Anaheim Ducks: Where Do the Ducks Go From Here?
Is it Time to Retool?
If Bob Murray is intent on standing pat, on not trying to make a run this season, then the best chance might be a retool. This isn’t a bad idea overall, in my opinion. With an aging core, it might be worth it to try and acquire a high draft pick and try and strike goal with a replacement for Ryan Getzlaf who is closer to the end of his career than the beginning.
Murray does not seem like the type of General Manager who would commit to a long term rebuild, or a full team blow up. Honestly, that doesn’t make sense for the Ducks anyway. However, a retool, that shakes up the core of the team a bit, and preparing for the changing of the guard does make sense.
Seeing the dramatic fall of Ryan Kesler, probably hit home with Murray that Getzlaf will soon suffer a similar fate. So, what can we expect if a retool is in the cards?
Sell, Sell, Sell!
The trade deadline is quickly approaching and teams usually fall into 3 groups: buyers, sellers, and those who do nothing. A retooling team will likely be sellers and the Ducks should be no exception. Rentals are the main course but it’s not impossible for a team to trade someone with a term.
The Ducks should be putting out feelers for Jakob Silfverberg as we speak. The 28-year-old Swede is a free agent at the end of the season and it’s unlikely that the Anaheim Ducks will be retaining his services.
Silfverberg is good for 35-40 points and 15-20 goals a season. That is nothing to scoff at; his defensive ability and responsibility will be invaluable to a team in the playoffs. Silfverberg is the type of player that is usually highly coveted come trade deadline time, and the Ducks should be seeking out a 1st round pick for him, or a 2nd round pick and a solid prospect.
The Anaheim Ducks should also be seeking a new home for Chad Johnson. The 32-year-old journeyman is a solid AHL or backup goaltender.
It is unlikely that he will fetch much of a return, but retaining some of his salary and moving him for a struggling prospect or a late round pick is better than losing him for nothing once Ryan Miller is back.
Although it’s unlikely we’ll see anyone pay any sort of price for them Andrej Sustr and Luke Schenn should be heavily shopped. Whether it is as a depth pickup for a contending team or a team who has an injury pop up, they need to go. A 7th round draft pick for either would seem like an overpay, but it’s better than nothing, and honestly might be better than having them on any roster.
Pontus Aberg has had a great stretch to this point with the Ducks. He’s had more goals than most other players but inexplicably finds himself scratched the past two games. If this is to send a message, hopefully, it is received well by young Pontus and we see him find his game again.
A hot streak could solidify his place in the lineup permanently with an extension, or it could drive it up enough that he could be a teams mid-range pickup for the playoffs. Aberg is currently on pace for about 20 goals and that’s something teams will covet come trade deadline.
Lastly regarding rentals, if I’m Bob Murray, I’m instructing Carlyle to showcase both Jake Dotchin and Andy Welinski. Both are currently up with the big club, and it’d be beneficial in two ways.
If they play well it helps drive up their price if the Ducks were to trade them. It also gives you a chance to see if they should be part of the long term plans for the Anaheim Ducks.
Personally, I think Welinski is a good bottom pairing guy, while Dotchin is a specialty defender who will help keep the other team in check while also finding himself out of position a decent amount. He has a niche place in the NHL, but I’m not certain it’ll be with the Ducks.