The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching and once again, the Anaheim Ducks are sellers.
Currently sitting 30th in the NHL in points percentage, the team's priority will obviously revolve around getting back as many future assets as possible. While the majority of the roster not named Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish or Jamie Drysdale should be fair game in any possible trade, below, we take a look at the players who are most likely to be dealt ahead of the deadline.
JOHN KLINGBERG
The question isn’t if Klingberg will be traded, it’s just a matter of who he’ll be going to and for what.
As soon as Klingberg was signed to a one-year deal this offseason, it was clear he was probably destined to be flipped at the deadline. The defenseman didn’t secure himself a long-term contract last summer and while he wasn’t likely to be a long-term fit in Anaheim based on his age, he could use the year to build his value.
Well, that hasn’t gone according to plan. Klingberg has had a disastrous year, being a complete defensive liability for most of his tenure in Anaheim and not producing enough offensively to offset his mistakes. While he may have been worth a first-round pick or more coming into the year, his value has surely plummeted this season.
At the same time, he can still bring back some assets in a trade. Klingberg has managed 20 points in 46 games and you have to think someone will be willing to bet on the defender bouncing back a bit in a new situation. The pending unrestricted free agent will almost surely be moved before the deadline (likely with salary retained), and hopefully, the Ducks are able to secure a decent pick.
KEVIN SHATTENKIRK
Along the lines of offensive, right-handed blue liners who are prone to struggling defensively, next is Kevin Shattenkirk.
Finishing up a three-year contract with the Ducks, Shattenkirk is 34 years old and will also be a UFA this summer. He’s not likely to be back with Anaheim next season, based on the fact he’s now in his mid-30s and the Ducks can almost certainly find a more reliable depth defender to replace him.
Shattenkirk has only managed 14 points this season but does have some offensive upside and is a Stanley Cup champion. Chances are, someone would be willing to pay a mid-round pick to bring him in as depth for a playoff run.
DMITRY KULIKOV
Brought in this summer as a result of the Minnesota Wild trying to clear cap space, Kulikov has worked out alright in Anaheim. He’s undoubtedly playing too large of a role on the team’s thin blue line, but could be a worthwhile bottom-pairing addition for a contender.
Kulikov already has a manageable cap hit of just $2.25 million and could bring back a pick and/or prospect.
ANTHONY STOLARZ
Stolarz’s numbers have taken a hit this season, but he’s still a solid NHL backup. Given he’s also on an expiring contract and Lukas Dostal could easily step into a full-time NHL role, Stolarz could be a trade candidate.
The Ducks wouldn’t get much back, but given a Gibson/Dostal tandem seems inevitable next year anyways, flipping Stolarz for a pick would be worthwhile. You could see a contender add him as a backup, or even a third goalie as extra depth for a playoff run.
DEREK GRANT
Another relatively minor piece, Grant could be a depth forward or spare for a team loading up for a run. He can still add some offense down the lineup and someone may be willing to give up a pick (perhaps with retained salary).
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
ADAM HENRIQUE - If there’s a player from the Ducks with term remaining who’s likely to be moved, it’s probably Adam Henrique. He’s scoring at a pace of almost 30 goals and 50 points per 82 this season, and while Anaheim would almost surely have to retain salary and still wouldn’t even get a big return, it’s at least possible someone makes a play for Henrique.
MAX COMTOIS - Two years ago, he was the Ducks’ leading scorer. Now, Comtois is struggling to even hold a spot in the lineup. Given he’s a restricted free agent this summer and is a candidate to not receive a qualifying offer, we could see him traded away, rather than not qualified this summer.
NATHAN BEAULIEU - If anyone was willing to give up a pick to acquire him as a seventh or eighth defenseman, the Ducks may take whatever they can get. The only reason to keep him around would be the fact that Anaheim will likely already be dealing away multiple other defenders before the deadline.
JOHN GIBSON - It’s not going to happen, but instead of moving Stolarz, the Ducks could try to pull the trigger on a Gibson trade. Lukas Dostal is likely to be Anaheim’s next long-term starter and considering Gibson is nearly 30 years old, they need to at least be considering a move.
The reality is the Ducks are looking to build for the future and as a result, most players should be made available, if they won't be long-term fits. We can expect Pat Verbeek will be busy in the coming weeks, and the team could look very different after March 3.
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