The Ducks are going to lose a defenseman to expansion. There is no reason to buyout Bieksa because it wont change anything, they would still expose at least 2 of the young core defenders. The Ducks should expose Vatanen, Manson and Fowler and protect Lingholm, Theodore and Bieksa (because they have to). Theodore replaces Vatanen easily and Fowler only has 1 year after expansion before becoming UFA anyway. With Montour, Larsson and Petterson coming up, I'm not worried about losing Manson or Despres. Expansion will not hurt the Ducks as much as everyone thinks it will.
- sniper11

If you buyout Bieksa, he won't take up a spot to protect.

Why in the world would you expose Vatanen, Manson and Fowler??? Theodore doesn't need to be protected as he will still be on his 2nd year of his entry-level contract.

I posted this above:

Forwards
1. Getz
2. Perry
3. Kesler
4. Silf
5. Rakell
6. Cogs
7. Free Agent LW

Defense
8. Vats
9. Lindholm
10. Fowler / Manson

Manson is underrated and has a good contract. I would argue that he is more important at this point than Fowler with Vats, Lindholm, Theodore and the rest of the young defensemen.

This can't be directed my way. I agree with you 100%.
- quackup

No not at all - we are on the same page -

Not a Ducks fan but a little surprised haven't heard any talk of Lucic? Seems like a good fit for a team with no left wings! Especially since all your rivals out west seem interested. As a Ranger fan, I think Nash would also be good for you too. We can throw in a prospect and take Fowler off your hands

Not a Ducks fan but a little surprised haven't heard any talk of Lucic? Seems like a good fit for a team with no left wings! Especially since all your rivals out west seem interested. As a Ranger fan, I think Nash would also be good for you too. We can throw in a prospect and take Fowler off your hands
- junaka3

No way we sign that idiot Lucic for that amount of money. I'd be ok with Nash but I want to hold onto Perron too. It's gonna be tough with Lindholm and Rakell still unsigned.

If you buyout Bieksa, he won't take up a spot to protect.

Why in the world would you expose Vatanen, Manson and Fowler??? Theodore doesn't need to be protected as he will still be on his 2nd year of his entry-level contract.

I posted this above:

Forwards
1. Getz
2. Perry
3. Kesler
4. Silf
5. Rakell
6. Cogs
7. Free Agent LW

Defense
8. Vats
9. Lindholm
10. Fowler / Manson

Manson is underrated and has a good contract. I would argue that he is more important at this point than Fowler with Vats, Lindholm, Theodore and the rest of the young defensemen.
- CptAhab

It doesnt matter if Bieksa takes up a protection slot. A defenseman is still going to Vegas. Lindholm will be protected. Manson should probably be the 3rd defender protected if Theodore is exempt. Vats is the easiest on the blueline to replace and Fowler is UFA 1 season after expansion. Despres is 4th in line to be protected. The Ducks are forced to expose at least 1 eligible defenseman and they can only lose 1 player, so unless Bieksa waives his NMC, buying him out doesn't help the situation at all and would simply be another waste of an asset and a waste of money.

It doesnt matter if Bieksa takes up a protection slot. A defenseman is still going to Vegas. Lindholm will be protected. Manson should probably be the 3rd defender protected if Theodore is exempt. Vats is the easiest on the blueline to replace and Fowler is UFA 1 season after expansion. Despres is 4th in line to be protected. The Ducks are forced to expose at least 1 eligible defenseman and they can only lose 1 player, so unless Bieksa waives his NMC, buying him out doesn't help the situation at all and would simply be another waste of an asset and a waste of money.
- sniper11

That makes ZERO sense. Protect Bieksa and lose Vatanen FOR NOTHING, or Despres FOR NOTHING, or Fowler FOR NOTHING.

If Bieksa is still here come the expansion draft and one of the 3 players listed above is lost to the draft Murray should be fired immediately. The only exception would be exposing Despres because his concussion issues have affected his play.

Hmm . Looks like we are going with young guys . Which reminds me . I need to stock up on tums .

LW - Getzlaf - Perry
Cogliano - Kesler - Silfverberg
Garbutt - Rakell - Ritchie
LW - Wagner - RW

Thompson's on IR.

This is what the forward situation is looking like in Anaheim. I think Carlyle and Murray made a choice to move on from the Frankenstein winger project. I thing fringe grinders that are penalty prone is something this team wants no more of. Maroon, Bourque, Heatley, Penner and Stewart types.

The only arguable loss was Perron. I thought he had good chemistry with Getzlaf. Internal cap blah, it's apparent that Bob wanted to permanently shed the Hagelin contract. What matters to me is that this forward group is coachable. Ego and entitlement doesn't win on the forecheck.

