This offseason will be a busy one for the Anaheim Ducks. New players will come, other will go. Today we will look at players who are Free Agents that I believe won’t be back with the team in 2018-19.
Monday, Ciara Durant highlighted the four Anaheim Ducks internal free agents that needed to be resigned. Today Blake Navarro has the other side of the coin, internal free agents who won’t be back with the Ducks next year.
Setup
We already know Francois Beauchemin and Reto Berra will be gone next season. Beauchemin officially announced his retirement from hockey and Berra has signed a contract to play in his native Switzerland. Who will join them as ex-Ducks?
A quick explanation of UFA and RFA. An Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) is a player who is free to sign with any team with no limits. A Restricted Free Agent (RFA) is a player whose current team has a chance to counter any offer made to that player by another team.
Hasta La Vista
The following members of the over-the-hill gang have probably played in their last NHL game.
Chris Kelly (UFA). This experiment failed. A healthy scratch for most of his time after signing late last season. It’s fair that Chris’ time in Anaheim is done.
More from Pucks of a Feather
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- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?
Jason Chimera (UFA). If the Ducks are really trying to get “Younger”, the 35-year-old Chimera will probably see the door close on him this offseason.
Antoine Vermette (UFA). Vermette is one of the best centers in the game when it comes to Face Off Percentage. But his skills outside the dot are limited.
Kevin Bieksa (UFA). Do I need to even write something here? Blah, Blah, Blah, Gone.
Additionally, Jared Boll, Corey Tropp, Scott Sabourin from the San Diego Gulls roster are unlikely to be resigned.
Possibly Leaving Town
Nick Ritchie (RFA). Has the time come to move on from the first round draft pick? I personally would not be surprised if his gets contract offers from other teams. But at the same time would not be shocked if he returns. Just know that it is possible for him to move.
JT Brown (UFA). I personally feel like he needs to come back next season. The Ducks are looking to get faster and JT can bring that to the table. Those same qualities will attract other suitors.
Derek Grant (UFA). After a breakout season, The Ducks could take a chance on the center. He impressed a whole lot of people last season. The Anaheim Ducks are an internal budget team.
There are two ways he departs. First, he will be among Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray‘s lowest signing priorities. Second, If another team offers him significantly more money than Murray wants to pay, the Ducks won’t match.
Next: 2017-18 Anaheim Ducks Goalie Grades
Iffy returners off the Gulls roster include Nic Kerdiles, Kalle Kossila, and Mike Liambas.