Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Four Anaheim Ducks Internal Free Agents That Must Be Resigned

By Ciara Durant

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 20: Ondrej Kase #25, Derek Grant #38, Dennis Rasmussen #22, Francois Beauchemin #23 and Brandon Montour #26 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate after defeating the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 during the game at Honda Center on October 20, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 20: Ondrej Kase #25, Derek Grant #38, Dennis Rasmussen #22, Francois Beauchemin #23 and Brandon Montour #26 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate after defeating the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 during the game at Honda Center on October 20, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

As we sift through the rubble of this last season, there is no debate that the Anaheim Ducks are due for some major reconstruction. As internal inspections are made, which of Anaheim’s free agents fit the mold for next season?

The winds of change have set their course and are headed straight for Katella Avenue. Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray has made his expectations for next season clear, and some of our players just don’t fit the bill.

"“If your team plays fast, you can make players faster. And that’s the first thing that has to be addressed around here.” –Bob Murray, Anaheim Ducks General Manager at his exit interview"

The Anaheim Ducks are lacking speed, that much is clear. However, there is good news! Head Coach of the San Diego Gulls, Dallas Eakins, has done a great job raising the “Ducklings”. Furthermore, there are going to be many players hitting the open market soon. Players that will fit Bob Murray’s new “need for speed” philosophy.

More from Pucks of a Feather

There is still one hurdle to be cleared. Twelve players on the current roaster are approaching free agency, and according to the numbers at CapFriendly.com, the Ducks don’t have a lot of room for negotiation without making some significant changes.

Francois Beauchemin’s retirement and Reto Berra signing with the Swiss relieves some of the pressure. However, if the Ducks want to keep up with the ever-evolving game of hockey, free agency isn’t what they should be focusing on. My co-contributor Chris Bushell touched on that in his recent article.

I have meticulously combed through the list of Anaheim’s free agents, and I’ve narrowed it down.  Unfortunately, I have to respectfully say, “It’s time to move on” to most of the players in need of a contract. On the plus side, there is some stand out pending free agents that deserve a new deal. Out of the twelve, only four have made the final cut.

Home/Ducks News