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Anaheim Ducks: Five Bold Offseason Predictions

By Ciara Durant

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 05: Anaheim Ducks players react after center Carter Rowney (24) scored a gaol in the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on April 5, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 05: Anaheim Ducks players react after center Carter Rowney (24) scored a gaol in the first period of a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on April 5, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 14: Nick Ritchie #37 of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on March 14, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 6-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Nick Ritchie Won’t be a Duck in 2019-20

Let’s face the facts, changes need to be made, and Nick Ritchie will likely draw the short stick and be relocated prior to the 2019-20 season. Not only does the fan base want him gone, but his contract is one of the easier ones to move.

Troy Terry, Max Jones, Daniel Sprong, Kiefer Sherwood, and Max Comtois are all vying for their shot at a full-time NHL position next season. With a re-tool on the horizon, Bob Murray and the coaching staff would be foolish to trade any of their young and very promising prospects at this point. Plus, keep in mind that Jakob Silfverberg just signed a new contract. It is also very unlikely that Rickard Rakell goes anywhere unless Bob Murray is prepared to face the wrath of Ducks Nation.

Corey Perry, Ondrej Kase, and Devin Shore are currently unknown’s at this point, and unfortunately, there is a possibility at least one of them has to go, but the Anaheim Ducks would likely be a better team with them than without them. So, that leaves Nick Ritchie at the mercy of Bob Murray and a severely overcrowded roster.

The one thing Ritchie has going for him is his point production for the 2018-19 season. While it is arguable that he had a bit of luck on his side, considering the state of the entire team, we cannot avoid the fact that he was indeed one of the top 5 points producers with 31 points registered this season (9g, 22a.)

There has been a significant improvement to Nick Ritchie’s game, especially this season. However, we cannot avoid the elephant in the room, and that is his explosive temper. He played only 60 games this season, yet he led the entire team in PIM by leaps and bounds. That is not something to be proud of.

Yes, every team can benefit from being a little physical, especially when playing the likes of a team like the Boston Bruins, but when his temper flares, he takes unnecessary penalties that tend to hurt his team rather than help them. He is unpredictable and you never know when he’s going to explode.

With two years and a little less than $3M left on his current contract, he would be the easiest player to move. While he does have a temper, and that could steer some teams away, keep in mind, he is still young and he can produce upwards of 30 points per season, especially if he is traded to a team that suits him, his style, and his personality.

Confidence in Prediction: 7/10

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