The Anaheim Ducks are currently fifth in the Pacific Division and on the outside of the playoff picture. They are within striking distance of a Wild Card spot, but remain well short of their annual Stanley Cup or bust expectations.

Mired in one of the worst stretches in club history, Ducks' GM Bob Murray has been working the phones 24/7 in search of a quick fix for all that ales his club. He's made several minor deals to shake up parts of his roster. There is surely more to come. He could fetch a decent return from a crazy Cup chaser.

He brought back Derek Grant to relieve some of the bottom-six center burden from a less-than-effective Ryan Kesler, He removed a possible locker room distraction in Pontus Aberg and flipped D Luke Schenn for D Michael Del Zotto.

The latter deal is perhaps the most interesting. I've heard speculation (NHL Radio) that the Del Zotto addition is a precursor to another major move. Murray wanted to add an NHL caliber defender to slip into the lineup if needed. Like in the event of another, bigger deal. A Brandon Montour trade? If playoff-bound teams are looking for a blue-line upgrade with offensive, defensive and special teams upside, Montour fits that bill. He could be Anaheim's bluest chip to flip.

Another player than can't seem to escape the rumor mill is Jakob Silvferberg. He's a player that's defensively responsible with some offensive skill. His particular set of skills are invaluable during a long playoff run. Murray has expressed interest in re-signing his 28-year-old forward, but if a deal doesn't seem likely - he has to moved.

Murray's objective is clear - get younger, get faster and do it as quick as possible. Good luck with that. He doesn't want to admit it, but the sun is setting on this group and a rebuild is very much on the horizon.

Other players that may draw interest are Josh Manson and *gasp* Rickard Rakell. Neither are likely to be shopped, but boy oh boy, would that shake up that locker room.

Anaheim has one more game before the All-Star game and mandated break. If they go dark for that loooooooong break, riding another losing streak, these very dark days in Anaheim stand to only get darker before all is said and done.

What are your thoughts? Who stays? Who goes? Do you even care?

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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