Many trade deadline rumors have recently surfaced about the Anaheim Ducks, but are they true and how do they impact the team?
With only 3 days remaining until the trade deadline, there has been a lot of chatter picking up on teams and players. Let’s dive into some of the information being released about the Anaheim Ducks and how it impacts the team.
Ryan Miller to the San Jose Sharks
As a bit of a surprise, The Mayor John Hoven reported, via Twitter, that the Anaheim Ducks were engaged in discussions to send the netminder, Ryan Miller, to San Jose for a 3rd round pick. While he’s not a prominent source, there is no denying that San Jose is considering a deal to improve their goaltending situation.
Currently, Martin Jones has the second most wins among goalies. Despite the prolific win total, his performance in net has been less than stellar. Finding a capable backup and someone who, possibly, pushes him for the starting spot is on San Jose’s to-do list at the deadline.
Dealing an important piece to a divisional opponent isn’t ideal, but the Anaheim Ducks aren’t going to compete for a cup and Miller deserves the opportunity after his much-decorated career. Getting a 3rd round pick for a backup goalie is a move Ducks General Manager Bob Murray has to make if the offer’s on the table.
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All the “Sprong” Moves
After a couple of porous outings, Daniel Sprong was scratched for two straight games. Head Coach Bob Murray needed to set a tone for what was acceptable and Sprong’s lack of consistency was a prime target.
The forward with a deadly shot, acquired from Pittsburgh earlier this season via trade, arrived earlier this season with much fan excitement. Despite finding the score sheet on a fairly consistent basis, he had obvious flaws to his game that needed to be addressed. When he didn’t have the puck or wasn’t in a scoring position, he didn’t seem interested or engaged in the play.
Seemingly turning the corner in that regard, on February 5, 2019, verse the Montreal Canadians, Sprong played his most complete game of the season. He was fighting for loose pucks, creating turnovers, and forcing defenseman to make quick decisions. His effort was short-lived, so Murray proceeded to scratch him.
Moving forward, Sprong needs to stay physically and mentally engaged. He’s a prospect with scintillating offensive potential on a team that’s in need of goals. However, his impact must be felt in every game, not just when he scores.
On his way out?
When announcing Jakob Silfverberg‘s extension, Eric Stephens reported Daniel Sprong may not be in the Ducks long-term plans. With Corey Perry, Jakob Silfverberg, Ondrej Kase and Troy Terry vying for spots on Right Wing next season, it is something to consider.
Murray invested a valuable defensive prospect, Marcus Pettersson, to obtaining the sniper. In spite of his defensive shortcomings, Sprong has scored 9 goals in only 29 games and flashed the type of scoring ability few players in the league have. DS19 should be given an extended opportunity to reach his potential.
Fowler Staying Put
"With trading deadline coming in a little more that a week, I’m told that chances are high that nothing much will happen with the @CanadiensMTL— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) February 17, 2019"
On Sunday, Renaud Lavoie reported the Habs are not expected to make a big trade at the deadline. After their General Manager, Marc Bergevin, attended back-to-back Ducks game (which is not typical for him), speculation began to rise that Cam Fowler could be of interest to them. Lavoie’s report seemed to put an end to those rumors, at least until the season is over.
Montreal’s loss on Sunday to the Florida Panthers, 3-6, marked a 4 game losing streak and may have prompted some questions as to their ability to truly compete. After beating Columbus 3-2, and beating Philadelphia 5-1 last night, their game on Saturday verse Toronto can have major implications. If the Habs can get a victory, don’t rule out Bergevin making a run at a left defenseman to pair with Shea Weber. Fowler would be at, or near, the top of their wish list.
With the Habs potentially standing pat, a trade of Cam America will likely occur after the season concludes.
The Forecast
After the news broke of Jakob Silfverberg’s extension, Anaheim’s trade deadline is heading towards a snooze fest. Ducks aren’t contender’s and players with term-contracts are more likely traded around the NHL draft. It’s possible they move Fowler, Adam Henrique, or possibly Josh Manson if a team presents a substantial offer, but the chances are not likely at the moment.
There should be a couple of minor trades; however, Murray tends to make surprise moves at the last minute. My money would be on Adam Henrique. After entering the rumor mill a couple weeks ago, there’s been “radio silence” since. GMBM prefers to work in the shadows, so it bears monitoring.
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