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5 Players the Anaheim Ducks Should Target in Preparation for a Retool

By Kennyth M

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 02: Jacob Trouba #8 of the Winnipeg Jets follows the play during a game with the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on April 2, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 02: Jacob Trouba #8 of the Winnipeg Jets follows the play during a game with the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on April 2, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 16: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins warms up prior to the game against the New York Islanders in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on April 16, 2019, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) /

1. Evgeni Malkin, Center, 32 years old, Pittsburgh Penguins

Pros

His list of accomplishments is staggering: Calder trophy (2006-07), Art Ross (2008-09, 2011-12), Conn Smythe (2008-09), Hart Memorial Trophy (2011-12), Ted Lindsay (2011-12), Stanley Cup Champion (2009, 2016, 2017), NHL All-Star (2008, 2009, 2012, 2016). In addition, he has the 8th most career goals among active players (391), and has the 6th most assist (611.)

To say he is a force is an understatement. Acquiring the veteran center would instantly make Anaheim legitimate contenders for the cup. His talent on the power play is something Anaheim has sorely missed and would instantly upgrade a unit that disappoints annually. The pros to signing Malkin could fill three articles, but the above is ample evidence of how much better the Anaheim Ducks will instantly become if they have the pieces Pittsburgh is looking for via trade.

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Cons

Not only does he possess a large cap hit ($9.5 mil), but he’s also 32 years old. Evgeni Malkin is still an elite player and superior to anyone currently on the Ducks roster (including Getzlaf), but adding aging players hasn’t been working out as expected for GMBM. Acquiring the pivot means Murray is gearing up for a serious cup run and; subsequently, it would require surrendering several promising prospects envisioned of keeping the cup window open post-Getzlaf.

While not necessarily a bad idea, acquiring Malkin would cost at least 2, but more likely 3 of: Troy Terry, Max Jones, Sam Steel, or Isaac Lundestrom. In addition, it would likely require adding one of our first round picks as well. The cost is a bitter pill Anaheim Ducks fans might be hesitant to swallow. It’s an interesting debate, but as with all the previous targets, it largely depends on how GMBM handles the contracts of Kesler and Eaves.

Why He’s Available

Pittsburgh has spent nearly every available asset en route to winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. With the prospect pipeline barren and limited salary cap room, the Penguins will be looking to add several NHL ready prospects in an effort to maintain competitiveness while Sidney Crosby remains one of, if not the leagues best player.

Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford has a busy off-season ahead and there has been mounting speculation the club’s roster will look vastly different for the next campaign. Elliot Friedman mentioned on his 31 Thoughts Podcast that the Malkin speculation is real and it will not be a surprise if/when he’s traded. As with any other team in the NHL, he would be an amazing fit in Anaheim.

Next. The Significance of the Home Opener. dark

Do you think the Anaheim Ducks should target any of the 5 players on this list? Are there any other players on trade block you think the Anaheim Ducks should target? Let us know by leaving a comment for us down below.

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