Anaheim Ducks Mailbag: Ryan Getzlaf’s Retirement Plans

3.) Is Bob Murray done in free agency? If not, do you think Duclair could be a potential target for Anaheim?

Ben Thomasian: He may not be done yet. They don’t have a definite goalie signed for this year’s backup or next year’s expansion unless Stolarz is their man. Murray needs to cut salary in trade first, but he’ll likely do something.

That something won’t be anything we fans need to worry about though, so firm no regarding Anthony Duclair. He’s also not really the Anaheim Ducks “type” if that makes sense. Rumors were around about Sami Vatanen, so if they’ve given up on Jacob Larsson, Brendan Guhle, and Josh Mahura, he could be an option for what would just be a ridiculously good defense. Either way, I think we’ll see the Ducks be active on the trade market and then attempt to woo one of the cheaper veteran free agents.

Garrett Brown: Bob Murray is in a classic cap crunch. The intricacies of navigating this year’s flat cap are over my head, but as far as I know, Murray needs to make additional moves this offseason in order to make any more moves to his active roster. Ryan Kesler’s contract doesn’t come off the books until the season begins. Until then the Ducks are essentially “over the cap” and cannot go any further than 10% over. I regress.

Anthony Duclair would be a great pickup for what should be considered a rebuilding roster. He played on an Ottawa Senators’ team that didn’t offer much in the sense of help; yet, he scored 23 goals and was named an all-star. He would’ve been the Anaheim Ducks second-leading scorer.

To be able to put up that kind of production on a rebuilding team should speak to Bob Murray. Although it is something that I would love to see, I have to say, I would be surprised to see any additional “big names” come to Anaheim.

Brad Senecal: If Bob Murray does anything I believe he will look at another goaltender. Other than a rough stretch with the Edmonton Oilers in 2019, Anthony Stolarz has played well in a small sample size. However, if he is looking to push for the playoffs as he says, it is doubtful he will bank on that small sample.

I believe Ryan Miller would be the front runner should he decide to return, but keep an eye on Jimmy Howard, a veteran goaltender who does have a Stanley Cup to his name and has been on poor teams over the past few years. As far as Duclair, it would be interesting to see him join the Ducks group, but if he does I believe it will be on a short one-year. I doubt that Murray would want to bring a young player in a one-year ‘show me’ contract as his Restricted status is now no more.

Ciara Durant: Murray is done, and if he isn’t, he might make a small and very insignificant acquisition. It seems as though the Ducks are likely going to move forward with Stolarz since they have brought Lukas Dostal to North America, which to me, means he’s likely taking over duties in San Diego. As for Duclair, while it would be nice to have him on the team, Murray can’t really bring him in unless he clears some cap space. I think Murray is content with Shattenkirk and Grant, but I guess only time will tell.