Ducks Show Interest In MacKenzie Weegar

Photo: NHL

By Michael Walters

According to Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts Article and podcast, the Anaheim Ducks have shown interest in Florida defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.

Weegar has played with Florida Panthers since the 2016-17 season. He has appeared in 172 games registering 41 total points(13 Goals + 28 Assists). He has 13 penalty minutes and an on-ice rating of +8. His offensive numbers aren’t off the charts, but he had improved each year with last season being his best recording seven goals and 11 assists. He has also been taking more shots as he averaged close to 80 shots in each of the last two seasons.

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The rest of his game centers on being a physical presence. He does an excellent job of shot-blocking by clogging up the shooting lanes and he also puts a body on forwards that try to camp out in front of the net. He will hound forwards causing them to lose the puck or make a turnover.

He is currently a Restricted Free Agent with his contract being worth $1.6 million last season. Other teams that have shown interest are Boston, Colorado, Toronto, and Winnipeg.

Analysis

Weegar is the exact type of defenseman Anaheim should add to the lineup. The 6-foot, 200 pound Canadien has the size and is a right-handed shot. He was playing in a top-four role with Florida last season, but likely would be slotted in Anaheim’s third defensive pairing with the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk. Anaheim’s only real physical defenseman is Josh Manson, so having a second one that can take some pressure off John Gibson would be beneficial.

In terms of the cap, the Ducks are close to $1 million over the limit currently per Cap Friendly. NHL teams can be over the cap limit by 10% during the offseason and Anaheim still has Ryan Kesler‘s LTIR as a cushion. The question is what will it take for Anaheim to land Weegar. The Ducks have several defensemen that will be competing for the third pairing next season. Maybe Anaheim can offer up at least one of them and a draft pick or two.

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October 14th, 2020