Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks: Who Stays, Who Goes before Trade Deadline

By Chris Bushell

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks awaits a faceoff against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on October 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 4-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks awaits a faceoff against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on October 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 4-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Rickard Rakell:

Anaheim Ducks
Rickard Rakell #67 of the Anaheim Ducks (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Position: R shot RW/LW

Age: 28

Status: UFA Seasons End

Rakell presents an interesting case. His 16-17′ and 17-18′ season showed the Ducks may have found their next great forward. He posted back-to-back great seasons which led to a 67-53-120 line over that span. However, the three following season only led to 103 points combined and Rakell hasn’t looked like the dangerous goal scorer he once did. This season has looked more or less like the last 3 as opposed to the elite seasons of Rakell. It does seem better this season to the eye test as Rakell has gelled well with Zegras and Sonny Milano. However, you could slide most any top 9 forward on that line and they would most likely gel well.

So, what to do with Rakell. His stock has no doubt dropped from where it once was but the right team that feels a change of scenery and already like their core forwards could be takers for the former 1st round pick. Someone like the Boston Bruins. The Bruins window is about to slam shut. With the likes of Patrice Bergeon and Brad Marchand closing in on the end of their careers along with long-time goalie Tuukka Rask the B’s may only have one or two more shots at grabbing that second Cup with this core. Rakell could be a good piece with the likes of Bergeron/Marchand allowing David Pastrnak to slide down to a line with Taylor Hall. The Ducks could look to take streaky goal scorer Jake DeBrusk back who has publicly asked for a trade out of Boston. DeBrusk has shown flashes but struggled with consistency. Putting him on a line with the likes of Zegras or Ryan Getzlaf playing a more up-tempo speed game could do wonders and unlock that full potential.

The Ducks could also look at trading for a young player just about to crack the line-up. Someone like Jake Robertson in Toronto. Robertson had a great first season in the AHL last year, but injuries have plagued him this season. The Leafs could be willing to move a depressed asset as they too look to load up for a Cup run and adding Rakell to their top 6 could be something to help them over the hump. Rakell has been a fan favorite and it will be a tough pill to swallow to trade someone like him who has been a part of some very monumental goals in his history with the Ducks. However, the time may be now before he walks away for nothing or is re-signed to a bad contract and holds the Ducks back.

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