Martin Jones is the best example. They were trading for a franchise goaltender which is what Andersen would be to whatever team that would potentially get him. I personally would take a young Andersen over every goalie you named here. Now Andersen might cost more then the 3 mil Jones makes a year because he wasn't quite as proven, but a 5 mil Andersen is better then all of the above.
- Orange_me_Black

I'm not sure I'm taking Anderson over Bishop as well, if the cost to acquire is the same.

Ed, there is no chance Shea Theodore gets traded. It's a small sample size I know but I haven't seen Shea make a bad turnover yet, Sami still makes them. Also, for all of his skill with the puck Sami still has a rough time with physical teams. Theodore was fine against the Kings. Theodore may finally be the number one defenseman Anaheim has been looking for. Shea also has a cap friendly contract for the next few years whereas Sami is still negotiating. If Sami and his agent had been proactive like Simon Despres and his agent and signed early then this would be a different story.
- duxcup07

You guys really should package up Vatanen, Andersen, Ritchie, and a 1st rounder and send them to Arizona for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It's a high price to pay, but it immediately fills the most glaring hole in the Ducks lineup for at least the next decade.

any chance fowler can be had for any combination of Connolly, Alex Khokhlachev, Seth Griffith, Joonas Kempainnen, 2017 1st?

I'm not sure I'm taking Anderson over Bishop as well, if the cost to acquire is the same.
- Ross77

I was thinking about Bishop but he wants north of 7 mil on his next contract and I don't think he is "better" then Andersen. I would rather have Andersen cheaper. I also think if bishop was so good TB would have him locked up already past next season. my opinion is all. Of course being a ducks fan I would want the largest return the ducks could get.

Bruce said last week he was showing video of Shea at practice as an example of how he wants guys to move the puck. He's a Duck for life.

Shea is also not going anywhere because the Ducks are an internal cap team. They need guys who can play above their pay grade. Same reason Manson probably isn't going anywhere. Most likely one of Lindholm, Cam or Sami will be moving at the draft unless there is a deal that's too good to pass up at the deadline. A year ago Bob Murray was asked if anyone on the roster was untouchable. He named Lindholm, and then said just about anyone could be had for the right deal.if you asked him the same question today, I think he'd say Gibson and Theodore. Both are future stars playing at a level above their pay grade.

You guys really should package up Vatanen, Andersen, Ritchie, and a 1st rounder and send them to Arizona for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It's a high price to pay, but it immediately fills the most glaring hole in the Ducks lineup for at least the next decade.
- tkecanuck341

I'd probably do it. The only one that would make me think about it would be Ritchie because I think he's going to be a beast similar to a young Lucic, but I'd still do it. Moot point though, there is no chance in hell Arizona trades OEL. That's like the Kings trading Doughty. They are generational players and you just don't do it unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

You can't compare jones to Anderson. He will fetch a lot more
- langer420

ya I dont see that happening

In other words “loose lips sink ships.” Anyway, whether or not they happen, the fact that there is some talk usually indicates that a player is being discussed by someone.

I suppose than, if Vatanen is being discussed the most on the rumor chart, to expect 47 or 4 to be moved at the draft.

I suppose than, if Vatanen is being discussed the most on the rumor chart, to expect 47 or 4 to be moved at the draft.
- getzlaugh

I could see 4 getting dealt. 47 is sticking around.

I'd probably do it. The only one that would make me think about it would be Ritchie because I think he's going to be a beast similar to a young Lucic, but I'd still do it. Moot point though, there is no chance in hell Arizona trades OEL. That's like the Kings trading Doughty. They are generational players and you just don't do it unless there are extraordinary circumstances.
- duxcup07

I don't think that's true. OEL is 24 years old, a good four to five years older than most of their young promising rookies that will become the core of this team. What they really need are promising young prospects that will fill in the gaps alongside players like Domi and Strome. By the time Arizona is ready to compete for cups, OEL will be in his 30s. I think Don Maloney would absolutely move OEL if the return was right.

