Anaheim Ducks: Is Jakob Silfverberg the Odd Man Out?
By Eddy Jones
The Anaheim Ducks are in a bit of a financial bind. They are now much closer to the cap ceiling after recent contract extensions and two RFA’s left to sign. Is there room for Jakob Silverberg?
It’s always easy to examine and critique a trade in retrospect.
The Bobby Ryan trade was always going to be one to evaluate further down the road. It’s safe to say the Anaheim Ducks have fared well since the transaction.
However, it’s been over five years since Anaheim acquired Jakob Silfverberg and we are now left wondering if his tenure with the franchise could be coming to an end.
Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray has openly stated that he wanted to make changes on and off the ice this summer. For the most part, he’s done that. Off the ice, the Ducks fired assistant coach Steve Konalwalchuk and promoted Marty Wilford.
On the ice, they’ve extended the contracts of Adam Henrique, Brandon Montour, and John Gibson. As well as signing a few depth players to replace the likes of Derek Grant, Kevin Bieksa, and Francois Beauchemin among others. Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase are also likely to have new contracts by the start of the season.
The focus shifts to the 27-year-old Swedish winger who has been a dependable player for the Anaheim Ducks since arriving in 2013. He plays in all situations and has a strong two-way game. Silfverberg has been a staple on the “shutdown line” with Ryan Kesler and Andrew Cogliano since it’s inception.
Which probably leaves you wondering; Well why would the Ducks ever think of letting him go? Let’s explore why.