Ben Shelley: Ducks sign Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas

Like it.. Perhaps a yr too long on each.. but no worries.

Killorn will fit with either Leo or McT. on the 2nd line. Just had 2 of his best years.. and is a winner .. That Tampa wanted him back good enough for me.

Gudas ... a nasty piece of business on the backend. Still with a ton of game left.

Good work so far.. need another D and F from FA.

Well at least both these deals are way way way better than Jarry or JK to the Leafs...

Ben Shelley: Ducks sign Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas
- Ben-Shelley

Free Agency day is mostly about overpaying but giving a 34 year old a 4 year deal? I get he had his best season last year but really?

I like Gudas. I think you’re paying for more then just stats with him.

It's Clayton Stoner and Kevin Bieska all over again. We just gave Killlorn and Gudas over 10 million per year. We have to overpay for free agents now that Verbeek traded Manson, Lindholm, Rackell, Delaurias. And we didn't even get Bedard or Fantilli.
So at least one of these players are gonna be bought out or put on permanent LTIR in 3 years. And good luck getting extensions now on or younger players. Verbeek is probably gonna plead poverty and just give all the young players bridge deals that will drive up their cap numbers in 3 years ruining our chance to win a Cup. Does Verbeek know anything about Cap management. Why not use the Cap money now to get a lower Cap hit and spread the money for the players over a longer period. He says he's trying to build a winner but all I see is him wasting time and Cap space.

It's Clayton Stoner and Kevin Bieska all over again. We just gave Killlorn and Gudas over 10 million per year. We have to overpay for free agents now that Verbeek traded Manson, Lindholm, Rackell, Delaurias. And we didn't even get Bedard or Fantilli.
So at least one of these players are gonna be bought out or put on permanent LTIR in 3 years. And good luck getting extensions now on or younger players. Verbeek is probably gonna plead poverty and just give all the young players bridge deals that will drive up their cap numbers in 3 years ruining our chance to win a Cup. Does Verbeek know anything about Cap management. Why not use the Cap money now to get a lower Cap hit and spread the money for the players over a longer period. He says he's trying to build a winner but all I see is him wasting time and Cap space.
- Eman87654

Vertank gave some pretty compelling reasons on Killorn. If he helps Z become a better player I’m all in. He’s also not a stiff - he can play.

Gudas is a piece we really needed.

Well at least both these deals are way way way better than Jarry or JK to the Leafs...
- dozerD10

JK is 4million and 1 year. Whats the issue? Hes got more talent than Gudas and its the same cap. Guess is trash 6th dman paid as a top 4.

JK is 4million and 1 year. Whats the issue? Hes got more talent than Gudas and its the same cap. Guess is trash 6th dman paid as a top 4.
- Aaron_85

Really? Have you watched him play lately? What do you know that Verbeek AND Guerin don't? You have to pray he's going to score a ton of goals because he's going to give up a ton of goals.

Really? Have you watched him play lately? What do you know that Verbeek AND Guerin don't? You have to pray he's going to score a ton of goals because he's going to give up a ton of goals.
- duxcup07

Add to that - he’s not in any way what Leafs need now.. they have Riles and Lilly for the rush and their PP was pretty good last time I checked.

Gudas is the anti JK - mean, nasty, dirty - and a serious + player .. all things we need in spades.

I like the two moves... maybe a little leadership will go along way.

I like the two moves... maybe a little leadership will go along way.
- rubberduckies

I like the Gudas more today just because he’s what more we need of .. a hardass on the backend…

Killorn I believe will be more valuable as a leader and teacher… but dude can still play. Would love to see him with Z and Vatrano -

Still need another couple wings I think and another D …

With Silf gone next yr his cap hit is fine also.

Really? Have you watched him play lately? What do you know that Verbeek AND Guerin don't? You have to pray he's going to score a ton of goals because he's going to give up a ton of goals.
- duxcup07

That's the counter? This GM knows better than everyone else in the league? It's almost like the ducks were (frank)ing terrible last year and it might impact a players performance....