Even Vatanen is a few years too old for this core, but I don't know that the Ducks would be willing to ship out both Theodore and Ritchie. If Maloney is smart, he would ask for Gibson, Ritchie, Theodore, and a pick, which I would say is an overpayment, but an overpayment is what it would take to get an elite NHL defenseman. The Ducks window gets a little smaller every year that Getzlaf and Perry get closer to retirement. Every year that Arizona gets a little better make it more unlikely that they will part with their #1 defenseman.

I don't think that's true. OEL is 26 years old, a good five years older than most of their young promising rookies that will become the core of this team. What they really need are promising young prospects that will fill in the gaps alongside players like Domi and Strome. By the time Arizona is ready to compete for cups, OEL will be in his 30s. I think Don Maloney would absolutely move OEL if the return was right.

Even Vatanen is a few years too old for this core, but I don't know that the Ducks would be willing to ship out both Theodore and Ritchie. If Maloney is smart, he would ask for Gibson, Ritchie, Theodore, and a pick, which I would say is an overpayment, but an overpayment is what it would take to get an elite NHL defenseman. The Ducks window gets a little smaller every year that Getzlaf and Perry get closer to retirement. Every year that Arizona gets a little better make it more unlikely that they will part with their #1 defenseman.
- tkecanuck341

Stop. This is absurd. Come on, step back a little. The Ducks don't need D. Right now, today, the team is second or 3rd behind the Kings in Corsi %. They're in the top 5 on GAA. That's WITHOUT Despres all year, and without Fowler for a stretch here. The team is not scoring. The issue isn't shutting down the opponent, it's putting the puck in the back of the net. Gibson is our future #1, and is cost controlled for another 3 years. Theodore is making Vatanen expendable. You think the Ducks would move those two, PLUS Ritchie and a pick. No way, besides, Theodore and Ritchie are on ELC, which makes them even more valuable. The "window" while it may not open any more, I don't think is shutting any time soon. While Getz/Perry/Kesler decline.....Fowler/Lindholm/Vats/Theodore/ get better.

Stop. This is absurd. Come on, step back a little. The Ducks don't need D. Right now, today, the team is second or 3rd behind the Kings in Corsi %. They're in the top 5 on GAA. That's WITHOUT Despres all year, and without Fowler for a stretch here. The team is not scoring. The issue isn't shutting down the opponent, it's putting the puck in the back of the net. Gibson is our future #1, and is cost controlled for another 3 years. Theodore is making Vatanen expendable. You think the Ducks would move those two, PLUS Ritchie and a pick. No way, besides, Theodore and Ritchie are on ELC, which makes them even more valuable. The "window" while it may not open any more, I don't think is shutting any time soon. While Getz/Perry/Kesler decline.....Fowler/Lindholm/Vats/Theodore/ get better.
- quackup

I said it in the Kings blog after the game on Sunday. The Ducks are making great strides towards becoming a championship worthy team. They essentially abandoned their system that they've been using for the last decade in favor of the defense-first, possession system that the Kings have mastered. Every player, forwards included, need to buy into the defense-first strategy. It definitely takes some getting used to. One of the effects of implementing this system is that the offense has trouble scoring. They need to make a few personnel changes in order to successfully execute the system, but they're well on the way.

The Ducks have a decent defensive corps, but they're lacking a clear #1 two-way defenseman. Every cup winning team of the last decade has had one. Kings have Doughty, Chicago has Keith, Boston had Chara, Pittsburgh had Gonchar, Detroit had Lidstrom, and even Anaheim's 2007 cup winning team had Neidermeyer. Lindholm is a solid #2 guy, and Fowler would be one of the better second paring guys in the league, but neither are really elite defenseman caliber. If Gibson turns out to be the real deal, then making the trade I suggested (Andersen, Vatanen, Ritchie, 1st) would give the Ducks all of the key pieces of a Stanley Cup contender (2 quality centers, clear #1 defenseman, quality goaltender). If Maloney asks for Theodore and Gibson as well then the Ducks shouldn't do it.

Its very tricky dealing with division opponents you'll see more often throughout the year. The Coyotes have had the Ducks' number this season and giving them a treasure trove of young talent even while giving up OEL could spell headaches for Duck fans for years to come.