Murray is building this team on character that often times isn't acquired with marquee free agents. Maybe we'll see a token second rounder bring in a character guy. This team is lean, has strength in the middle, a great defensive core and a good goalie. Make no mistake that today marks a shift in what Carlyle is looking for.

Could see a trade with Detroit. They are woefully thin on D and have a ton of forwards.

Not necessarily saying Fowler in the mix, just saying I can see a trade between the two teams.

I also think it's possible Noessen makes the jump (besides the obvious two in Ritchie and Theodore).

That makes ZERO sense. Protect Bieksa and lose Vatanen FOR NOTHING, or Despres FOR NOTHING, or Fowler FOR NOTHING.

If Bieksa is still here come the expansion draft and one of the 3 players listed above is lost to the draft Murray should be fired immediately. The only exception would be exposing Despres because his concussion issues have affected his play.
- quackup

What aren't you getting here? Without protecting Bieksa, you can only protect one of those players. So you will still lose one of the other two. Basically, you want to buy out Bieksa, protect Vatanen, Lindholm and Despres and still lose Fowler for nothing? Whats the difference in keeping Bieksa for only 1 extra year, protecting Bieksa, Lindholm, and Vatanen, and lose Fowler for nothing. Explain to me how it ended any differently besides the fact that now you have to replace two defensemen on the roster instead of only one.

What aren't you getting here? Without protecting Bieksa, you can only protect one of those players. So you will still lose one of the other two. Basically, you want to buy out Bieksa, protect Vatanen, Lindholm and Despres and still lose Fowler for nothing? Whats the difference in keeping Bieksa for only 1 extra year, protecting Bieksa, Lindholm, and Vatanen, and lose Fowler for nothing. Explain to me how it ended any differently besides the fact that now you have to replace two defensemen on the roster instead of only one.
- sniper11

Problem is we're veering off the road here. The issue isn't that we're going to lose a D. That's understood. The issue is the quality of the D we're keeping vs what we're willing to expose in the draft. Bieksa should be gone now, and he should take Stoner with him. They could be replaced immediately. That's not even an issue. imo.

The bold above, is a horrible use of assets. That's like asking what's the difference between a hamburger and prime rib. Serious. Fowler is arguably our best skater, and best visionary on the ice. He has tremendous value, and will be traded to get much needed assets back. Theodore allows that. However, that's not the discussion here.

Now, I acknowledge BM could roll the dice and expose him with the thought he's UFA in one year. Thought being why would Vegas draft him knowing he's only going to be there for 1 season. He could resign with the Ducks. It is Vegas, after all. Or, they'll take Despres/Manson instead. Point being, while I acknowledge it "possible" for Fowler to be exposed to the draft, I think it highly improbable, same with Bieksa being protected.

LW - Getzlaf - Perry
Cogliano - Kesler - Silfverberg
Garbutt - Rakell - Ritchie
LW - Wagner - RW

Thompson's on IR.

This is what the forward situation is looking like in Anaheim. I think Carlyle and Murray made a choice to move on from the Frankenstein winger project. I thing fringe grinders that are penalty prone is something this team wants no more of. Maroon, Bourque, Heatley, Penner and Stewart types.

The only arguable loss was Perron. I thought he had good chemistry with Getzlaf. Internal cap blah, it's apparent that Bob wanted to permanently shed the Hagelin contract. What matters to me is that this forward group is coachable. Ego and entitlement doesn't win on the forecheck.

Murray is building this team on character that often times isn't acquired with marquee free agents. Maybe we'll see a token second rounder bring in a character guy. This team is lean, has strength in the middle, a great defensive core and a good goalie. Make no mistake that today marks a shift in what Carlyle is looking for.
- IGotTheMemo

I like using the 4th line for the kids . Hopefully we get another top 6 foward

I like using the 4th line for the kids . Hopefully we get another top 6 foward
- Eman87654

Right now my gut is telling me Bob is in talks with Shawn Horcoff. Shawn fit in really well. Injury reports were incredibly quiet this post season in Anaheim, as I presume he was fighting something, which attributed to him not being in the line up for the first part of the Nashville series. Shawn isn't happy with how last season went. I don't know how management really feels about the positive PED test. Some extra testosterone in the system for a veteran fighting an injury is what it is. This isn't some 00s MLB scandal. Just lack of judgment and communication.

I just hope this team stays away from skating minor penalties. The pre game show did a stat half way through last season and this team was basically -500 minors since the Perry Getzlaf era. The best was Carolina in the +300s. Sure, Kesler, Silfverberg and Lindholm are great at killing penalties, but that shouldn't be their primary purpose. Advantageous situations over a prolonged period = success in the NHL. The extracurriculars have been a nuisance this team can no longer afford. I'm tired of them beating themselves.

