I like Trenin but I'm not buying him as a 3C. I also think, given his age, Mitts is either going long or just doing a 3-4 year bridge to get to UFA before he hits 30. Also would prefer they trade Manson to keep Walker but that may not be possible.

Why is Anaheim giving up a 2nd for a guy who we could have signed if we wanted to?

Can’t see Verbeek wanting to trade a 2nd for another center

How was Anaheim able to sign an rfa "if they wanted to"?

Replace Rico while the young guns grow? Seem to be lacking proven nhl centers. Might not be the right guy for you but I see a need at center unless you're full sending next season towards a high pick.

Saw 27 and first year of contract, thought he was a UFA signing.

Either way, last thing Anaheim needs is another center.

McTavish, Lundestrom, and Strome are all proven NHL centers, and we can go hunting in UFA if we specifically want a short term guy while the kids come in.

Ducks have Carlsson, McTavish, Zegras, Strome, Lundestrom, Grouxl, Gauthier who could all very reasonably play center for ANA next year. What do you mean?

This is center depth that will win a draft loto, not a playoff birth. Strome has been good but also plays the wing, I am high on McTavish but, he isn't a full time center either. Zegras is a wing. Leo learning at 1 or 2c isnt a bad idea but that doubles back to what the Ducks plan to do. How many more seasons until you try for playoffs? I am not saying Colton is the right guy, but this isnt an nhl center depth that gives anyone concern. You've acquired some really really good prospect, would figure its about time to bring in established talent and make a run at the weak Pacific.

I’m sorry but I don’t think you’ve been watching ANA games (which frankly, is a very good thing for you).

Leo has only been learning exclusively as a 1 or 2C and has looked totally solid for this being his D+1 year. He will remain in that role for ANA long-term

McTavish is undoubtedly a 2C for ANA right now. He’s almost producing .7pt/g and >52% faceoffs as a 21 year old. He’s locked in with Leo as 1/2Cs now and long/term.

That leaves 3C with Zegras (who has 2 60+ point campaigns exclusively as a center), Strome who is center capable but I agree better for the wing, Lundestrom and Grouxl who are probably more 4Cs, and Gauthier who will more likely play LW but could totally get looks at C.

I love the idea of being a contender, but I’m less convinced that the time to sell futures for a run at the division is right after back/to-back campaigns as a bottom 3 NHL team. We have a lot of issues to fix and development of our youth to be had. I actually agree that Colton would be a solid 3C, but I’m not sure it makes sense to lock up $4Mx3 at what is one of Anaheim’s least concerning positions long-term, and where our young guys need to be playing to develop. It’s not an absurd proposal though tbh, I’d actually like Colton. I just dont agree that the Ducks don’t have centers. We have like 4 <23year old Cs that I expect to be in our top 6 next year alone

Leo is our 1C, McTavish has been exclusively 2C all year. If we feel the need for a 3C, again, there is free agency, especially if we want someone short term.

Can NJD get in on that ross colton offer?

I’ll be honest, the more I think about this the more I’m into it. Zegras doesn’t make sense as a 3C. Even if he works on his defensive game, he’ll always be offense first and not someone who should start their shifts in the dzone. Gauthier is likely a LW for us and also deserving of a better ceiling than 3C behind Leo and McT. That leaves Gaucher who disappointed this year and looks like he needs at least a year if not more, and may end up topping out on the 4th line. A Vatrano - Colton - Killorn 3rd line could start like 60% of their shifts in the dzone and play solid defense but also still contribute some pretty solid production

If we going to bring in an upgrade at 3C, then we should send cheaper roster players the other way.

A big reason Colorado would look to do this is for cap relief, and they are still in compete mode. Lundestrom or Groulx and a long shot NHLer like Helleson makes more sense I think.