I would much rather them head out east if they are searching for a #1D.

I really like the defensive core we have now and would be best to see if we can unload Stoner. (Very much doubt Bieska is able to be moved). Give the kids experience for this year and see where that takes us.

Its very tricky dealing with division opponents you'll see more often throughout the year. The Coyotes have had the Ducks' number this season and giving them a treasure trove of young talent even while giving up OEL could spell headaches for Duck fans for years to come.

I would much rather them head out east if they are searching for a #1D.

I really like the defensive core we have now and would be best to see if we can unload Stoner. (Very much doubt Bieska is able to be moved). Give the kids experience for this year and see where that takes us.
- CptAhab

The problem with 1Ds is that they are a rarity, and you're going to be hard pressed to find a team that is willing to part with theirs if they believe they are close to competing for a Stanley Cup. Arizona is technically in a playoff spot right now due to the poor showing from the Pacific division, but looking at their lineup (and listening to Tanner), they are seriously overachieving and still several years away from seriously competing for a playoff spot. There are no other players in the league of OEL's caliber that play for a team so bad that their GM might consider trading them.

I agree about Bieksa and Stoner. Bieksa isn't terrible, but he's certainly not worth the money that he makes. He's a decent enough bottom pairing defenseman, but he's certainly not worth his contract. Stoner doesn't have a place on a championship worthy team. Adding OEL for Vatanen will increase the Ducks offensive output, while also adding to stability on the back end. While Vatanen is a quality offensive defenseman, he is average at best in his own zone. OEL is elite on both sides of the puck.

I don't think that's true. OEL is 26 years old, a good five years older than most of their young promising rookies that will become the core of this team. What they really need are promising young prospects that will fill in the gaps alongside players like Domi and Strome. By the time Arizona is ready to compete for cups, OEL will be in his 30s. I think Don Maloney would absolutely move OEL if the return was right.

Even Vatanen is a few years too old for this core, but I don't know that the Ducks would be willing to ship out both Theodore and Ritchie. If Maloney is smart, he would ask for Gibson, Ritchie, Theodore, and a pick, which I would say is an overpayment, but an overpayment is what it would take to get an elite NHL defenseman. The Ducks window gets a little smaller every year that Getzlaf and Perry get closer to retirement. Every year that Arizona gets a little better make it more unlikely that they will part with their #1 defenseman.
- tkecanuck341

OEL is 24, same age as Fowler/Vatanen. Also has 3 more years at a cap hit of 5.5. Fowler will come up for contract renewal one year earlier. Ducks trade Vatanen for OEL, they still have to sign Rakell and Lindholm, while also taking on the added contract $ amounts for Despres, Kesler, Manson, etc. I don't think they'll have the cap space. I would counter with Fowler, Andersen and pick for OEL (not #1).

OEL is 24, same age as Fowler/Vatanen. Also has 3 more years at a cap hit of 5.5. Fowler will come up for contract renewal one year earlier. Ducks trade Vatanen for OEL, they still have to sign Rakell and Lindholm, while also taking on the added contract $ amounts for Despres, Kesler, Manson, etc. I don't think they'll have the cap space. I would counter with Fowler, Andersen and pick for OEL (not #1).
- quackup

You would counter with that and Maloney would laugh and hang up the phone. That deal takes away any incentive for Arizona to do this trade, as they are looking for younger players to supplement Domi and Strome. OEL is better than any of the roster players that Anaheim can provide, so they are only looking for 18-20 year old players and picks. Anything else you throw in would be supplemental.

The main lure of the deal I recommended would be Ritchie and the 1st round pick. Vatanen is likely being shipped out, so he would be the immediate roster replacement for OEL, but not a long term solution for Arizona. Gibson is the goaltender of the future for Anaheim, so Andersen will be going out the door soon anyway, so that's just a temporary throw in to replace the tire fire that is Mike Smith.