Otherwise , yes kids. The defense is so solid, that some proper NHL development of Richie and Jones could pay dividends down the road. Thankfully this isn't Edmonton that just throws em out there, but with the center depth and responsible defensive mindset (outside of stupid penalties) there is room for proper youth development.

Right now my gut is telling me Bob is in talks with Shawn Horcoff. Shawn fit in really well. Injury reports were incredibly quiet this post season in Anaheim, as I presume he was fighting something, which attributed to him not being in the line up for the first part of the Nashville series. Shawn isn't happy with how last season went. I don't know how management really feels about the positive PED test. Some extra testosterone in the system for a veteran fighting an injury is what it is. This isn't some 00s MLB scandal. Just lack of judgment and communication.

I just hope this team stays away from skating minor penalties. The pre game show did a stat half way through last season and this team was basically -500 minors since the Perry Getzlaf era. The best was Carolina in the +300s. Sure, Kesler, Silfverberg and Lindholm are great at killing penalties, but that shouldn't be their primary purpose. Advantageous situations over a prolonged period = success in the NHL. The extracurriculars have been a nuisance this team can no longer afford. I'm tired of them beating themselves.

Otherwise , yes kids. The defense is so solid, that some proper NHL development of Richie and Jones could pay dividends down the road. Thankfully this isn't Edmonton that just throws em out there, but with the center depth and responsible defensive mindset (outside of stupid penalties) there is room for proper youth development.
- IGotTheMemo

Changing the mentality of taking penalties will take years though . I'd rather not wait .

Changing the mentality of taking penalties will take years though . I'd rather not wait .
- Eman87654

This team takes more minors than any team in the league, and they have for quite sometime. There is a culture of lack of judgment that must be worked on. Mentality? It takes a readjustment of perception, and making better choices in the heat of the moment. Everyone is an example on the ice, and one guy starts doing it. Then another guy is doing it, and it cascades.

The past couple years when this team is down in the second, and they're not getting chances frustration sets in, and they start gooning it up. The refs know the Ducks have a bad habit of turning every loss into a fisticuff, and start assessing minors to keep the game toned down. I guarantee every linesman in the NHL knows if the Ducks are down late in the second they're going to be having to break up altercations between every whistle. The refs are tired of it too, and they just assess minors rather than letting it escalate.

Even worse, opposing teams coaches know it, and almost certainly outline it as a strategy during the morning scouting report. "OK, if you lay out a big check they will challenge you. You'll probably end up fighting Stewart, Maroon or Stoner." This predictability is not something to be proud of. It's merely a symptom of lack of focus.

This team takes more minors than any team in the league, and they have for quite sometime. There is a culture of lack of judgment that must be worked on. Mentality? It takes a readjustment of perception, and making better choices in the heat of the moment. Everyone is an example on the ice, and one guy starts doing it. Then another guy is doing it, and it cascades.

The past couple years when this team is down in the second, and they're not getting chances frustration sets in, and they start gooning it up. The refs know the Ducks have a bad habit of turning every loss into a fisticuff, and start assessing minors to keep the game toned down. I guarantee every linesman in the NHL knows if the Ducks are down late in the second they're going to be having to break up altercations between every whistle. The refs are tired of it too, and they just assess minors rather than letting it escalate.

Even worse, opposing teams coaches know it, and almost certainly outline it as a strategy during the morning scouting report. "OK, if you lay out a big check they will challenge you. You'll probably end up fighting Stewart, Maroon or Stoner." This predictability is not something to be proud of. It's merely a symptom of lack of focus.
- IGotTheMemo

Yeah i agree about the penalties . Its just that it takes time and roster change . And our playoff window is pretty small as it is.

Fowler for RNH

Fowler for RNH
- rubberduckies

Id do it

Ducks signed Mason Raymond. Sounds like a good value (2-way deal / $675K for one year). Based on some of the free agent signings, glad Murray didn't overpay anyone and is hopefully just working on locking up Lindholm and Rakell.

Looks like they are going to give a few of the Gulls a chance to make a claim to some spots. Need a couple of guys to take some next steps like Ritchie, Noesen and Kerdiles.

I wonder if Murray will make a move for a top-line winger by moving Fowler. Not sure what is out there now though.

