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Ducks Trade Bait List

Photo: AP

By Richard Gonzalez

The NHL trade deadline is this upcoming Monday (02/24). TSN has been updating its top 50 trade bait list and the Anaheim Ducks currently have four players listed on there. Derek Grant (15), Ondrej Kase (33), Michael Del Zotto (44), and Josh Manson (47) are the Ducks players listed on the official TSN trade bait list as of a few days ago.

Obviously, Kase can be taken off the list with the trade today. We broke down the trade here: Analyzing The Kase Trade

Devin Shore, who was listed on the list as 43 recently was bumped off the list.

Ryan Getzlaf, Jani Hakanpaa, Ryan Miller, Nick Ritchie, Jakob Silfverberg, Daniel Sprong, and Chris Wideman also have been in the rumor mill or have been discussed as possible trade bait.

This is my Anaheim Ducks trade bait list divided into the following sections: likely to be traded, may be traded, unlikely traded and absolutely not to be traded. This is based on the official TSN trade bait ranking, rumors, our podcast discussions, and my own analysis.

Likely To Be Traded

Ondrej Kase was originally on this list as being likely to be traded and has been removed obviously as he was in fact traded.

Michael Del Zotto (GP: 37 G:2 A:9 P:11)

Del Zotto can fill in a bottom-pairing role and also can add depth as a seventh pairing defenseman. Injuries do happen so having a reliable defenseman on stand-by with a lot of NHL experience is something a lot of teams could use. Obviously, he is not the most attractive, playing-wise, defenseman available but still will have teams calling for his services. I would say a sixth-round draft pick would be a fair return.

Derek Grant (GP: 47 G:14 A:6 P:20)

Grant is having a career season. He already exceeded his career-high with his 14 goals and will surpass his 24 career-high in points before this season end. He is a pest to play against on the penalty kill and has four short-handed points, including three goals. He also has seen some power play time and contributed to two goals. He also has four game-winning goals on the season. He is playing his best hockey this season. Teams looking for a versatile fourth-line center who can be dangerous on the pk should definitely look to acquire Grant. I’d say he can get at least a third-round draft pick [possibly conditional] for his services and hope if he is traded that he will re-sign with the Ducks in the postseason.

Daniel Sprong (ANAGP:8 G:1 A:1 P:2) (SD GP:36 G:11 A:16 P:27)

Sprong has shown flashes of his scoring touch. It was to my understanding that he was going to be utilized in a full-time role with the Ducks this season but this has not been the case. It was said he had some issues and was a defensive liability but I did not see anything that would warrant him being buried in the AHL. He is a goal scorer and I feel like given an opportunity he will find himself a consistent role in the NHL. I think an equal value player or a fourth-round draft pick could be a fair return.

May Be Traded

Ryan Miller (GP: 18 W:7 L:6 OT:3 GAA: 3.06 SV% .915)

Even at 39, Miller can still play and has a few more great games left of hockey. He could be more than capable reliable backup goalie who can step up if needed. He does have a six-team modified NTC (no trade clause) so he does have some say on where he goes. I also feel like out of respect, it will be mainly up to him. I think this might be the final season for Miller. Especially him getting the start against the Buffalo Sabres. There will be teams wanting his services though. For example, the Colorado Avalanche have lost Philipp Grubauer to injury and would benefit with some extra depth between the pipes. A third-round draft pick and/or middle-tier prospect would suffice for the services of Miller.

Nick Ritchie (GP:38 G:6 A:9 P:15)

I have been critical on Ritchie a lot but he has been playing some good hockey since his return from injury. He has three points in his last four games and has also been a heavy net from presence. He is basically a pain in the ass if you’re the opposing goalie. His large frame also makes it hard for him to be pushed away. Coupled that with his physical play and you have a nice addition for a playoff run. I do not think the Ducks are willing to give up on their 10th overall pick yet but if the right price is presented then it could happen. A second or third-round draft pick, a mid/high prospect or another struggling top draft pick who needs a change of scenery would probably be a decent price for Ritchie.

Devin Shore (GP:36 G:3 A:6 P:9)

Shore is another player who does not seem to be part of the Ducks future plans. He has not really made a case to be a consistent player for the Ducks. He was supposed to replace Cogliano but with Carter Rowney, Grant and some of the young guns, he has been forced out of the lineup. He still has some upside and has the skill to contribute in a bottom-six role if given the opportunity. His contract is up after this season and he does not seem like teams will be lining and battling his services. A sixth-round conditional pick if he re-signs or an AHL player to help out the Gulls would probably get this done.

Chris Wideman (SD GP:44 G:9 A:18 P:27)

Wideman has been one of the Gulls better players. He is also set to become a UFA at the season’s end. He has 181 games of NHL experience and could be used as an upgraded seventh or eight defensemen on a team that wants defensive depth in case of an injury in the playoffs. I would rather he stay and help out the Gulls but if a team(s) come calling then I would expect a minor league swap or a seventh-round draft pick.

Unlikely To Be Traded

Josh Manson (GP: 41 G: 1 A: 5 P: 6)

In the last few seasons, we have seen Cam Fowler all over the rumor mill and this season it’s now Manson’s name. Manson has not seen the same since returning from an injury and is two seasons off his career-high season when he scored 37 points (seven goals and 30 assists) in 80 games. He is a right-handed, top-four defenseman. His shut down style coupled with his physicality makes him an ideal candidate for a playoff contender. It is highly unlikely that the Ducks will trade Manson as this will leave a big gap on the blue line. If a trade were to take place, I would expect a first-round draft pick and prospect, or a couple of second rounds and prospects or maybe a roster player and prospects.

Jani Hakanpaa (SD GP:1 A:12 P:13)

Hakanpaa was in the mix for a few times looking for his services but his skating has been a downfall, especially in today’s ridiculous fast-paced game. However, he has provided some defensive stability for the Gulls and is a + 12. He will be a UFA at the season’s end and if a trade happens it will be a minor league swap.

Will Not Be Traded

Jakob Silfverberg (GP:54 G:18 A:16 P:34)

I think Silfverberg is a player of the future and will be part of this retooling or rebuilding period. Whichever you prefer to call it. He would be in the running to lead this team once Getzlaf decides to retire. It would be a huge loss if the Ducks traded him but if a team is willing to seriously overpay then go for it. A first-round and second-round pick, a higher tier prospect and a top-six roster player is probably what I would be asking for. Like I said, an overpayment and with his potential that might be borderline fair.

Ryan Getzlaf: (GP:57 G:12 A:26 P:38)

This is his team. He is going to go down as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Number 15 will be retired one day. He has his wife, kids, and life here in Anaheim. He is not going to Cup chase but wants to win it again with the Ducks. He has another year left on his contract and he will definitely be back if he chooses to after that. I would not want him to leave either. Regardless, he is staying in Anaheim and I am sure a lot of us are fine with that.

The Ducks have said publicly that they are willing to take on bad contracts for compensation and they have done that with the Kase trade. The above asking prices are my own projections so if one of those players is dealt, the return may not be exactly the same. We will be live all morning bringing you any breaking trades that happen around the league on Monday, February 24th.

Be sure to listen to our latest podcast as we discuss some names and potential deadline deals. Visit us at PodomaticSpreaker, or YouTube or click below.

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February 21st, 2020

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