Pucks of a Feather
Fansided

Do the Anaheim Ducks and Jakob Silfverberg have a future together?

By Kennyth M

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 14: Jakob Silfverberg #33 of the Anaheim Ducks reacts to scoring a goal as Justin Braun #61 of the San Jose Sharks looks on during the first period in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 14, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 14: Jakob Silfverberg #33 of the Anaheim Ducks reacts to scoring a goal as Justin Braun #61 of the San Jose Sharks looks on during the first period in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 14, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Anaheim Ducks
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 18: Jakob Silfverberg #33 of the Anaheim Ducks high fives teammates during the game against the San Jose Sharks. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) /

There has recently been some chatter regarding Jakob Silfverberg’s future as an Anaheim Ducks player. Much of it stems from it being his contract year, but is there more to it?

Jakob Silverberg was one of three pieces acquired by the Ducks on July 5, 2013, when Bobby Ryan was sent to Ottawa. “Silf” quickly endeared himself to fans with his quick release and dynamic defensive play. After a quick start, a broken wrist derailed his first campaign for the Anaheim Ducks. Consequently, with his shot not being the same, he was moved into a defensive role.

In the 2014 offseason, the Ducks acquired Ryan Kesler from Vancouver. Kesler and Silfverberg had instantaneous chemistry together, which led to one the best second lines in the league. The duo, along with Matt Beleskey, set the playoffs on fire. Silfverberg led the way with 18 points in 16 games (tied for second best on the team). After collecting 39 points in his last 44 postseason contests (2014-2018), the Silky Swede showed his playoff success was no fluke.

Chemistry and Where it Leads You

Despite the second line’s playoff dominance, Belesky wasn’t resigned after he requested a No Movement Clause. Andrew Cogliano had logged some success with Silf and Kesler, so Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray had a fallback option should a suitable linemate not emerge.

GMBM attempted to fill the vacant LW role via trade by acquiring Carl Hagelin. Hagelin was Cogs 2.0, a faster version with the same issue, he couldn’t finish consistently enough to warrant playing on a scoring line. Consequently, Murray traded Hags after only 43 games and Cogliano has been Silverberg’s opposite wing since.

During Silf’s time with the Anaheim Ducks, they’ve had the unique ability to maintain a shutdown role while providing some scoring. Most teams accomplish this task with two separate lines. The Ducks have the freedom to roll three scoring lines. Conversely, if Kesler or Silf get injured, Cogliano isn’t capable enough offensively for it to remain a “scoring” line. As a result, the line focuses on shutting down their opponents best players.

Home/Ducks News