The Anaheim Ducks had their seven-game win streak snapped against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. Even though the Ducks have thrust themselves back into the playoff race, they are still markedly depleted at forward. Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish have been out of the lineup due to injuries, while Mikael Granlund, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke have been the main drivers on the offensive side of the puck, in the aforementioned trio's absence.
The Ducks should be looking to make a trade, not only to bolster their lineup for a playoff push, but to supplement the team with more scoring. The Athletic recently published their NHL trade board 5.0, and there are a few players the Ducks should be taking a look at. And no, we will not be looking at any skaters from the New York Rangers, as we have already covered GM Pat Verbeek's favorite trade partner.
The home run
Jordan Kyrou
Even though his production is down this season, with only 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists), compared to the previous four seasons of 67+, Kyrou is still an effective player on a sinking St. Louis Blues team. Not only has his name been circulated in trade rumors, since the beginning of the season, Kyrou fits the contention window of the Ducks, as he is only 27 years old. Kyrou would immediately provide a boost to Anaheim's top six, skating along either Carlsson or McTavish.
The only problem would be the acquisition cost. The Blues would be looking for a decent return and even though the Ducks have more than enough draft capital to spare, sending a requisite forward the other way in a trade, would be problematic. Carlsson and McTavish would be off the board, so would Gauthier and Sennecke. Roger McQueen might be an option, but the Ducks might not be keen on letting another young forward go. If the Blues were looking for a defenseman in return though, the Ducks could make a trade work.
The ground rule double
Conor Garland
Another forward on a struggling team, Garland only has 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) on the season, for the Vancouver Canucks. However, Garland has been around 50 points, the previous four seasons. While definitely not a game breaker, Garland would add more scoring punch to the Ducks. While he is slightly older than Kyrou, at 29 years old, Garland would still somewhat fit in the contention window for the Ducks.
With six more years and a $6 million AAV, the Ducks would be able to absorb the contract without any retention. Garland is also not in the upper echelon of trade targets, so the acquisition cost should be relatively low. Anything other than draft picks or lower tier prospects, the Ducks should walk away. But for the right cost, a Garland trade would be beneficial.
The designated hitter
Patrik Laine
Laine has only played five games this season, due to injury, with only one point. Last season though, Laine had 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists) in 52 games. Yes, he has a history of injuries (Laine last played 82 games in the 2018-19 season). Yes, his two-way game is non-existent. And yes, his contract is an albatross ($8.7 million this season). You know what Laine is good at though? The powerplay.
Laine score 15 of his 20 goals last season, while on the man advantage. You know where the Ducks could use some help? That's right, the powerplay. The Ducks have the 23rd ranked powerplay, at 18.1% and 29 goals.
Laine will be a UFA after this season, so the trade cost should be at its lowest. His next deal will not come close to his current AAV, so Ducks would not be pressed to make a high offer. Short term and a prove it deal, would be beneficial to both the Ducks and Laine.