Anaheim Ducks staying alive but could trade pieces?
Craig Custance of The Athletic: The Anaheim Ducks generating interest this trade deadline is different. Usually, the Ducks buy but this year are in a unique position. They remain just outside of a wildcard spot. Players move all the time yet the Anaheim Ducks still find the word transition weird. Bob Murray expanded on this.
“I wish I won the Cups they won,” Murray said, when presented this comparison. “We’re along those lines. It’s a transition. We know for sure, we’re in some sort of transition…. Some teams have to go down and build it and draft real high for a bunch of years. I don’t think we’re in that category. We have good young players coming.”
Again, some names are generating clear interest. Jakob Silfverberg draws a huge amount of curiosity from several general managers. They like his playoff performances especially. The only problem is the current injury Jakob Silfverberg suffered. The Anaheim Ducks forward placed on the injured reserve and as of now, his return likely isn’t for at least a week.
Brandon Montour is the other piece that could draw interest.
Perhaps, Nick Ritchie dangled out there may peak a team or two. Nothing suggests a nuclear-sized shakeup.
The mantra remains to stay in the race somehow. Ryan Getzlaf opined:
“I’ve never been through anything like this from a struggling standpoint for this length of time,” Getzlaf said. “The nice thing is the group is still in the thick of the wild card race. Fortunately we’ve done some good things this year too. We have to use that and try to stay in this thing.”
No one expects the likes of Rickard Rakell or Cam Fowler to be available on or before February 25th. Executives find Bob Murray to be open-minded so never say never. He ponders most anything but the next move is likely a smaller deal rather than a big one.