You guys really should package up Vatanen, Andersen, Ritchie, and a 1st rounder and send them to Arizona for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It's a high price to pay, but it immediately fills the most glaring hole in the Ducks lineup for at least the next decade.
- tkecanuck341

This is nuts. I don't think you have paid attention to any blockbuster trades in the cap era. There is a definite formula and this is not it. If you are giving up two roster players, you don't also give up a top prospect. Realistically, Rakell, Larsson and a first could get OEL if the Ducks wanted him that badly.

This is nuts. I don't think you have paid attention to any blockbuster trades in the cap era. There is a definite formula and this is not it. If you are giving up two roster players, you don't also give up a top prospect. Realistically, Rakell, Larsson and a first could get OEL if the Ducks wanted him that badly.
- sniper11

Haha. That wouldn't even get you rental Byufglien. Keep dreaming though.

Haha. That wouldn't even get you rental Byufglien. Keep dreaming though.
- tkecanuck341

You just lost all credibility if you don't think Winnipeg would trade Buff for Rakell, Larsson, and a 1st. Are you crazy? There is ZERO chance Winnipeg turns that deal down. And zero chance Murray would suggest it in the first place.

Ducks trade Sekac to Chicago for Garbutt.

There are few players I actually hate in the NHL and since the playoff series with Dallas, I've hated Garbutt. I don't understand this move.

Sekac hadn't really done anything, but he seemed to be moving his feet well and getting back up to speed after his injury.

Only thing I can think of is Garbutt will make $900K and Sekac is an RFA and was looking for a slight raise?

Hopefully this means we are going to extend our valuable RFA's (Lindholm, Rakell, Vats).

Ducks trade Sekac to Chicago for Garbutt.

There are few players I actually hate in the NHL and since the playoff series with Dallas, I've hated Garbutt. I don't understand this move.

Sekac hadn't really done anything, but he seemed to be moving his feet well and getting back up to speed after his injury.

Only thing I can think of is Garbutt will make $900K and Sekac is an RFA and was looking for a slight raise?

Hopefully this means we are going to extend our valuable RFA's (Lindholm, Rakell, Vats).
- CptAhab

Garbage is so dirty. I guess he wont be spearing our players anymore. Sekac is like Hags I think as a faster style will fit him better. Im not sure why BM did this. I guess its all to sign all RFA's.

Ducks trade Sekac to Chicago for Garbutt.

There are few players I actually hate in the NHL and since the playoff series with Dallas, I've hated Garbutt. I don't understand this move.

Sekac hadn't really done anything, but he seemed to be moving his feet well and getting back up to speed after his injury.

Only thing I can think of is Garbutt will make $900K and Sekac is an RFA and was looking for a slight raise?

Hopefully this means we are going to extend our valuable RFA's (Lindholm, Rakell, Vats).
- CptAhab

Garbage is so dirty. I guess he wont be spearing our players anymore. Sekac is like Hags I think as a faster style will fit him better. I'm not sure why BM did this. I guess its all to sign all RFA's.

Ducks trade Sekac to Chicago for Garbutt.

There are few players I actually hate in the NHL and since the playoff series with Dallas, I've hated Garbutt. I don't understand this move.

Sekac hadn't really done anything, but he seemed to be moving his feet well and getting back up to speed after his injury.

Only thing I can think of is Garbutt will make $900K and Sekac is an RFA and was looking for a slight raise?

Hopefully this means we are going to extend our valuable RFA's (Lindholm, Rakell, Vats).
- CptAhab

Garbage is so dirty. I guess he wont be spearing our players anymore. Sekac is like Hags I think as a faster style will fit him better. I'm not sure why BM did this. I guess its all to sign all RFA's.

Garbage is so dirty.
- Orange_me_Black

Starting the day off right after a win and sipping coffee and I have to see this news. I really hope we have some RFA signings soon.

Starting the day off right after a win and sipping coffee and I have to see this news. I really hope we have some RFA signings soon.
- CptAhab

At least Garbutt will play the Kings a lot more now. I don't know how I feel about it honestly. I know Sekac wasn't doing anything, but he had upside and to let him go for Garbutt. I feel he could have been packaged for a bigger trade. I guess Garbutt comes cheap though. He will be annoying the Pacific in no time.