With the Anaheim Ducks recent losses to the last place Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets, they’ve put themselves in a very difficult position to be a playoff team this year; if anything, they seem very likely to be a top contender for the Celebrini sweepstakes. The Ducks struggles make them an immediate consideration when it comes to being a trade partner for the teams battling for a Stanley Cup. Let’s take a look at which Anaheim Ducks players are most likely to be dealt within the next few months of the season.
John Gibson
At this point of the season, John Gibson has had arguably the best performance out of all the Ducks players. Every night, he gives the team a chance despite their massive struggles at 5v5 and all the injuries throughout the lineup. With that being said, there have been tweets going out today, in regards to New Jersey Devils GM, Tom Fitzgerald, being interested in the starting goaltender from Anaheim. The Ducks will be in New Jersey to face the Devils this week so it’ll be interesting to see if the two teams GM’s meet up to chat on a deal. David Pagnotta reports that the Anaheim Ducks GM, Pat Verbeek, is willing to listen on Gibson deals, but something significant is required in return, in order for Gibson to be shipped out of California.
Gibson’s name surfaces in trade rumors every season, a recurring topic often dismissed by Ducks fans as an annual ritual. However, this season carries a distinct undertone. Gibson, discontented with the prolonged period of losses in Anaheim over the past five seasons, seems less inclined to brush off the trade speculations. The Ducks made a concerted effort to bolster their roster during the offseason; they acquired the highly sought-after coach, Greg Cronin, and Leo Carlsson, with the 2nd overall pick. Moreover, many of their previous top-10 picks have graduated to the NHL. Despite these efforts, the team finds itself at the bottom of the entire league, once again.
In this unusual scenario, the speculation surrounding Gibson’s potential desire to move on takes on added weight. With the team expected to markedly improve next season, courtesy of the recent acquisitions and development of young talent, this might be the opportune moment for Gibson to seek a change. The prospect of leaving for a Stanley Cup contender becomes more unlikely when considering Anaheim’s anticipated competitiveness in the near future. The one year the team becomes truly competitive, it wouldn’t be surprising if Gibson expresses a desire to stay and contribute to the Ducks’ resurgence.
Ilya Lyubushkin
Lyubushkin finds himself in a surprisingly favorable position with the Anaheim Ducks this season, surpassing initial expectations. Serving as the ideal defensive companion for the Ducks’ budding talent, Pavel Mintyukov, Ilya demonstrates a knack for well-rounded defensive play with occasional physicality. His game thrives when kept uncomplicated, showcasing a simplicity that aligns seamlessly with the team’s objectives.
Having played in Toronto before, there’s a realistic chance that Lyubushkin could make a return, especially given the recent injury woes of the Maple Leafs. Pat Verbeek executed a move in the offseason, securing the Russian defenseman in exchange for a 4th-round pick. Witnessing Lyubushkin’s outstanding performance in Anaheim, it’s plausible that Verbeek may contemplate trading him for a more significant return as the 2024 trade deadline approaches. This possibility gains additional intrigue if the Ducks decide to retain 50% of his contract, potentially amplifying his attractiveness on the trade market.
Adam Henrique
Henrique stands out as the player the Ducks should prioritize trading. While his current value might be a little bit lower this season, it doesn’t rule out the potential for a favorable return for the 33-year-old forward. One team that could make a compelling push for Adam Henrique is the Bruins, as he could seamlessly integrate into Boston’s roster.
Despite his recent move to the third line following the Ducks’ lineup additions this season, it’s highly unlikely that GM Verbeek would consider anything less than a 1st-round pick from a top contender or a 2nd-round pick bundled with another asset in exchange for Henrique. Henrique, facing a scenario reminiscent of Ryan O’Reilly in the previous season, embodies invaluable veteran presence and is a pivotal addition at center for playoff success, excelling in both defensive reliability and offensive prowess, making notable contributions on the power play and penalty kill. It’s almost certain that the Ducks will need to retain salary on Henrique, given his contract’s last year is at $5.825 million. Worth noting is that similar to Ryan O’Reilly’s situation when acquired by Toronto, Henrique’s point production has been slow this season, yet he has the potential to emerge as a standout playoff performer for any acquiring team.
