As of this posting there is just over a day left until the NHL trade deadline. Trying to figure out what Ducks GM Bob Murray will do, is about as easy as reading Darth Vader's expression in a poker game. In the meantime, I'll finish up the first ever ask Ed.
Q: What are the Ducks actual needs & where could you see them trading one of their D for any proposed upgrade u feel they need?
A: The Ducks biggest needs are for scorers up front. Murray said that if he were to deal one of his young defenseman, it would be in a hockey deal and not for a rental. Additionally, he said he feels no pressure to make another trade after acquiring Patrick Eaves. His comments cut the pool of teams is down to ones that need defenseman and have young forwards to trade. The most likely teams are NYR, NYI, Tampa (see below), Toronto, and Colorado .
Q: Ed, how much more rope do the owners give BM before the ax falls?
A: Its a very long rope. The Ducks would have to suffer a major crash for Murray to lose his job.
Q: Ed, will we trade for Drouin?
A: I sure hope so. I'm even good with overpaying (up to a point). The puck is on Tampa's stick right now, its up to Bolts GM Steve Yzerman to pull the trigger.
Q: Are you happy to have Carlyle back?
A: Happy, somewhat. The problem with his predecessor, Bruce Boudreau, was that he proved time and again he can't win a championship, no matter how good his teams were in the regular season. Randy Carlyle has won the big one, and going into this season, the Ducks needed someone who had a track record of winning. My biggest concern about Carlyle was how he would handle the young players Anaheim has, after his debacle with the Leafs. I was expecting Dave Tippett 2.0. With the exception of Shea Theodore, Carlyle has done a fantastic job with the next wave of Ducks.
Q: Do you think Justice League will be better than The Avengers?
A: I'd like to see Wonder Woman before I make my final call, but in general, the actors in the Marvel Comics Universe are better than the ones used in the DC Universe. Robert Downey Jr. has been at his best in the Ironman suit.
Q: Can this team be more consistent offensively?
A: Yes and his name is Corey Perry.
Q: How would you grade (San Diego Gulls coach) Dallas Eakins work?
A: Absolutely outstanding. When was the last time a Ducks call-up looked “lost… on the ice? Its been a long time. Players come to Anaheim from San Diego ready contribute. You can't ask for more than that.
Q: If you could go see one band/performer live that you haven't seen yet, who would it be?
A: I've seen almost everyone I like live. I'd have to say Alice in Chains narrowly over Soundgarden.
Q: Should people stop saying the Kesler signing will ultimately kill the Ducks?
A: Its a tough question for me, because I've been behind Kesler his entire career. This season, he has been the Ducks best skater on many nights. RK17 is used in all situations and excels. The ultimate decider of whether or not he was worth the acquisition and extension will be if the Ducks win a championship. The window is still open. Lets cut the guy some slack and come back to this question in two years.
Q: Who would you like to see most of all in round 1 of the playoffs?
A: Calgary. The Ducks have had their number at the Honda Center.
Thanks for all your excellent questions. This was fun. To quote Jim Ross, "business is about to pick up."