Do the Anaheim Ducks and Jakob Silfverberg have a future together?

There has recently been some chatter regarding Jakob Silfverberg’s future as an Anaheim Ducks player. Much of it stems from it being his contract year, but is there more to it?

Jakob Silverberg was one of three pieces acquired by the Ducks on July 5, 2013, when Bobby Ryan was sent to Ottawa. “Silf” quickly endeared himself to fans with his quick release and dynamic defensive play. After a quick start, a broken wrist derailed his first campaign for the Anaheim Ducks. Consequently, with his shot not being the same, he was moved into a defensive role.

In the 2014 offseason, the Ducks acquired Ryan Kesler from Vancouver. Kesler and Silfverberg had instantaneous chemistry together, which led to one the best second lines in the league. The duo, along with Matt Beleskey, set the playoffs on fire. Silfverberg led the way with 18 points in 16 games (tied for second best on the team). After collecting 39 points in his last 44 postseason contests (2014-2018), the Silky Swede showed his playoff success was no fluke.

Chemistry and Where it Leads You

Despite the second line’s playoff dominance, Belesky wasn’t resigned after he requested a No Movement Clause. Andrew Cogliano had logged some success with Silf and Kesler, so Anaheim Ducks General Manager Bob Murray had a fallback option should a suitable linemate not emerge.

GMBM attempted to fill the vacant LW role via trade by acquiring Carl Hagelin. Hagelin was Cogs 2.0, a faster version with the same issue, he couldn’t finish consistently enough to warrant playing on a scoring line. Consequently, Murray traded Hags after only 43 games and Cogliano has been Silverberg’s opposite wing since.

During Silf’s time with the Anaheim Ducks, they’ve had the unique ability to maintain a shutdown role while providing some scoring. Most teams accomplish this task with two separate lines. The Ducks have the freedom to roll three scoring lines. Conversely, if Kesler or Silf get injured, Cogliano isn’t capable enough offensively for it to remain a “scoring” line. As a result, the line focuses on shutting down their opponents best players.

The Difference Another Year Makes

Prior to this season, there was little doubt the Ducks should sign Silfverberg to an extension. He has struggled at times to score consistently in the regular season, but his ability to elevate his game in the playoffs is well known. His quiet demeanor and workmanlike approach to the game set the tone for a team full of young talent.

Due to no fault of his own, his role changed when the 2017-2018 season started. The much ballyhooed second line altered its approach due to Kesler’s offseason hip surgery. As noted above, Kesler’s 38 game absence meant Silf was no longer playing on a scoring line.

Throughout the season, #33 played with the following centers to some extent: Chris Wagner, Derek Grant, Antoine Vermette, and Dennis Rasmussen. Even though Silfverberg’s offensive game was off and his line-mates talent was lacking, he managed a respectable 40 points.

The Expendables

Corey Perry, Nick Ritchie, and Silfverberg are mentioned as possible trade candidates for various reasons. Entering into the last year of his contract, Silf’s future with the club is cloudy. Kesler will potentially miss next season, so the right wing won’t be featured in an offensive role without roster changes.

As much as the Ducks would like to extend Silfverberg, there has to be mutual interest. He is a free agent after this season and there will be many suitors for his services. With his ability to put up points, especially in the playoffs, a team will most assuredly overspend to bring him in.