Anaheim Ducks Trade Deadline Primer: 5 Trade Candidates
By Kennyth M
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, and the Anaheim Ducks, who will likely be sellers, have a lot of decisions to make.
The NHL trade deadline is Monday, February 25, 2019. With the deadline quickly approaching, General Manager/Head Coach Bob Murray‘s Anaheim Ducks are, uncharacteristically, sellers. Despite being obvious sellers, Murray doesn’t have the ideal assets a “seller,” would typically move.
Outside of Jakob Silfverberg, whose situation Eddy Jones recently discussed in detail, CapFriendly shows the Ducks have Brian Gibbons, Derek Grant, Michael Del Zotto and Korbinian Holzer on expiring contracts. It’s possible one or two of the guys fetch a late-round pick, but there will be minimal demand and Murray will approach the deadline differently.
It’s quite possible Murray waits until the offseason to make any trades (besides Silfverberg.) GMBM has always been a fan of “hockey trades,” so there will likely be a surprise or two near the trade deadline. Now the fun part, who will those players be?
Honorable Mention
Ryan Getzlaf — despite affirming a desire to remain with the Anaheim Ducks, Murray insisted he is listening to everything at the moment. While it’s possible he’s traded for a massive haul by a contender, it’s unlikely. Sam Steel is a prospect worth getting excited about, but there is not a prospect in Anaheim’s pipeline capable of being an elite Center.
Hampus Lindholm/Brandon Montour — it’s possible either player is moved at the deadline if a team is willing to massively overpay, but the likelihood is extremely low. Both are young players who have already shown exceptional ability and have the potential to be special.
Rickard Rakell — Despite his recent struggles (9 goals on the season), Ricky is 25 and scored 30+ goals the last two seasons. He’s also an, astonishingly, team friendly contract (3 years remaining at $3.79 mil), which would mean a very solid haul coming back. He’s closer to a building block than a trade chip and Murray should retain his services.