Overview:
I didn't want to make any too drastic changes. The Ducks aren't in cap trouble but even if they were, they wouldn't save that much money buying out Perry due to the way his salary is laid out over the next three seasons. Getzlaf is still good, Perry can still put up 50 points, and Kesler can still play defense. However, their window is closing, if it hasn't closed already, and the Ducks have some great prospects that I think could be NHL ready if put in the correct positions.
Dallas Trade:
Dallas has not resigned pending UFA Antoine Rousell, so Ritchie would fill the hole at depth LW and get to play with his brother. They also have top defensive prospects in Julius Honka and Miro Heiskanen to fill in the gap left by Johns.
Ducks get a solid younger third pairing defenseman, while opening up a spot for better young prospects on LW (ie. Sam Steel).
Johns (24) is a better player than Ritchie (21), but since Ritchie is 3 years younger with more time to develop, I felt that a 4th round pick would suffice as compensation.
Signings:
Kase and Montour put up similar numbers to Rakell and Vatanen, respectively, but since K+M haven't sustained these numbers for as long as R+V did before they were signed, they get a little bit of a cut.
Pirri did well with the Ducks and could be a good filler for higher up in the lineup in case of injury.
Grant also had a great season for a 4th line center, so he was resigned.
Wagner knows the Ducks well and would be a good reserve player.
Notable Exclusions:
Max Jones has struggled with injuries, which has hindered his development, so he should remain in the AHL.
Josh Mahura lit up the WHL (3rd in defenseman points per game) so he could make an appearance as well.
Beauchemin and Bieksa are too old and slow to be in this league.
Lineup:
1)
Moved Terry up to help bolster his development and get some of his Olympic production back. Perry or Kase would likely fill in on RW for a few shifts to ease him in, unless he turns out to be like Clayton Keller.
2)
Kase played LW before and did fine with it, so having him with Henrique and Perry would add some speed to a veteran offensive line. I could see them all breaking 50 points.
3A)
Ryan Kesler hasn't been Ryan Kesler since the surgery. If he can't recover over summer, I think he should get limited minutes.
3B)
This line will be given more minutes than a typical 4th line (hence the 3B). Each player has offensive upside, while Grant is good defensively. Eaves may fit in on RW if he is healthy enough. Doubt he will return to full form, though.
D1)
Speed and offensive powerhouse from 2017-18.
D2)
One of the best shutdown pairs in the league.
D3)
Petersson will do better after his rookie season, and Stephen Johns will be a good compliment, as he is younger and quicker than Bieksa or Beauchemin.
PP)
Took out Kesler, since he has been struggling to find offense in his game, and could use reduced minutes. Filtered in the young players to boost minutes and confidence.
PK)
Basically loading up the Kesler line on here to give them all a minutes boost to compensate their demotion to 3A. Each player already PKs, but they will now be the clear cut top 2 pairs.
And the Stars already have a couple of guys that can take over for Roussel. Stars definitely get the raw end of this deal. Johns is a solid shutdown guy, and is going to be a key part of Dallas' future going forward.
Yeah, I understand that he is right now, but Ritchie is also only 21, compared to his 24, which leaves him 3 years to develop. Dallas also has great defensive prospects (Julius Honka and Miro Heiskanen) to fill in the gap. I'll throw in a pick to better balance it out.
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