Ben Shelley: Bob Murray can’t lose sight of Ducks’ future when pushing for playoffs

I’m not interested in a full teardown.. not at all.. if they can stay away from the injury bug, They’ve got a decent chance. There were times last year they were playing games without their top 4 D.

I think he had a really good trade deadline.. I like the additions of Danton, Sonny and Djoos & Curran.

The D is going to be pretty solid. The power-play can’t help but be better. And any team with Gibson in net has more than a chance.

Now we definitely need improvement from the kids upfront for sure.

You said it best, "It’s certainly reasonable to have a goal to make the playoffs but if it becomes clear that won’t be a reality, the team can’t be afraid to sell off veterans to set themselves up for the future."

I think that's exactly what will happen. Nothing wrong with wanting to make the playoffs. It's a reasonable goal. But if they stumble out of the gate, and it's obvious they're not going to, I think you'll see Murray make moves at the trade deadline.

You said it best, "It’s certainly reasonable to have a goal to make the playoffs but if it becomes clear that won’t be a reality, the team can’t be afraid to sell off veterans to set themselves up for the future."

I think that's exactly what will happen. Nothing wrong with wanting to make the playoffs. It's a reasonable goal. But if they stumble out of the gate, and it's obvious they're not going to, I think you'll see Murray make moves at the trade deadline.
- quackup

I think we’ll make it simply because SJ / LA / AZ and Flames along with Oil are terrible-

I think this team is capable of making the playoffs. Avoiding major injuries and getting the younger players to produce will be the key. This team is capable, don't think they will do much if/when they get in but it will be a learning experience that will benefit them.
The following season will be very interesting lots of money coming off the books and perrys cap hit being greatly reduced. Add another year of development for the young guys, I think next year they could be very dangerous.

You said it best, "It’s certainly reasonable to have a goal to make the playoffs but if it becomes clear that won’t be a reality, the team can’t be afraid to sell off veterans to set themselves up for the future."

I think that's exactly what will happen. Nothing wrong with wanting to make the playoffs. It's a reasonable goal. But if they stumble out of the gate, and it's obvious they're not going to, I think you'll see Murray make moves at the trade deadline.
- quackup

Totally agree. I also think this goes with the conversation he had about the lack of direction last year. I believe he wants a team that's competitive, which really wasn't the case last year. Besides, making the playoffs and being a Cup team are two different scenarios. They should be a better team than they were last year. Can they make the playoffs? Maybe. Will there be massive changes to the roster if the Ducks continue to play as bad as they did last year? Definitely.

Totally agree. I also think this goes with the conversation he had about the lack of direction last year. I believe he wants a team that's competitive, which really wasn't the case last year. Besides, making the playoffs and being a Cup team are two different scenarios. They should be a better team than they were last year. Can they make the playoffs? Maybe. Will there be massive changes to the roster if the Ducks continue to play as bad as they did last year? Definitely.
- duxcup07

I've talked with enough Duck guys... who have indicated BM doesn't get another coach... he'd be one of the changes... and with Madden on board and very competent it may come sooner than later anyway.

I've talked with enough Duck guys... who have indicated BM doesn't get another coach... he'd be one of the changes... and with Madden on board and very competent it may come sooner than later anyway.
- dozerD10

Can't argue with this, either. Murray used to have some wiggle room when the Ducks were a budget team. Now that they're spending to the cap, he's lost that. If the Ducks sh!t the bed again, Barstool Bob will be gone before Eakins IMO. This will be a sad day for me because I LOVE the Barstool Bob nickname!

I think Manson will be traded at the deadline, keeping some of his salary and getting a first in return is my guess. Someone has to be moved or risk being left exposed to Seattle.

Then we will have a ton of cap space next year and I could see us trying to offer sheet one of the big RFAs available that Eklund detailed last week.

By that time, you would expect at least one of Zegras, Steel, Terry, or Comtois to be a legitimate threat. Heinen or Milano will likely also have grown/improved. Maybe Drysdale or Mahura is up full time. We will still have a strong D core in their prime, an elite level goalie, and strong vets in (likely at least two of) Henrique, Getzlaf, Rakell, and Silvfy. Who knows! Lots to consider, but our group of youngsters is decently strong. Could use another top line player or two, but that is where the offer sheet comes in...

I think Manson will be traded at the deadline, keeping some of his salary and getting a first in return is my guess. Someone has to be moved or risk being left exposed to Seattle.

Then we will have a ton of cap space next year and I could see us trying to offer sheet one of the big RFAs available that Eklund detailed last week.

By that time, you would expect at least one of Zegras, Steel, Terry, or Comtois to be a legitimate threat. Heinen or Milano will likely also have grown/improved. Maybe Drysdale or Mahura is up full time. We will still have a strong D core in their prime, an elite level goalie, and strong vets in (likely at least two of) Henrique, Getzlaf, Rakell, and Silvfy. Who knows! Lots to consider, but our group of youngsters is decently strong. Could use another top line player or two, but that is where the offer sheet comes in...
- hdd23

As I've mentioned before, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lindholm dealt at the deadline or at the next offseason. His long time GF is now working full time for ESPN on the East Coast and as a UFA maybe he'll want to play closer to her.

As I've mentioned before, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lindholm dealt at the deadline or at the next offseason. His long time GF is now working full time for ESPN on the East Coast and as a UFA maybe he'll want to play closer to her.
- quackup

Not too sure about this. I have a buddy who works in the telecommunications industry as a negotiator for broadcast rights. ESPN was going to sign an all-encompassing deal with the NHL to broadcast all games in the U.S., even the local ones. COVID threw a wrench into the negotiations but considering what's been going on locally with Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket, I can still see this happening. Right now, the only way you can watch a Ducks, Kings, or Angels game is if you have Direct TV. Every other cable, FIOS, and streaming service has dropped all local Fox Sports channels. My friend told me they don't want to be stuck with no programming on Fox Sports when ESPN signs. So maybe Hampus's gf will get transferred to the west coast.