Black Friday Trade Deals

By Eddie Richard

The Anaheim Ducks finally got their first regulation against the New York Rangers, but then lost to Ottawa on Black Friday and are in last place in the league with only 13 points. It is safe to say the Ducks are going to be sellers at this year’s deadline. Until then, get ready for a lot of pre-deadline trade rumors regarding Ducks players. The Ducks have the third highest cap space available with $14,437,428.

The Ducks currently have seven roster players who will be unrestricted free agents this post season. Those players are John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk, Dmitry Kulikov, Nathan Beaulieu, Derek Grant, John Moore, and Anthony Stolarz. As reported by Pierre Lebrun, the Ducks may have wanted to extend Klingbeg originally, but it is not the case now due to his play with the Ducks and the big return they can get for him. It is safe to say that most of the other UFAs could be gone soon. Other notable players that could draw interest are Max Comtois, Max Jones, Jakob Silfverberg, and John Gibson. I can see a lot of teams who would be interested in Jones, but I feel like he has a future with the Ducks and will break out soon.

I took look at five teams who could be potential trade partners for the Ducks in the near future. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

There have been a lot of talk swirling around the Toronto Maple Leafs due to three of their big minute defensemen being injured. Jake Muzzin is out indefinitely and might not be able to return at all. Morgan Rielly is out approximately six weeks, and T.J. Brodie is out another few weeks. The Leafs recently acquired Conor Timmins from the Arizona Coyotes, but he has been injury prone during his short career, too. The Leafs need some help, but the problem is they are limited due to their cap space. They would have to shed a contract(s), and the Ducks would need to retain salary.

Alexander Kerfoot and his $3.5 million dollar contract is a player that is interesting. He has underperformed and is not going to get an extension by the Leafs. Even if they do not acquire a defenseman, the Ducks could afford to take on his contract with some assets. I feel like Kulikov or Shattenkirk might be the best options. Shattenkirk could log in big minutes and can contribute more with a better lineup and a new system. I feel like the Leafs need an upgrade in net and someone who can steal games. Gibson could be the piece they need to make a huge run in the playoffs. If a trade would go down for Gibson, then Mitch Marner or William Nylander has to be part of the deal. They have also been linked to Frank Vatrano, but I feel like the Ducks want to keep him and be part of the rebuild process.

Colorado Avalanche

While listening to Adrian Dater’s podcast (Can’t hear what Jeremy says), he mentions Comtois and the Colorado Avalanche. Note: It just was him just spit balling(aka speculating) and there is no “official” rumor linking Comtois. Comtois still has some great hockey in his tank but has been underperforming with the Ducks the past couple of seasons. A change of scenery can help reignite his spark.

Photo: USA Today

The Avalanche’s Samuel Girard seems to be on the block and is someone that the Ducks could be interested in. He is 24 years old and is signed to $5 million dollar contract until 2027-28. The offensive defensemen could easily fit in a top 4 role with the Ducks and help spark something on the penalty kill. Comtois physical play, coupled with his ability to score goals, could pay instant dividends for the Avs. Another option I have is Adam Henrique. The Avs seem to have a hole to fill at their second center spot. Alex Newhook was expected to step in that role, but he has not been performing to expectation, and a viable second center could be something they need for another playoff run.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have two of the best players in the world but can never seem to get over their playoff hump. This season, they have some struggles in net and on their blue line. Jack Campbell has been a disappointment, but rookie goalie Stuart Skinner has been playing well. They have been linked to Gibson in the past and he could really boost their chances to win. However, they already invested in Campbell, and it seems like Skinner is the real deal. Their blueline needs an upgrade and Klingberg or Shattenkirk can help that. Either one would thrive with their system. Pass the puck to Connor McDavid and let those numbers rack up. Their power play currently ranks fourth, so adding them could be a good move to help them in the playoffs. I feel like Tyson Barrie could be an option to send back to the Ducks. Smooth skating and offensive ability could help the Ducks on the blue line and the power play.

Photo: Edmonton Oilers

Pittsburgh Penguins

Another team that could use an upgrade in net and has been linked to Gibson is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Gibson is a native of Pittsburgh, so I am sure that would be a team he would mind being traded to. Their cap space is very limited, so there must be some major movement. Kasperi Kapanen ($3.2 million cap hit) is someone who I feel would be a good fit with the Ducks. He is having a slow start with only five games in 20 games. It does not seem like the Ducks would retain salary for that long, so this would be a far long shot.  

Photo: NHL

Vegas Golden Knights

I do not think Stolarz will be re-signed, nor would he want to. The Ducks are not giving him enough playing time, but the games he has played, he has been sharp. He would provide depth and can be a more than capable backup goalie. His numbers are going to attract attention, and there will be teams interested. I mentioned on the podcast that I felt the Ducks should have put in a waiver claim for Laurent Brossoit from the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He is a skilled goalie who just lost his spot after his injury.

Photo: Chaz Palla/Tribune Review

I want to see Lukas Dostal stay in San Diego. I want him to get more games and experience before he gets the opportunity to be a permanent backup. If the Ducks were to move Gibson, then maybe Robin Lehner could be a starter for the Ducks. The emergence of Logan Thompson and Adin Hill might have made Lehner the odd man out. Vegas’ mismanagement of their contracts and cap could use his $5 million dollar cap hit relief. His value dropped from his play and his possible career ending injury, so Vegas would have to sweeten the pot for the Ducks to take him on.

Final Thoughts

Grant is someone who has been just bad this season. I do not see a move being made with him or being a future with the Ducks. He did have success when traded to the Philadelphia Flyers having five points in seven games. Maybe that system worked for him, but then again, they have a new coach and are going to be sellers at the deadline. Silfverberg just has not been the same, but I feel that a change could spark something back in him. His cap hit ($5.250 million dollars), and term (2023-24) could be an issue unless the Ducks retain some salary. Having him on the fourth line just seems like a waste. I do not think he will be traded, though.

This concludes my article about trade rumors and my input on it. I am sure we will have a lot more as the season progresses. The Ducks GM Pat Verbeek absolutely nailed last year’s deadline, and I expect him to do the same this year. The best option is to be patient and take advantage of teams that will overpay. The Ducks are still rebuilding so getting assets, taking on bad contracts and possible getting a top draft pick (hopefully first overall) is putting the Ducks in a great position to get them to being a contender again.

If you hear any news or have any other players/team you would like us to discuss, please let us know. For more on the Ducks and potential trades listen to our show by clicking below or visit us at Podomatic, Rumble, Spreaker, or YouTube.

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November 25th, 2022