The great migration, as Anaheim Ducks clarify offseason blueprint before free agency

July 1st, the opening day of free agency, is just a couple days away and the Ducks still have a lot of pieces still up in the air. Outside of the two seismic trades that occurred on draft day, the Ducks have bid farewell to some veterans and have decisions to make on their other pending free agents, restricted or otherwise. Before the chaos resumes, let's take stock on what's happened so far, and who the Ducks have left to sign.

Radko Gudas

Let's begin with the former captain of the Ducks first, as the team announced that they traded the rights of Gudas to the Florida Panthers for A.J. Greer. Gudas only had 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) in 56 regular season games for the Ducks and appeared in just one playoff game against the Oilers. Between limited deployment on the third pair, a suspension, and lost time due to injuries; Gudas' time in Anaheim seemed to have run its course.

In the same breath though, Gudas does deserve some stick taps. He came over from Florida, as a depth defenseman, and took over the role of captain for a fledgling team. While he was never the best player on the ice, no one can question his toughness, as he always ready to face the music.

In Greer, the Ducks potentially have another depth forward, as he notched 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists) in 78 games for the Panthers. Depending on what the Ducks do with their other free agents, Greer has the potential to play even higher in the lineup.

John Carlson

The veteran defenseman made his decision loud and clear a couple weeks ago, and the Ducks promptly traded his rights to the Carolina Hurricanes during the draft for the 192nd pick. The Ducks drafted Noah Kosick, a left-handed center, with that pick and also received Kyle Masters, a right-handed defenseman whom the Ducks did make a qualifying offer for.

Gambling away a first-round pick for a few months of Carlson's services, seems like an overpay now. Even though the Ducks did eventually get back into the first round, having their own pick would have been advantageous.

Jacob Trouba

The last of the veteran right-handed defenseman, Trouba is still unsigned. According to the latest information from Pierre Lebrun of The Athletic, Trouba is still likely to test free agency. Trouba had 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 81 regular season games for the Ducks but only scored once in the playoffs. By default, Trouba was the regular defense partner for Jackson LaCombe, but Trouba was arguably playing higher in the lineup than he should have been. The Ducks could bring him back on a short-term deal, but he is unlikely to accept a diminished role too.

Leo Carlsson

Other receiving a qualifying offer, the news has been quiet on an extension for Carlsson, the Ducks' number one center. The only worry would be the potential of an offer sheet, but even if the number was north of 15 million per season, the Ducks should not hesitate to match. The loss of Carlsson would set the Ducks back years and unless there was an offer GM Pat Verbeek could not turn down, expect this contract to be done at some point over the summer.

Cutter Gauthier

Much like Carlsson, an extension for Gauthier should be in the works, as he also received a qualifying offer, but there have not been any notable updates outside of that. Unlike Carlsson however, Gauthier is not susceptible to an offer sheet. The biggest concern would be Verbeek's history of dealing with RFAs, as those negotiations have always dragged out longer than reasonably anticipated, eventually costing the team in the long run.

Pavel Mintyukov

From early season angst to regular top four defenseman, Mintyukov had a slightly better turnaround than his former teammate, Olen Zellweger. Mintyukov had 22 points (8 goals, 14 assists) in 73 regular season games but posted a fat zero on the scoresheet in the playoffs. Like Zellweger, Mintyukov has been in trade rumors since that early season request and was mocked in multiple trade scenarios. Even though he did not receive a qualifying offer, Mintyukov is one of the few left-handed defenders with NHL experience. And with Zellweger now out of the picture, the Ducks would be wise to hold onto the tested Mintyukov.

Tyson Hinds

Like Mintyukov, Hinds also did not receive a qualifying offer, despite being an RFA. But when Zellweger was scratched towards the end of the regular season and into the playoffs, Hinds took over the role of third pairing defenseman. While great at the defensive side of the game, Hinds still struggled to generate offense, only registering a single point in 15 games, regular season and playoffs combined. With prospect Stian Solberg signed for another three seasons on an entry level deal, Hinds could be vulnerable to a trade.

Ross Johnston

As the Ducks' main pugilist, Johnston carved out a role for himself on the fourth line and registered 14 points (3 goals, 11 assists) in 62 regular season games. Though he only saw action in 5 playoff games for the Ducks, due to an injury, Johnston still leaned into his physical playstyle and was noticeable on the ice. With the imminent acquisition of Greer though, who can play that same tough still, but produce offensively, Johnston's days in Anaheim might be numbered now.

Jansen Harkins

Another regular fourth liner, Harkins had 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in 44 regular season games and one goal in 3 playoff games. Much like Johnston, Harkins role on the team can be replaced by Greer or another prospect in the Ducks' system. And without a qualifying offer, Harkins might be looking for a new team in the summer.

Jeffrey Viel

Viel had a great glow-up, after being acquired from Boston during the regular season. Even though he only scored 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in 35 regular season games for the Ducks, the combination of Viel, Time Washe, and Ian Moore was a force in the opening round of the playoffs. Viel had 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in the postseason but has yet to receive a qualifying offer from the Ducks. Of all the viable fourth line candidates, Viel is the most likely to receive an extension.

Closing thoughts

If the lead up to and through the draft has been any indication, a lot can change in the course of a couple days. How Verbeek approaches free agency with the Ducks' unsigned free agents, plus whatever happens on the trade market, will have a major impact on the upcoming season. This will be a huge test for the Verbeek tenure and will more than likely be an inflection point on seasons yet to come.

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