Are the Los Angeles Kings a Good Trade Partner?
So, who else is there? Adam Henrique is an expensive and aging forward, with many more years on his contract. While Anaheim Ducks fans may be loath to part with their current highest scorer, it may also be in their best interests to trade while the perceived value is high. Henrique is not going to maintain a 20% shooting average.
There are, perhaps, not many teams who desperately require a player of Henriques caliber, who could absorb his contract, but perhaps the Ducks can spin that to their advantage. Cap space can be weaponized, and while the acquisition of Erik Gudbranson blunted that weapon for the Ducks, perhaps accepting an expensive player back in return would allow them to pinch a high-quality youth alongside them.
It may not be palatable in the short term, but perhaps the LA Kings make a good partner in this. Reportedly shopping Tyler Toffoli, they may be interested in a producing veteran player. With Henrique being one of the more productive players, it seems plausible that a trade could be made to acquire one of the Kings highly touted prospects if the Ducks only add a little more. While many of them are defensive prospects, an area the Ducks are now weak in, players like Akil Thomas, present clear offensive potential.
A return of an expiring contract, who may be able to rebound, would provide hope for today. Add that prospect, and suddenly things take an interesting turn. Naturally, no prospect selected that late in the draft is a sure-fire hit, as the Anaheim Ducks now know. Yet, it would add potential to a group that may have its potential played out.