The losses continue to mount for the Anaheim Ducks. At press time, it was 12 and counting after a 3-1 loss to Detroit on Tuesday night. Despite the wheels falling off, the Ducks are still within striking distance of a wildcard spot. Three points out of the playoffs and a .500 record seem unfathomable but that is where Anaheim finds itself.
GM Bob Murray unloaded Andrew Cogliano for Devin Shore earlier in the week. Cogliano was a heart and soul player whose offensive game had fallen away from him. Shore possesses some offensive talent but defensively can leave much to be desired. Murray was trying to get any kind of offensive pop. He feels players just are not pulling their weight.
Anaheim falling into an unenviable position is problematic. Selling massively becomes less likely much like significant buying. Lateral moves with hopes of upside seem more plausible. Let us look back in order to look ahead.
The Cogliano For Shore Swap — Anaheim Ducks Tipping Point?
At some point, the general manager had to do something. This likely was not what Anaheim fans had in mind. Cogliano fell to 11 points in 46 contests. Also, the forward’s dropped shot volume was more than noticeable. He was deployed more defensively and that did him few favors. 62.5% defensive zone deployment was a career high and arguably this streak merited a message sender.
As for Devin Shore, the 24-year-old saw time with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. However, putting up consistent production eluded the young forward. The culminated in his last five games in Dallas where he played fourth line minutes (11-12 a night). Shot volume dropped to one a game and ice time dropped by two minutes a contest. Again, speed was there but defensively Shore did not see the ice and often succumbed to many mistakes.
Potentially, Shore scoring near 15 goals would not be shocking in the next year or two. On the other hand, can veteran leadership in Anaheim teach him two-way play where Dallas could not even scratch the surface? It is a great question.
Finally, this deal gave Anaheim the green light to pursue other possible trades.
Anaheim made three trades on Wednesday/early Thursday morning. Pontus Aberg went to Minnesota for Jordan Kloos. Then, Derek Grant returned to Anaheim for Joseph Blandisi. After that, Michael Del Zotto was acquired for Luke Schenn and a 2020 seventh-round draft pick.
The feeling is that the Ducks are not done yet. None of these trades are little more than shuffling pieces.
Who could come and go? Let’s take a peak.
Anaheim Ducks Selling Pieces
Jakob Silfverberg presents as a big dilemma for Murray. The Ducks tried to sign/extend the winger before and it had not worked out. Some suggest a trade is almost imminent because of contract partially. That appears to be plausible. Silfverberg has three 20-goal seasons and maybe a fourth this season. The problem lies in the fact that improvement has not occurred. This is not what one expects from a player on the ice for 17-18 minutes a night.
Teams interested in Silfverberg note that he suffered an injury on Tuesday night in Detroit and that may impact any transaction which could be made. The forward placed on Injured Reserve will only create more difficulties for Bob Murray should he choose to move more pieces. Also, Ryan Kesler was placed on injured reserve paving the way for several call-ups — most notably Troy Terry. Anaheim looks like they may be going down with the ship.
It appears at this point Anaheim is selling more than buying. The problem is some pieces have baggage in some form.
Some Players To Be Dangled?
Rickard Rakell — Would Anaheim actually dangle him on the market? Every contender would jump at the chance to acquire a 30 goal scorer with a ridiculously affordable contract. That deal lasts three more seasons after 2018-19. Destinations would be too numerous to mention.
Ondrej Kase — Kase moving from Anaheim appears less likely as well. He remains an integral part of the roster and it would take a lot to pry him away. The 23-year old signed a three-year deal in the offseason at a reasonable $2.6 million AAV. If he were to be moved, it would be closer to the end of the trade deadline. Vegas would be an intriguing landing spot but again, it is early in the process.
Brian Gibbons — Gibbons has decent enough speed but the offensive ability of someone who is a minor league player. He scored his first goal of the season on the 13th against Winnipeg. Gibbons scoring just four points on the year is not going to attract much interest.
Jacob Larsson — Would Anaheim ponder giving up their prospect defenseman or even one of their top four defensemen? This is a young core group — all in their twenties. It would take a substantial deal but at this point, chips may be in play no one knows about just yet. Would Brandon Montour be on the move? That possibility increases by the day.