Anaheim Ducks: It’s Time for the Franchise to Make a Hard Decision

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 03: Anaheim Ducks Head Coach Dallas Eakins behind his players on the bench during the first period of a game against the Arizona Coyotes played on October 3, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 03: Anaheim Ducks Head Coach Dallas Eakins behind his players on the bench during the first period of a game against the Arizona Coyotes played on October 3, 2019 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Troy Terry #61 of the Anaheim Ducks dumps the puck in during a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Honda Center on November 05, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Troy Terry Could be Considered as Trade Bait

I would argue that the future could be bright. If, and only if, the correct moves are made. Perhaps it’s time to be brave. Troy Terry is only 22, yet he has played in parts of three NHL seasons. He has not found a scoring touch, yet his perceived value is high. The question should be asked if his actual value is going to match his perceived value, and if it does not, then he could be a potential trade asset.

As a comparison, it is worth noting that Terry is currently ranked 9th amongst Anaheim forwards for Corsi attempts. However, that same result would have him ranked 31st amongst this season’s rookie class (forwards only.) His expected goals for ranks 14th amongst the Ducks forwards, and 35th amongst this season’s rookies. Similarly, his expected goals against would rank him ~35th amongst rookie forwards. Those figures are all fine, but they’re not screaming “star.” Particularly, given this, is his third (partial) season in the NHL, versus rookie classes, very first season. Is it time to consider throwing Terry out as trade bait?

Certainly, his calling card was always as a playmaker, rather than a scorer. However, is that what the Anaheim Ducks need? Last season, the Ducks drafted the highly touted Trevor Zegras. A magnificent playmaker in his own right and one which plays an arguably more important on-ice position. They have that kind of skill coming in future seasons.

At present, there are several playmaking forwards in the group, but very few genuine goal scorers. Thus far, Terry has been paired with Ryan Getzlaf, and then, more recently, alongside his former AHL linemates Sam Steel and Max Jones. Steel, like Getzlaf, is more of a playmaker than a shooter. It would seem that if a line construction of a playmaker, a shooter, and a puck retriever, were to be constructed, Terry would be without a home in the top 9 forward group.