Can an NHL franchise named after a Disney movie pose as a rival for the Seattle Kraken? Yes, the Anaheim Ducks were originally tied to the movie, but they dropped the ‘Mighty,’ won a Stanley Cup, and in October will become a Pacific Division rival of the Seattle Kraken.

How big of a rival can they become?

As we discussed when we got to know the Sharks last week, the heat index of a rivalry usually rises after an intense playoff series, but the Ducks and Kraken will get to know each other well playing in the same division.

While there has been some Seattle-Los Angeles heat in sports before, Anaheim has not been much of a thought to Seattle other than a spring break vacation locale for families with kids. The Ducks have some youth in their system and will be up-and-comers in the Pacific sooner rather than later.

That alone will be annoying, which could a rivalry make.

Let’s get to know the Anaheim Ducks

Established:  1993

Nickname history: Original team name was The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, based on the 1992 film The Mighty Ducks. The team’s original owners were the Walt Disney Company, who were also the producers of the film. In 2006, and with new ownership, the nickname was shortened to ‘Ducks.’

First season in NHL: 1993-1994 (33-46-5 record)

AHL affiliate: San Diego Gulls

ECHL affiliate: Tulsa Oilers

Stanley Cup Final appearances: 2003 (Lost to New Jersey Devils 4 games to 3), 2007 (Beat the Ottawa Senators 4 games to 1)

Presidents’ Trophies: none

Division titles: Six

All-time leading scorer: Teemu Selanne (988 points)

All-time leader in goals: Teemu Selanne (457)

All-time leader in assists: Ryan Getzlaf (703)

Blink and you miss this Ryan Getzlaf goal off the dot. 😳 pic.twitter.com/Esp2U25J7P

— NHL (@NHL) June 21, 2020

2020-2021 record: 17-30-9 (8^th in West Division)

2020-2021 leading scorer: Maxime Comtois (16 goals, 17 assists, 33 points in 55 games)

Cap Space: Zero

Highest-paid player: Cam Fowler, D, $6.5 million through 2025-2026

Players with no-move clauses: None

Top Prospect: Trevor Zegras

Potential Expansion Draft exposures: Kevin Shattenkirk, Josh Manson, Josh Mahura

Chance of becoming heated Kraken rival: Fair