Redan Lopez – Contributor, LA Sports Hub
No, the Ducks did not “no trade” themselves out of the playoff race. If anything, the “no trade” (with the exception of bringing Jason Chimera over) hopefully brings a sense of urgency to an underperforming team. I know they have another level.
There is some undiscovered potential that has yet to be seen. Hopefully, this potential among the current group shows up soon.
Other teams like the Kings, Sharks, and Flames bolstered their rosters ahead of the NHL trade deadline, while the Ducks stayed in neutral. Answers for making this team better must come internally and GM Bob Murray knows it. They could have traded another first round pick and some other parts for a scoring winger while sacrificing their future, but didn’t. As a result, the choice to stay pat has only reinforced that these current Ducks must find it among themselves to play up to expectations.
Anaheim still very much in the playoff race regardless of what they or other teams did. It’s now a matter of pushing these Ducks to play more effectively and be more responsible in both zones. The Ducks need to just make sure they play as a whole, believe in themselves, and reach their limits.