Four Anaheim Ducks Internal Free Agents That Must Be Resigned

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.

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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.

Derek Grant

Before coming to Anaheim, Derek Grant had never scored an NHL goal. He had a total of seven points to his name in parts of six seasons. I will be the first to admit that I doubted his ability at the beginning of the season. Who wouldn’t doubt him with numbers like those?

Something clicked for him when he put on the Ducks sweater. The 28-year-old center went from never scoring a goal in his NHL career, to being a breakout player for the Ducks. What impressed me the most, is the fact that he spent the season on the fourth line. He never had any stability or support needed to produce good results. Nevertheless, he somehow defied all of the odds stacked against him.

This season he was responsible for twelve goals as well as twelve assists, with a time on ice average of approximately eleven minutes-per-game. He is also a good asset to have in face-off’s, winning fifty-three percent.

He has proved his worth to this team. Imagine what he could do for the Ducks next season now that he’s comfortable in his role on the team.

Ondrej Kase

I’m trying to push aside all of my bias for this one, seeing as how Ondrej Kase became one of my favorite players this year. However, it’s for an obvious reason. He doesn’t just deserve to be re-signed because he is awesome.

Kase went from having a mediocre debut season in the NHL to becoming one of Anaheim’s most notable break out players of the season. He played 66 games this season, but still managed to have the fifth most points (38) on the team.

What is even more impressive, he had 20 goals to his name; good for second on the team behind Rickard Rakell. His secondary scoring this season was, aside from John Gibson’s impressive goaltending, what kept the Ducks in the playoff race.

His undeniable chemistry with linemate  Adam Henrique made for a dangerous combination. Between the two of them, they netted 40 goals this season. If they stay together in 2018-19, they are sure to wreak havoc on their opponents.

Kase stood out all year and proved this season that he fits Bob Murray’s vision to a Tee.

Kevin Roy: Move Him Up

With injuries running amuck in Anaheim’s line up in 2017-18, many players from Anaheim’s AHL affiliate had the opportunity to experience the NHL. Our San Diego Gulls expert, Greg Johnson, took a deeper look into their performance last week.

However, Anaheim’s infinite misfortune turned into monumental opportunity this season for San Diego Gulls wing, Kevin Roy. Having never played in an NHL game before, Roy had some big shoes (or skates?) to fill.

Dressing as number 63, he made his Anaheim Ducks debut on November 9th against Vancouver. Though he went scoreless that night, he went on to play 25 games for the Ducks. During his short stint in Anaheim, he netted six goals and added one assist.

His scoring prowess is impressive; however, the small sample size of games isn’t quite enough for me to determine Roy’s complete potential. He did show enough that I definitely want to see more of him next season.

What makes me believe that Kevin Roy is ready to make it to the “big time”, stems from what I saw with the Ducks this season as well as what I know about his history.

In 45 games with the Gulls this season, Roy scored 14 goals, assisted on 23 others, for a  total of 37 points. Roy is also responsible for transforming the men’s hockey team at his alma mater, Northeastern. During his tenure with the Terriers, he ranks 11th all-time in career scoring.

As Kevin Roy approaches RFA status this summer, Bob Murray would be wise to swoop in and strike a deal while the iron is hot. Despite his 5’9″ frame, his speed is exactly what the Anaheim Ducks need.

Next: Anaheim Ducks Season Grades, Randy Carlyle and Bob Murray

Murray is going to have a busy summer.