I like the Gudas more today just because he’s what more we need of .. a hardass on the backend…

Killorn I believe will be more valuable as a leader and teacher… but dude can still play. Would love to see him with Z and Vatrano -

Still need another couple wings I think and another D …

With Silf gone next yr his cap hit is fine also.
- dozerD10

I think the Killorn deal was okay. Term was a little meh but I don't think it'll be a hindrance. It is only 4 years. Modified NTC in the last two.

Gudas has no protection for trades so he could be jettisoned away if need be. He's older, plays a tougher game, it usually falls off at some point. I think Bobrovsky covered up for a lot of his and the panthers d mistakes. He isn't very good but maybe it'll work?

Given all the you ger players and prospects and rebuilding adding some physical presence and experience out there isnt a bad thing. Carlsson was a very solid pick. Overall Ducks are heading towards being a tougher team to play against. Just need that goaltending sorted out.

Should be a whole lot better than last year at least. Fingers crossed.

Given all the you ger players and prospects and rebuilding adding some physical presence and experience out there isnt a bad thing. Carlsson was a very solid pick. Overall Ducks are heading towards being a tougher team to play against. Just need that goaltending sorted out.

Should be a whole lot better than last year at least. Fingers crossed.
- Roadrunner75

Def needed someone to play with baby Z on the D and or with Minty who should both make the team.. Helleson and LaCombe can be the 3rd pair or 7th
Cam - Jamie
Baby Z and Gudas
Helleson / LaCombe.. and plenty of other options.

With both Silf and Rico coming off the books next yr..that is 10 mil right there and with the cap going up.. AK $ is fine. Term is 1yr to long .. but so be it.

Rico should be traded at the TDL esp if we eat 30 % or so.

Just having a coach who knows WTF he is doing defensively is going to be a major improvement for this team.

Having Jamie for a full yr is going to make us way better also.

AK plays on the PP and is an excellent PK'er .. he and Gudas will instantly make our PK way way better. And he is very solid 5 x 5 D wise.

I hear people saying he won't be playing with Stammer / Point / Kuch and while that is true. Z / Terry and McT and Carlsson aren't Stiffs by any means.

This is just like when Jim Benning signed Eric Gubranson and Louis Ericksson. Older veteran guys bringing toughness and leadership. And yes that is a good thing to have. But in the end this is going to be a drop in the bucket. And This is just the wrong year to spend big. A trade would have been better. Winnipeg is trading players. So is Calgary, but they probably won't wana trade with the Ducks. Imagine getting Lindholm from Calgary. He'd want 8 million+ . But He'd be better than Killorn.
And even if the Ducks could only do free agency, why does it have to be older players In thier 30s. Like Michael Bunting would have been better. This whole situation is so short sighted. Like Verbeek didn't think he'd have the money to resign Hampus Lindhlom. But he can can pay Killorn till he's 37. Just unreasonable. Or a Lack of understanding how things work In Free agency.

This is just like when Jim Benning signed Eric Gubranson and Louis Ericksson. Older veteran guys bringing toughness and leadership. And yes that is a good thing to have. But in the end this is going to be a drop in the bucket. And This is just the wrong year to spend big. A trade would have been better. Winnipeg is trading players. So is Calgary, but they probably won't wana trade with the Ducks. Imagine getting Lindholm from Calgary. He'd want 8 million+ . But He'd be better than Killorn.
And even if the Ducks could only do free agency, why does it have to be older players In thier 30s. Like Michael Bunting would have been better. This whole situation is so short sighted. Like Verbeek didn't think he'd have the money to resign Hampus Lindhlom. But he can can pay Killorn till he's 37. Just unreasonable. Or a Lack of understanding how things work In Free agency.
- Eman87654

With some aspects of your take I agree with.. Bunting would have been nice.. but the guys need to want to come here.

Verbeek knows both these guys and they seem to want to be here.

AK did just have 64 pts and 27 goals that is nothing to scoff at.. and playing with talented players I don't see a big drop off this yr. And he plays in all situations while being good at it...

I think you view is a bit pessimistic towards his ability .. Gudas we needed.

