Anaheim Ducks: Three Players Bob Murray May Have Put On Notice

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ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 16: Pontus Aberg #20 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the third period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Honda Center on November 16, 2018, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

I already can hear the audible groans from some of Ducks fandom but please hear me out. This is in no way an inditement on Pontus Aberg. I have actually been a huge fan of him since his return from San Diego. He shoots from everywhere, has a nose for the net, and clearly is the hot hand right now. He leads the Ducks in goals currently and most of them have been huge goals. He has clearly caught the attention of the coaching staff and built some chemistry with Ryan Getzlaf. But is this the new normal or a player who has caught lightning in a bottle?

Prior to arriving in SoCal Aberg played in a total of 68 NHL games with the Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers. In those 68 games combined Aberg had a line of 5-13-18. In his 26 games thus far with the Ducks his line reads, 10-6-16. Its early December and he already has a career high in goals and is three points away from a career high in points. So is he finally figuring things out and this is him? The odds have it as an overwhelming no. And for that reason he is the perfect player to move for a legitimate scoring threat. There are teams that will take his explosion to the season as the new player he is and give up a piece for him. He makes just 650,000 making the cap hit easy to absorb for any team.

Murray got this guy for virtually nothing and he may be able to turn into something great. Aberg is a nice story and having a good year. Not taking any of that away from him. But if you want a legitimate run for a Cup Aberg isn’t the horse to hitch your wagon to. It’s nothing personal, just business.

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