5 UFAs the Anaheim Ducks should target (revised)
NHL Free agency begins on July 1, 2018. GMs are working the phones talking to the players (or their agents) they want to bring in. Most fans are hoping to sign a talent like John Tavares, but fear they are getting the next David Clarkson or Milan Lucic. Here is an updated list of potential options for the Anaheim Ducks.
Looking at the Anaheim Ducks depth chart, there aren’t many glaring needs. The top four on defense is set. Andy Welinski and Marcus Pettersson are penciled in for the third pairing on defense, so Bob Murray will like to add a veteran to bring experience to the pairing.
Up front, the top nine forwards appear solid as well. However, Ryan Kesler’s status due to a hip injury is up in the air. Anaheim will be addressing the issue with a free agent addition. In addition, the Ducks will potentially be looking for a fast winger to push for a scoring role.
The Ducks currently have $13.74M in cap space. At first glance, it appears to be enough room to bring in a “big fish.” A deeper look reveals several players in need of contracts or extensions. Nick Ritchie, Ondrej Kase, and Brandon Montour are all RFA’s currently without a deal. In addition, Murray is trying to sign Jakob Silfverberg, Adam Henrique, and John Gibson to extensions. Consequently, acquiring a top end talent in free agency is wishful thinking.
Honorable Mentions
Leo Komarov – He has been a solid defensive forward who put up respectable goal totals. Both seemed to take a hit last year and he’s on the wrong side of 30.
Valtteri Filppula – Solid 3rd line center and can move up if injuries hit. If he’s willing to take a short-term deal, could be a solid contributor.
Luke Schenn– The veteran is a big bodied rear-guard and is a right shot to boot. Josh Manson is our only physical defenseman, so adding one to the 3rd pairing is ideal.
Michael Grabner – A very fast goal scorer. Uses his speed especially well on the PK, which is a nice weapon to have. Struggled after he was traded to the Devils, so how he fits into a scheme is of the utmost importance.
Calvin De Haan – A young, stay at home rear-guard that can bring a much needed physical presence to the bottom pairing. Originally, he was on the Ducks top 5 targets, but with reports teams view his as a 3/4 defenseman, he will be too expensive to sign.
5. Jack Johnson – D, 31 years old
Pros – Johnson is a physical defenseman who has experience playing in a top pairing role. His best days are behind him, but that will allow us to bring him in on a short contract. When injuries hit, Welinski and Pettersson aren’t in a position to play in the top 4, so he would take on the responsibility. His game has also translated well to the playoffs, where he has scored 21 points in 23 games.
Cons – As mentioned above, his best days are behind him. Carlyle tends to ride his experienced guys, so that means playing more minutes than Ducks fans are comfortable with. Despite his strong playoff stats, he has only seen the playoffs four times in his 12-year career. While that’s not his fault, it is concerning how little team-success he has achieved in his career.
Jack Johnson’s shortcomings seen by utilizing advanced stats. He has never had above a 50% Corsi or Fenwick rating over a full season. Meaning the opposition has carried the play while he has been on the ice throughout his career. In signing JJ, the Ducks would hope placing him in a bottom pairing role will increase his efficiency.
Potential Contract – Two years, $2.0M/yr.
4. David Perron – LW, 30 years old
Pros – Perron is a solid all-around offensive talent and already has chemistry with Getzlaf. He can score goals and distributes the puck equally well. While he’s not the most physical winger, he gets to the tough areas and plays well along the boards. Perron is coming off a career season and has been a consistent 40 point player throughout his career.
Cons – Perron is coming off a career year and will be looking to get paid. Over the past 4 seasons, he has played on five different teams, so he will be looking for stability (No Movement Clause). Further, his game doesn’t appear to translate well to the postseason, which led to him getting benched this year. Perron has been to the postseason seven times and has never scored more than one goal in any run.
Potential Contract – Four years at $5.5M/yr.
3. Tyler Bozak – C, 32 years old
Pros – Tyler Bozak is a solid second/third line center. He’s not known as a goal scorer but has a good shot. He’s better at playmaking, setting up his line-mates for good scoring chances. His defensive game is solid and he can pivot a checking line. Bozak is a good skater and capable penalty killer.
Cons – All things being equal, Bozak likely tops the list of free agent targets. At 32, his age takes him down to a secondary target. The Anaheim Ducks top two centers are a similar age, they will be looking to add someone younger. Despite being sound defensively, he is not the physical player and can struggle against stronger opponents. Due to his consistent offensive production, he will likely be too pricey for the Anaheim Ducks to sign.
Potential Contract – Three years at $3.5M/yr.
2. James van Riemsdyk
Pros – James van Riemsdyk is a legitimate first line wing. In the past 5 seasons, he’s scored 27+ goals in each campaign he was healthy for. JVR gets to the front of the net and has the ability to score from in close. He fits the mold of a Duck player and his game should easily mesh with Getzlaf’s. He has performed very well in the playoffs, so he can help the Anaheim Ducks make a serious run for the Cup.
An addition of van Riemsdyk would provide flexibility to the top six and ensures two high end scoring lines. In the recent playoffs, San Jose allocated all their resources to shut down Getzlaf and company without fear other Ducks lines would score. The ability to score throughout the lineup is the new fad, adding a “JVR” type talent is necessary for a competitive roster.
Cons – Despite being a big body, van Riemsdyk doesn’t always use it to his advantage. JVR doesn’t play the fastest game and disappears at times. He is lacking in the defensive zone and doesn’t do much on the penalty kill. The biggest drawback to playing in the OC will be his paycheck. JvR is the best wing on the market. Anaheim will need to ship out salary if they hope to sign him.
Potential Contract – Five years at $6.5M/yr.
1. Riley Nash – C, 29 years old
Pros – Riley Nash is a defensive minded center, but was able to put up solid offensive numbers when called upon in 2017-18. He had a career-high 15 goals and 26 assists, so he can fill in as a top-six center when injuries hit.
More from Pucks of a Feather
- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- 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?
Kesler’s injury woes Nash an ideal candidate to replace Kesler as the checking line center and continue the Anaheim Ducks recent penalty kill success. The Consort, Alberta native will only be 29 this season, so he still has some prime years left.
Not only does adding Nash help if Kesler doesn’t play next season, but also if he suites up. Keeping RK17 healthy and in the lineup is paramount, so Anaheim will limit his defensive responsibility.
Playing heavy minutes against the opposition’s best players takes its toll physically, and it’s better for Kesler if Nash assumes that role. As a result, RK17 can focus on putting the biscuit in the basket and the Ducks are a deeper team.
Cons – His offense was lacking prior to last season. Nash has solely been a checking line center. While defense is his calling card, he can disappear from games and needs to make a more consistent impact. His recent scoring surge elevated his asking price. It’s possible a team overpays for his services.
Next: A little good news from Bob Murray
Potential Contract – Three years, $2.75M/yr.