Anaheim Ducks Need To Embrace The Lead Role At Trade Deadline
With about two weeks until the March 1st trade deadline, the Anaheim Ducks should be making some moves to prepare for a nice play-off run.
As the core of the group is getting older, the play-off window seems to be closing.
What then would be the explanation as to why Ryan Kesler got a six-year extension?
With him, we are competitive but not good enough to conquer the west.
Anaheim has a wealth of young defenseman that can be used to address their need for a top-6 winger and scoring depth.
Even if it means losing a top prospect.
This is why it makes sense for Anaheim to be the big dog at the table.
So I have compiled a short list of players I feel the Anaheim Ducks should go for.
Alexandre Burrows (VAN):
Sure, he’s not the most appealing name in the market and is most definitely not a top-six winger.
But Bob Murray always likes to acquire one chippy forward at trade deadlines, and Burrows fits the bill for this year. I do not think he will cost too much to get either.
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He is 35 years of age and has some injury history, but he has been relatively healthy this season missing six games.
Few fanbases around the league hate the Anaheim Ducks for having players like Corey Perry that get under the opponent’s skin. So the more, the merrier.
Plus he can play on either wing, adapts well with any playing style and would be a welcome addition to the penalty kill.
Burrows does have a no-movement clause on him but with former teammates Kesler and Bieksa already on board, he could waive it.
One minor caveat would be that he carries $4.5 million cap hit and will become a UFA next season.
And I’m not sure if Anaheim could resign him even if they wanted to.
Patrick Eaves (DAL):
There is a lot to like about the 32-year-old right winger.
To start, he’s on the top line with Jamie Benn and Cody Eakin while leading the Stars in goals (21) and third in points.
And for a team like the Anaheim Ducks that are over the cap, his $1 million cap hit is a welcome sign.
If he can produce like this with Jamie Benn, imagine what damage he could do with Ryan Getzlaf.
Eaves has been subject to injuries that sidelined him for a large chunk of past seasons, which explains why he’s cheap and have short-term deals.
But he’s maintained himself well this season, missing just one game. Which is a sign to me that he’s motivated to have a longer NHL career.
Especially when he becomes a UFA after this season.
Anaheim has nothing to lose. If the experiment works, there is no problem resigning him. If not, you can let him go without losing any sleep.
Thomas Vanek (DET):
I feel like Vanek is someone who’s been linked to the Anaheim Ducks in trade talks for quite a while now.
And I would like to think Bob Murray is negotiating with Ken Holland to land him.
With the current goal scoring struggles, Vanek is exactly what the Anaheim Ducks need.
He packs a punch with his natural goal scoring instincts and good size. He’s not a selfish player either so there shouldn’t be chemistry issues.
With Kesler and Getzlaf demanding the attention of defenders, they would be able to provide the space needed for Vanek to generate scoring chances.
Although he wasn’t the same player he was in Buffalo where 36.8% of his points came on the power play, he has ten points on the man advantage this season for Detroit.
P.A. Parenteau (NJD):
I have a special affinity for P.A. Parenteau.
In case you’re wondering why: He carried me to a fantasy hockey championship in 2012.
It was his years in Long Island that lead me to believe that he would be there for a long time.
So it puzzles me how he’s always on the trading block every year despite providing instant offense for every team he played for.
Except when he was in Montreal, but you can’t blame him for that. Knowing how picky Michel Therrien is with players.
Though Parenteau is now past his prime years, his constant production has gone to waste the past two seasons.
Playing for the league worst Toronto Maple Leafs in 2015-16 and now this season with another non-contending team in New Jersey.
That being said, he will be a great fit for a play-off bound team like Anaheim.
Matt Duchene (COL):
Landing him in Anaheim is not a farfetched idea, given the fact that the Ducks have the assets to pull this off.
According to a report from The Fourth Period, the Colorado Avalanche want a huge haul in return.
As the article specifies: an established young player, a top prospect, and a first round pick.
If it was a scoring forward you’re looking for like Anaheim is, that is an easy problem to fix.
Given that there are so many of those kinds of players.
Again, Anaheim has a premium of what many teams covet: young quality defenseman.
Which is very hard to come by. It takes longer for defenseman to develop into steady backstops.
I’m totally fine giving up two defenseman and a pick for Duchene. Especially when the prospects we have can’t come up to the NHL because there is no room.
Take Brandon Montour and Shea Theodore for example. Both are NHL ready but are still putting countless reps in the AHL.
Next: Anaheim Trying To Prove They Are Capable Of Beating Good Competition
You have a few weeks, Joe Sakic. Sleep on it and make your decision. There is no better suitor.