The first domino has fallen as we rapidly approach the 2022 NHL trade deadline, with Anaheim and Colorado a part of the deal.
First reported by Kevin Weekes of ESPN and NHL Network, the Ducks have traded defenseman Josh Manson to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for prospect defenseman Drew Helleson and a second-round pick in 2023.
Manson, 30, has scored four goals and nine points through 45 games. He is currently in the final year of a four-year deal signed before the 2018-19 season. The deal is worth $4.1-million, although Anaheim is retaining half of Manson’s salary in the deal. It also included a modified no-trade clause, which Manson waived to come to the top team in the western conference.
Helleson, 20, was drafted in the second round by Colorado (47th overall) in the 2019 entry draft. The 6’3” right-handed defender spent some time with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) before playing the last three seasons with the NCAA’s Boston College. He has four goals and 25 points through 32 games in his junior season at BC.
Anaheim might not be done at this year’s deadline, either. Forward Rickard Rakell and defenseman Hampus Lindholm are also on the final year of their current contracts and could be on their way out the door as the Ducks look to bring in more assets. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Rakell in particular, who was placed on injured reserve (IR) with an upper-body injury. He’s currently labeled as “day-to-day.”
