Anaheim Ducks: Three Musts on the Off-Season Checklist

3.        A top-6 forward will be added

Pat Verbeek has made it known over and over again that he hopes to surround Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry with more skill and talent. The Ducks have numerous young players who may be asked to fill the role, but it’s arguable whether Mason McTavish, Jacob Perreault, or Brayden Tracey are ready to take that role on just yet. Sasha Pastujov is still some years away, and some may ask whether his lack of foot speed will fit with the current group – his place may be on a “third” scoring line with some slower skaters.

Patience in development is surely the right call for the prospects, however, Verbeek has also suggested that Troy Terry is a core piece of the team. That is fine in it’s own right, as Terry isn’t old by any stretch of the imagination. However, Terry will be 25-years-old to start the next season, and with what we know about aging curves, it’s likely his best years will be within the next two seasons, before he slowly declines. How much of a decline is debatable, however, it’s worth noting former Ducks Rickard Rakell and his play between his 30-goal seasons and his trade at 28-years-old. Still good enough to be part of a competitive team, but no longer a driving force behind it. Assuming similar from Terry means that the clock is ticking for Verbeek and the Ducks to build a contender in short order.

The net minding will rest upon the hopes that John Gibson will return to form not seen in years. The defense is a mixture of young talent and veteran leadership. Thus, the top-6 is the clear point of improvement. Going hard after a good veteran is likely going to cost the Ducks more than they can afford and mortgage a future on the hopes of right now. However, there are young-ish players who may be available and who somewhat fit the Ducks youthful timeline.

Kevin Fiala is the name on everyone’s lips due to the Wilds salary cap crunch. At 25-years-old he slots right in next to Terry as a player in his prime who could be around and performing for a few seasons more. Filip Forsberg and Nikolaj Ehlers are both under 30-years-old and provide a mix of veteran play and scoring prowess. Ehlers, especially, seems to fit with the Ducks core group good skaters and is almost illuminated by Verbeek’s recent comments about the Ducks being to slow compared to their peers.

With a boatload of second round picks, two first round picks, and a clutch of prospects coming through, the Ducks are in a position which they can trade to bring in one, or multiple, players of this ilk. Given Verbeek’s comments about improving speed and talent, it seems inevitable that he will pull the trigger. What remains to be seen is what that looks like.

If I were a gambling man, and I am, I would put some money on Ehlers being a Duck before free agency opens, with his extension hitting before the market is open.