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Get Vermette

August 8, 2016, 9:27 PM ET [29 Comments]
Ed Stein
Anaheim Ducks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Time for the Ducks to bring Antoine Vermette into the fold. There are rumors that he might only get a professional tryout offer. GM Bob Murray should give him a bargain basement contract now. If for no other reason, his faceoff ability should be enough for Anaheim to sign the free agent center. Vermette would give Randy Carlyle some much needed flexibility. There are three scenarios I see happening.

Scenario 1: He's Done

A few years back Murray signed Dany Heatley to a bargain contract in the hopes that he had something left in the tank. He didn't. Eventually, Heatley was waived and sent to the minors. The Ducks could do the same with Vermette.

Scenario 2: He's Serviceable

Nate Thompson's achilles injury probably means he has played his last game as a Duck. Not that he was that terrific last season. Over the past five years Vermette's worst season faceoff win percentage (.553) is far better than Thompson's best season (.528). His addition would also take some heat off of Ryan Kesler for defensive zone draws. So, if the best Vermette can do is center the fourth line, he's an upgrade.

Scenario 3: He's Good

This is where is gets interesting. If Vermette can be a capable second or third line center, things could change greatly. A huge plug would be filled by moving Rickard Rakell to left wing. Additionally, his passing ability might just be the spark that gets Nick Ritchie going. The top three lines would be: Rakell-Getzlaf-Perry, Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg. Ritchie-Vermette-Garbutt.

The positives outweigh the negatives on Vermette. Sign the guy.
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