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Ducks Get Eaves From Dallas + A Look At Other Deadline Targets |
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BREAKING - Ducks acquire Patrick Eaves from Dallas for a conditional 2017 2nd round pick.
Five days and counting until Noon PST, the NHL's trade deadline. The Ducks need help if they are to make a sustained playoff run. Other teams are looking for young defenseman and Anaheim has them in spades. If a significant player is brought in, either Cam Fowler or Sami Vatanen will be a part of that trade. I asked my crackerjack research department (me) to get the names of the top trade candidates and analyze them from a potential Ducks acquisition standpoint.
There are going to be automatic omissions (with an occasional exceptions) based on need as well as GM Bob Murray's interest in making “hockey deals” not just selling the future for rental players.
No Chance
Any defenseman
The Ducks are trading Dmen, not acquiring them.
Goalies
No one on the market worth making a deal for.
Exception - Ryan Miller. If Vancouver picks up half of Miller's contract, a straight up swap for Jonathan Bernier could work.
Veterans on expiring contracts
That wouldn't be the hockey deal Murray wants. Its highly unlikely players such as Hanzal, Vanek, Sharp, Iginla, Vrabata, Parenteau, Burrows, Berglund, and Gionta. I'd even go as far to say players with one more year left on their contract would be passed over. Evander Kane and James van Reimsdyk are in that category.
Exception 1 – Murray would gladly take an expiring contract on a veteran wing for Clayton Stoner, if it was reasonable or he could get cap relief by waiving said player and demoting him.
Exception 2 – Shane Doan. If Arizona wants to send Doan to playoff contending team as a favor and make it easy, such as taking back salary (Stoner) or eating part of the remaining contract. It would depend on how much cap space Murray could clear before hand.
Exception 3 – Dirt cheap. A conditional sixth round pick if the new player scores 10 playoff goals cheap or else no pick, cheap. Scottie Upshall is in this category.
Exception 4 – Nate Thompson gets moved for an even better 4th line center. Someone like Bryan Boyle.
In Play
Murray is looking for players whose contacts he has a chance to control for three or more seasons.
The big prizes
Gabriel Landeskog and/or Matt Duchesne from the Avalanche. The Ducks won't get both, they can't afford it under the cap, but one definitely. Anaheim has the assets the Coyotes are rumored to be asking for. Landeskog makes the most sense. He the gritty type of winger with scoring touch they need.
Jonathan Drouin of Tampa fits in here as well. Again, the Ducks can pay a high price; but will Tampa want to move him.
The right guy at the right cost
Anthony Duclair has dried up in the desert. A change of scenery to a competitive team could help him restart his career.
JT Miller or Kevin Hayes from the Rangers would look good in Ducks colors. Would NYR part with a budding star in exchange for the puck moving defenseman they crave.
The Ducks check in across the East River to Brooklyn for a deal. If Isles defenseman Travis Hamonic gets moved out their would be an opening. There a several young forwards that would work in a trade. Ryan Strome or Brock Nelson are the most desirable return for a player of Vatanen's or Fowler's caliber.
Ask Ed
I'm still taking questions (preferably about the Ducks) for next week's Ask Ed blog. At the beginning of this page, click on the contact link under my name to PM me your questions.
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