kings, Flames, and Knights all improving in the off-season. The Ducks will need to improve their special teams play and defense in order to compete this season for the playoffs.

Photo Credit - Getty Images & USA TODAY

Mike Walthers - Ducksnpucks/ Olde City Sports Network