Quick update from Big D, the housing search continues. This has been a harder process than getting the fifth dentist to accept Trident gum.
Busy Bob
Ducks General Manager Bob Murray will be a busy man the next few weeks. First on his to do list is what to do with pending unrestricted free agents Matt Beleskey and Francois Beuchemin.
Recent reports have the Ducks and Beleskey apart on a deal. After a 22 goals (plus eight more in the playoffs) last season, Beleskey is in position to cash in. He could command close to $5M per season, a price that Murray probably won't pay. During an appearance yesterday, Murray told Sportsnet's Hockey Central that he has been trying to resign the left wing but negotiations will not go on much longer. He said, “We’ve made another offer. It’s a bumpy road right now, I’m not going to lie. We’re going to try one more shot at it and then we have to move on.…
Defenseman Beauchemin's situation might the opposite of Beleskey's. The Ducks alternate captain would very much like to come back to Anaheim next season, but it might not be mutual. With five defensemen under NHL contracts and two others on the verge of cracking the lineup, the 35 year old blueliner may be squeezed out of a job.
GM Meetings
At yesterday's GM meetings in Las Vegas, the NHL and players union agreed to a cap of $71.4M with a floor of $52.8M. The parameters are now set for some big trades leading up to Friday's entry draft as there are few teams that tight against the cap. Murray had a very good last offseason and may be in position repeat. If Beleskey is not resigned, there may be a few wingers available for trade that could help Anaheim. Milan Lucic and Loui Eriksson can be had from Boston. Possible free agents include Curtis Glencross and Shane Doan.
Draft
With the 27 pick of the 2015 NHL entry draft, the Anaheim Ducks select...
… I don't have a clue. Anyone who can tell you that they do have an idea, really doesn't. That late in the round the best any prognosticator can do is give their best guess, because there are far too many variables in play. Players speculated to be drafted by Anaheim include LWs Paul Bittner and Timo Meier; center Jansen Harkens and RW Daniel Sprong.