Pucks of a Feather looks at who might be leaving if the Ducks become sellers at the trade deadline.
For a team who’s yet to win four games in a row, it’s quite possible that the Anaheim Ducks won’t make the postseason. Due to this reality, Anaheim’s General Manager Bob Murray has a lot to consider. The Ducks have four games between now and the February 26th trade deadline, but given their play as of late; there’s a strong possibility that Murray will make the call to start planning for the future — long-term.
The Cost of Business
The NHL is a very competitive league, but there are tradeoffs for making a push for the Stanley Cup. This is because GMs on winning teams look to wager their future for a coveted rental. Sometimes these bets pay off. Marian Gaborik is a good example. He made all the difference for Los Angeles during their 2014 Cup run. However, other times, these gambles end up costing teams dearly. Hindsight is 20/20, but in 2015 the Ducks made one of the worst trades of all time. That was when the Ducks threw away a second round pick and prospect William Karlsson for James Wisniewski. Wisniewski was a healthy scratch the entire playoffs, and now Karlsson is a bonafide #1 center. A steep price to pay.
While the highs and lows of acquiring a rental player isn’t always significant. Given where the Ducks are right now (barely in a playoff spot), it’s tough to justify putting the future in jeopardy. One losing streak could put the Ducks on the outside looking in, which is why Murray should be a seller at the trade deadline.
Weighing Options
Under the best circumstances, selling teams have a top tier depth player on an expiring contract. Usually, they’ll flip this core player for a plethora of picks and prospects. To my dismay, the Ducks don’t have any of those. In retrospect, Cam Fowler would have been the only ideal rental trade bait. However, that’s no longer an option since he signed his lucrative 8-year contract last summer. Shoulda, woulda, coulda.
Truth be told, it’s slim pickings among the Ducks pending UFA’s. The most noteworthy of which is face-off specialist Antoine Vermette. Arguably he could fetch a fifth rounder on a good day, but the problem is he has a limited NTC. The picture doesn’t get any better on defense, as Kevin Bieksa has a NMC. Which makes Francois Beauchemin the only real option. Who’s having buttered noodles for dinner?
The Sacrifice
The reality is, if Murray wants to shake things up and plan for the long-term, he needs to make a sacrifice. Most likely, Jakob Silfverberg is the sacrifice that will be made. Silfverberg has one year left on his contract and would be a real asset to any true contender whose cup window is open. In return, “Barstool” Bob could easily bring back two blue-chip prospects and a pick. That’s the kind of long-term planning I’m talking about.
Thinking Long-Term
How much longer can this team rely on the old warhorses of Getzlaf, Kesler, and Perry? Given where the Ducks are right now (barely in a playoff spot), it’s tough to justify putting the future in jeopardy.Given where the Ducks are right now (barely in a playoff spot), it’s tough to justify putting the future in jeopardy. It is time to cut the losses and look in the mirror, not for reflection, but rather a time for action!