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Draft Day: Expectations

June 24, 2016, 1:06 PM ET [16 Comments]
Ed Stein
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Christmas in June

The hockey world has its collective eyes focused on Buffalo, NY for tonight's NHL Entry Draft. League G.M.s will their cell phones at the ready as picks and deals will be flying fast and furious. What will the Ducks do?

Bob Murray is running the show. Unfortunately, for speculators he keeps his plans hermetically sealed in a mayonnaise jar next to Lou Lamoriello's jar in a vault. We can use Anaheim's cap history and Murray's past record as a guide. Here is what I'm looking for:

I Won't Be Surprised If:

Cam Fowler is traded this weekend. Considering the Ducks internal budget is usually 10 or so percent below the cap, they can't afford to keep him and the newly re-signed Sami Vatanen. He will be moved for either a 1st round trade up or a coveted top line left wing.

The Ducks start their Getlaf/Perry replacement plan. They have used recent top picks on forwards, but the time is now to to have a plan in place. Rickard Rakell is a good player today and will improve, but at this time he isn't close to filling Getlaf's shoes. If there is a forward Murray thinks has the chops to replace one of his stars he'll make a move .

Anaheim goes forward heavy, early. I believe in taking the best player available, however with a system stacked with blue line talent and the future in goal decided, it would be wise to build other areas.

Another veteran center is brought in. Nate Thompson's ruptured Achilles tendon has probably ended his Ducks tenure. Murray said last week that they would be lucky to have him back by the trade deadline. One of the big differences between the start of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons was Thompson's absence on draws. Chris Wagner is the internal candidate, but this is what Murray does well, finding complementary players.

I Will Be Surprised If:

The Ducks don't make any trades.

Murray can find a taker for Kevin Bieksa. Its a classic Branch Rickey scenario. Dealing Bieksa now might be a year too soon, but next year will be a year too late. At this point, why not keep Clayton Stoner over Bieksa? Stoner makes less money and Murray loves his post-season presence.

Many of the rumors about the Ducks turn out to be just that. See mayonnaise comment above.

Anaheim trades out of the first round completely. This is an organization that builds from homegrown talent. It would take a huge return in both talent and dollars for Murray to sell both his first round picks.

Looking forward to a great draft weekend.

- Ed
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