The ducks are still missing a top 6 scoring forward. We have Eaves, but, while he did have 30 goals last season, he hasn't proven himself enough to be THE guy that the ducks need. Possible players: JVR, Duchene, Jagr, Jokinen, Vanek
Why Vanek:
Vanek has proved to be a top 6 forward many times in his career. He is also a free agent so there is nothing that has to be given up other than cap space to sign him. Put his size and shot along Getzlaf and it's almost like having a budget Perry on the team. The only thing that is a factor against is his age. At 33, he is just starting his decline, and as long as Vanek isn't trying to be locked up long term, an affordable two year contract is something to look into. If he doesn't preform, trade him. There is definitely a chance that Vanek could shine once again in Anaheim.
Another top 9 winger? Something that every Stanley cup team has had in recent years. Scoring depth is needed for every cup team, so the ducks will need to treat their top 9 as a 9 player top 6 if they want to be competitive with the likes of the Blackhawks, Penguins, (Capitals?), Canadiens, and other cup teams.
Try Ritchie, leave it for the deadline:
Nick Ritchie has been trying his darndest to crack the top 6 on the ducks. He has the size and speed, he just needs to improve his puck handling abilities. This is a good decision to make, seeing Ritchie already has the chemistry with Perry, and we have seen in games how well he cycles the puck. Maybe at the deadline a possible move for a player that can make plays alongside Rakell and Perry. For now, giving Ritchie a chance in his contract year to prove himself could remove the need to find that last part of the top 9.
What should we do with Vatanen? Well, seeing that he will most likely be put on IR once the season starts, for now, nothing. Or something. The most important thing is to not undersell Vats. It is not a pressing issue to get him out of Anaheim, where the only player that Vatanen could get pushed out for is Jacob Larsson. The young Swede would most likely be totally fine playing another year on San Diego's top D pairing. Bieksa's contract is also up in a year as well. With Kevin most likely going in a year, there is plenty of room for Larsson to make his way into the NHL roster. The only reason Vatanen should go is if there is an absolutely amazing opportunity to fill out that last spot in the top 9.
I know, I like Kase too. He looked like he knew what he was doing while he was playing alongside a former league MVP, and i absolutely have respect for the kid. But, There's no room for him. If we are going to let Ritchie play in the top 6, Kase would then have to play 4th line and have no special team minutes, which at that point, I would rather him just play top 6 AHL minutes. As for Kerdiles, the local two-way forward is a great 4th liner for this next season. He has the grit to jump in with the likes of Wagner, and the ability to be deadly alongside Vermette. He also is a great penalty killer, so that gives the ducks more options on the PK. In the future, he could take Cogliano's spot as the premier penalty killer.
GIBSON VS MILLER -
Murray was smart for this one. All we can really hope happens for this one is Randy Carlyle plays Gibson for most games and saves Miller for the important games where poise is needed. We can cross the playoff bridge when we get there.
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How did I do? Feedback would be much appreciated. Go Ducks!
As an outsider, the Ducks need another high end scorer if they want to win another championship, their defense is phenomenal, but if a Vatanen can somehow get you a Duchene, JVR, Galchenyuk, etc. in a package I would do that all day. The Ducks don't really have enough scoring to compete with the bigger teams like Nashville (better defense), Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Toronto, Tampa Bay. If they add that then I think they can compete for a cup legitimately
As an outsider, the Ducks need another high end scorer if they want to win another championship, their defense is phenomenal, but if a Vatanen can somehow get you a Duchene, JVR, Galchenyuk, etc. in a package I would do that all day. The Ducks don't really have enough scoring to compete with the bigger teams like Nashville (better defense), Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Toronto, Tampa Bay. If they add that then I think they can compete for a cup legitimately
While I do agree with needing a high quality scoring winger, I also believe that trading Vatanen would downgrade the ducks defense, no matter who you got to replace him from FA. If there was a way for us to get another defender with Vatanen's ability, then I would be fine with getting rid of him, but since he's on IR, there's not really a rush to get rid of him right now
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