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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Josh Manson

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Josh Manson #42 of the Anaheim Ducks skates to a loose puck during the second period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Honda Center on November 18, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Josh Manson #42 of the Anaheim Ducks skates to a loose puck during the second period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Honda Center on November 18, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Position: R Shooting Defenseman

Age: 30

Status: UFA Seasons End

Josh Manson has done everything and then some the Ducks have asked of him. You are not expected to contribute much when you are a 6th round pick and Manson has turned into a top 4 defensive defenseman. He has been consistent and steadying ever since he has become a mainstay on the Ducks blueline. However, he may be aging out of a role. By the start of next season, he will be 31 and could be blocking younger and more skilled defense prospects on the way up. Especially when you consider if the Ducks resign Lindholm and already having 3 spots committed to Lindholm, Drysdale and Cam Fowler. Manson could again fetch a decent return to another contending team that feels they are a defenseman away.

Not to only single on team but a DeBrusk out of Boston trade could make sense here. The Bruins need a defenseman with a little more grit to go with the likes of Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carol and Matt Grzelcyk. Manson could bring a much-needed physical presence that has been lost since Zdeno Chara was not retained. And his comfort level in Boston is high as he played at Northeastern University. The Ducks also have the ability to take a forward for defenseman trade as the defensive depth the Ducks possess is deep at the moment.

If the Ducks want to look for a similar young player who is on the cusp deal look at Jack Drury in Carolina. The Hurricanes have been building towards something for a couple years now and could use Manson to help with grueling playoff games against the likes of the Rangers ,Penguins, or Capitals to name a few. Last summer the Hockey Writers had this to say about Drury:

"“Perhaps the most NHL-ready player on this list, Drury’s game just oozes maturity, confidence, competitiveness, and attention to detail. Drafted as a two-way forward who truly excelled in the defensive zone, Drury has answered all the questions – and then some – about his offensive game. The last two seasons, the first in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) at Harvard, then with Vaxjo of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in 2020-21, Drury has risen from a likely bottom-sixer to a legitimate second-line possibility, thanks to his strong work in the dirty areas, sneaky-good vision, and finishing ability.”"

Drury has 21 points in 33 games at the AHL level and even if he projects to a 3rd line center a future of Zegras-McTavish-Drury-Lundstrom looks really good for the Ducks.

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