Four days into free agency and the Ducks have signed 4 players:

Nate Guinen (D), 1 year 600k
Jared Boll (RW), 2 year 900k per
Mason Raymond (LW), 1 year 675k (two-way)
Jeff Schultz (D), 1 year 575k (two-way)

Right now, defense is looking like:

Bieksa
Fowler
Lindholm
Vatanen
Despres
Manson
Stoner
Theodore
Guinen
Shultz

That's 10 guys for 6 spots. Anaheim Ducks' management is certainly looking to prevent midseasons woes due to injuries. We've seen Bob Murray flounder over defense, especially in the 2014-2015 season. No more future will ever be levied on Eric Brewers again. Is 10 overkill? No. What you're getting even with these fill-ins is professionals who will know the team, this system and go through training camp. The hiccups of excess midseason roster turnover has been a distraction for this team the past couple years. Good on Murray for being proactive.

Moving along, the forward situation is looking like:

LW - Getzlaf - Perry
Cogliano - Kesler - Silfverberg
Raymond - Rakell - Ritchie
Garbutt - Wagner - Boll

Nate Thompson is on IR.

I like the acquisition of Raymond and Boll. Raymond played with Kesler and Bieksa in Vancouver, but more importantly played some of his best hockey under Randy Carlyle in Toronto. I'm sure Carlyle gave Murray a thumbs up with this signing. Then there is Boll. The guy has played on a relatively bad Colombia Blue Jackets team his entire career. Anyways, he's a professional enforcer. There is a lot of talent on this Ducks roster, and Boll's duty will be what he's good it. I know he's excited for this opportunity probably moreso than anyone. 82 games in the NHL is no joke, and the gloves do need to be dropped. I have no quarrels with battling, my thing is the excessive minor penalties, which is a lockeroom accountability deal.

Is a trade on the horizon? Perhaps. There is definitely room for one of the Gulls' wingers to earn a spot. This team looks coachable, and I think Carlyle is the man for the job. Lots of positives here.

Four days into free agency and the Ducks have signed 4 players:

Nate Guinen (D), 1 year 600k
Jared Boll (RW), 2 year 900k per
Mason Raymond (LW), 1 year 675k (two-way)
Jeff Schultz (D), 1 year 575k (two-way)

Right now, defense is looking like:

Bieksa
Fowler
Lindholm
Vatanen
Despres
Manson
Stoner
Theodore
Guinen
Shultz

That's 10 guys for 6 spots. Anaheim Ducks' management is certainly looking to prevent midseasons woes due to injuries. We've seen Bob Murray flounder over defense, especially in the 2014-2015 season. No more future will ever be levied on Eric Brewers again. Is 10 overkill? No. What you're getting even with these fill-ins is professionals who will know the team, this system and go through training camp. The hiccups of excess midseason roster turnover has been a distraction for this team the past couple years. Good on Murray for being proactive.

Moving along, the forward situation is looking like:

LW - Getzlaf - Perry
Cogliano - Kesler - Silfverberg
Raymond - Rakell - Ritchie
Garbutt - Wagner - Boll

Nate Thompson is on IR.

I like the acquisition of Raymond and Boll. Raymond played with Kesler and Bieksa in Vancouver, but more importantly played some of his best hockey under Randy Carlyle in Toronto. I'm sure Carlyle gave Murray a thumbs up with this signing. Then there is Boll. The guy has played on a relatively bad Colombia Blue Jackets team his entire career. Anyways, he's a professional enforcer. There is a lot of talent on this Ducks roster, and Boll's duty will be what he's good it. I know he's excited for this opportunity probably moreso than anyone. 82 games in the NHL is no joke, and the gloves do need to be dropped. I have no quarrels with battling, my thing is the excessive minor penalties, which is a lockeroom accountability deal.

Is a trade on the horizon? Perhaps. There is definitely room for one of the Gulls' wingers to earn a spot. This team looks coachable, and I think Carlyle is the man for the job. Lots of positives here.
- IGotTheMemo

Oh for the love of cookies would you look at that 4th line . Please bob . Don't torture me so !

Four days into free agency and the Ducks have signed 4 players:

Then there is Boll. The guy has played on a relatively bad Colombia Blue Jackets team his entire career. Anyways, he's a professional enforcer. There is a lot of talent on this Ducks roster, and Boll's duty will be what he's good it. I know he's excited for this opportunity probably moreso than anyone. 82 games in the NHL is no joke, and the gloves do need to be dropped. I have no quarrels with battling, my thing is the excessive minor penalties, which is a lockeroom accountability deal.

Is a trade on the horizon? Perhaps. .
- IGotTheMemo

Couldn't agree more on Boll, so glad Murray brought him onto Anaheim's side. I always was worried when I would see a Duck drop with Boll, he can really hold his own with the heaviest of heavies. This team needed an enforcer, Manson can certainly fight but can't be the only one the Ducks rely on for the rough stuff. This team is at its best when it plays physical, this is a move in the right direction.

We can certainly afford to trade Fowler to fill in that LW slot.

A line up consisting of Perry, Kesler, Garbutt, and Boll sounds aggravating for opposing teams.