On January 14, 2019, the Anaheim Ducks announced they have traded forward Andrew Cogliano for Dallas Stars forward Devin Shore. This was after the Ducks dropped their 11th game in a row. The streak to now at 12 games. This trade was after General Manager, Bob Murray stated he wasn’t considering a coaching change but would like to hold players accountable. Hence, the questionable trade of Cogliano. The Ducks also traded Pontus Aberg to the Minnesota Wild for Justin Kloos.

This has caused speculation on who else would be next to be traded. Jakob Silfverberg‘s name was rumored previously this season and has sparked again after the trade. TSN’s Insider Trading segment, which features Gino Reda, Darren Dreger, and Pierre Lebrun. They discuss other news from the league but also talk about Silfverberg in their lasted segment. See the full show here: Insider Trading

Lebrun stated the following during this segment: Silfverberg is a player that is a top priority and a player they would like to keep. He is a two-time 20 goal scorer (2015-16 and 2016-17). Murray sees him [Silfverberg] as part of the solution and not the problem. He thinks the Ducks will try to re-sign him to a contract extension; however, will ship him out if he requires a higher price than they’re willing to pay. The Ducks do not want to lose Silfverberg without getting anything in return.

Silfverberg was originally selected in the second round (39th overall) in the NHL entry draft by the Ottawa Senators. On July 5, 2013, Silfverberg was part of a deal that sent him to the Ducks. Silfverberg has played in 412 games with the Ducks, scoring 209 points (95 goals and 114 assists). He is in his last year of a four-year, $15 million dollar contract and has no clauses that prevent him from being traded. He has played 42 games scoring 19 points (12 goals and 7 assists).

There would be a demand for the 28-year-old right winger. A lot of teams would love to add his speed and potential upside in goal scoring. He has been a player that has had a decent run during this losing streak. He has a high intensity and would thrive on a contending team. He knows how to put the puck in the net, which a lot of teams would love to add. Also, brings in that veteran presence that can help guide younger players. Even if he’s just a rental player.

Silfverberg left the game against the Detroit Red Wings with a lower-body injury. He did not return and his status is up in the air. He was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. His value is in limbo as of right now. If this is a long term injury this may drop his trade value but if this is short term then he can get team’s knocking at the door when he gets healthy.

Silfverberg isn’t going to fetch a high first-round pick. Even a lower first round pick at that. He is a UFA and hasn’t done too much to get his value that high. I would predict a lower second or third pick accompanied by a mid-level prospect player. An even swap of a player similar to his style but younger would be a possibility knowing Murray’s track record. 

Silfverberg has hit the 40 point mark twice and missed that mark by one point another two times. He still has a few years left to produce some big numbers and potential set career highs. He currently makes 3.75 million (Cap Friendly) and is set to get an increase from that. If he can double his current numbers and keep up his tempo of play then I can see him commanding about $5.5 million plus. He can possibly fetch about a million more if he hits the free agent market.

I don’t see the Ducks paying that much for him. They have a lot of younger talent in the pipeline that can fill the void. A lot of hungry and capable players that will thrive when given the opportunity. I like Silfverberg a lot and don’t want to see him in another jersey but I agree with the experts and would hate to lose him for nothing. If we can’t re-sign him by the deadline then we should at least get some sort of return for him. We definitely don’t want to gamble on this and end up having I’m walk come July first. As for now, he will stay put because it is really hard to see a team trading for him while he is on IR. If this is long term then the Ducks need to get him re-signed because losing him for absolutely nothing would sting a lot more.