1) If the current trends continue, I'd say max 2 more years. This could be offset if Bob Murray maneuvers through the expansion draft and offseason while keeping his best young defensemen intact.

2) B- because it's been slightly above average. He's managed to keep the team near the top of a fairly weak Pacific Division without a lot of offensive firepower. But his management of the defensive icetime is questionable at best. Also, Boll?

3) I'd say trade Sami, as much as it hurts. He's seen a huge dip this season, and Montour seems like he'll grow into a similar player, if not better. Although cashing in on Cam's all-star season could be beneficial.

4) Fowler has stepped up his all-around game, Rakell has produced at a ridiculous rate for the most part, and Kase came out of nowhere to contribute virtually every night

5) Perry's lack of goal-scoring is obviously a problem. Sami's drop-off has been a letdown.

GM Mode: I would find a way to trade Sami for Landeskog. Throw in a pick and/or a prospect depending on what they need.

We had a chance to trade Sami for Drouin and blew it.

The Cup window for the Ducks is virtually open ended. Murray is one of the best in the league when it comes to drafting. Theyre defensive and center depth is arguably the best in the league. Not only in the NHL, but prospect depth as well. Seriously, people should realize what a fantastic pick Sam Steel was. With a young Gibson, this team could be in the mix for 8-10 years. Not to say they are Cup favorites, but they are set up nicely.

If the Ducks are trading a defenseman, I wish it could be Lindholm. He is massively overrated. He is a great skater, but not as great as Fowler. The one thing he does exceptionally well is suppress shots. He defends at the blue line well, but if the puck gets behind him, he's not that great. For a guy his size he needs to be more physical. Lindholm has hit his ceiling, in fact he's declining and he has been for 3 consecutive years now. The only increasing stats are his ice time and his turnovers. Trading him would bring a ridiculous return and allow Fowler to be viewed as the #1 that he really is. He may not suppress shots as well, but he limits chances better and he was at the top of the league at zone exit success both in passing out of the zone and skating it out. He defends differently than Lindholm. Instead of closing the gap at the blue line. He allows the forwards in and closes at the wall to create a turnover and a rush the other way when all of the opposing forwards are inside the zone. He does rely on help from his partner and a good backchecking center for this to be successful. The results are fewer scoring chances as only the low percentage shots get thru. I doubt Murray could trade lindholm tho, the backlash would be frightening.

While Perry has been a disappointment, I think Ducks fans have been a little spoiled. Consistent scoring winners are hard to come by. It's not unusual for guys like Palmieri or Nash or E. Kane or Hoffman to score 30 goals in a season. Totally different to do it with regularity.

As much as there is perceived need for a scoring winger, I would rather have guys like Silf, Cogs and Kase who play a good two way game and have the skill and speed to produce offensively, especially with the center depth on the roster, or someone who can control the puck for extended periods in the offensive zone like Perry and Ritchie. Loui Eriksson can do both, which is why I am hoping Murray targets him at the deadline.