With some aspects of your take I agree with.. Bunting would have been nice.. but the guys need to want to come here.

Verbeek knows both these guys and they seem to want to be here.

AK did just have 64 pts and 27 goals that is nothing to scoff at.. and playing with talented players I don't see a big drop off this yr. And he plays in all situations while being good at it...

I think you view is a bit pessimistic towards his ability .. Gudas we needed.
- dozerD10

Me? Pessimistic on Killorn. He'll probably get 40+ points next season on the Ducks. That 62 points he had in Tampa Bay is probably a career high for him.

Me? Pessimistic on Killorn. He'll probably get 40+ points next season on the Ducks. That 62 points he had in Tampa Bay is probably a career high for him.
- Eman87654

I like him for 50+ with some growth and perhaps playiing with Leo..

Bunting would NOT have been nice. He can play but too iften hurts the team with the refs. Also has issues listening to the coach. Be glad the Ducks didn't go there. Killorn is a far better pro and has won cups and is more the mentor leadership type there.

Other thing is Killorn AND Gudas have TDL worth for contending teams so if it doesnt work out, or down the road, they can be moved. Bunting wasnt really a trade piece that way.

On a plus note schedule out and Dec 23 Seattle in town and Jan 3 Toronto. May just get in two games this xmas!!

On a plus note schedule out and Dec 23 Seattle in town and Jan 3 Toronto. May just get in two games this xmas!!
- Roadrunner75

I saw that also.

We have enough money coming off the books that AK while spendy, won't hurt us like he would have other squads.. and he can play in all situations as well..and can slot into 2nd line seamlessly..

AK or Rico or someone better /Leo / Terry
Z / McT / Rico
Strome / Lundy / Vatrano
Jones / Gaucher / Silf

This is just like when Jim Benning signed Eric Gubranson and Louis Ericksson. Older veteran guys bringing toughness and leadership. And yes that is a good thing to have. But in the end this is going to be a drop in the bucket. And This is just the wrong year to spend big. A trade would have been better. Winnipeg is trading players. So is Calgary, but they probably won't wana trade with the Ducks. Imagine getting Lindholm from Calgary. He'd want 8 million+ . But He'd be better than Killorn.
And even if the Ducks could only do free agency, why does it have to be older players In thier 30s. Like Michael Bunting would have been better. This whole situation is so short sighted. Like Verbeek didn't think he'd have the money to resign Hampus Lindhlom. But he can can pay Killorn till he's 37. Just unreasonable. Or a Lack of understanding how things work In Free agency.
- Eman87654

C'mon dude! Seriously, who can GMPV trade to get good players from other teams? There is nothing of value anymore, with the possible exception of Gibson and his contract is all but untradeable now. Who would Calgary want for Lindholm from Anaheim? Nobody.

C'mon dude! Seriously, who can GMPV trade to get good players from other teams? There is nothing of value anymore, with the possible exception of Gibson and his contract is all but untradeable now. Who would Calgary want for Lindholm from Anaheim? Nobody.
- duxcup07

Picks probably. A top 5 protected lottery pick in next years draft would probably do it. With the condition to negotiate a contract before the trade.Its not like the Ducks need more picks. We need players who can play next year and contribute.

Picks probably. A top 5 protected lottery pick in next years draft would probably do it. With the condition to negotiate a contract before the trade.Its not like the Ducks need more picks. We need players who can play next year and contribute.
- Eman87654

Okay so you want to trade picks and prospects for a body to make an impact now, if Im getting that right?

So Ducks in full rebuild, stocking the farm and getting younger, and instead of stocking more talent and prospects you want the trade off of picks/prospects for a fix it all now with exactly what player? Rebuilds take a few years at least to do right. Nobody out there is suddenly putting the Ducks into the post season on their shoulders. Hate to say it but you either go castoff stiffs, or you get the odd older but seasoned and still solid vets like Killorn or Gudas to come in and mentor and help the young guys you are building with.

Add in a flat cap and really while it is nice to have space also limits things like moving Gibson, who really is all they have left to move at this point, and even though he has requested a trade, trying to make it happen is a whole other kettle of fish.