2. Rakell's move to center
Kesler's absence has created an opening in the middle, and the Ducks appear ready to fill it with Rickard Rakell. The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout season when he had 51 points (33 goals, 18 assists), and his 18.6 shooting percent was tied for fifth in the NHL among those who played at least 60 games. Most of those numbers came while playing on the wing, where he could focus more on his offense and less on defensive responsibilities.
3. Progression of young defensemen
The absence of Lindholm and Vatanen should open the door for defensemen Marcus Pettersson, 21, Andy Welinski, 24, and Josh Mahura, 19, but it will be up to last season's newcomers to help replace their production, including Brandon Montour, 23, who didn't make the Ducks out of training camp last year and was in the American Hockey League through late February. Despite that, Montour ended up being one of Anaheim's most skilled defensemen down the stretch and into the playoffs.
4. Regaining power-play strength
The Ducks led the League on the power play in 2015-16 (23.1 percent) but dipped to 17th last season (18.7 percent) before going 7-for-54 (13 percent) in the playoffs. Of Anaheim's top six point-producers on the power play two seasons ago, only Kesler improved his point total (from 15 to 20) last season.
5. Perry's production
Forward Corey Perry scored 43 goals in 2013-14 and 34 two seasons ago, but he took a big step back last season with 19 goals despite playing in 82 games for the second consecutive season. Perry should still be in his prime at 32; he's six days younger than center and longtime teammate Ryan Getzlaf, who had 73 points (15 goals, 58 assists) last season. It's not unreasonable to expect a bounce-back season for Perry.