I did a post like this last year, except it had a very different feel. Last year, we were definite buyers in the playoff hunt. This year, we need a miracle to make the playoffs. Yes, it's possible, but it's highly unlikely. This deadline we will be sellers, and we should be. This is a team with a good core that needs an almost complete retooling of complimentary players. Also, the Ducks need to assume that Teemu Selanne will not be here next year. I love Teemu, but Bob Murray has made it clear that he doesn't want to go the extra mile to make his time worth while; he wants the team to over-perform for Teemu. That's unfair to the Finnish Flash. This team won't have a good deadline unless it understands that it needs a complete remodel. In order to do that, we have to give up on the idea that this is a Cup team. As it is now, this is barely a playoff team.

I've broken this one up a little differently. First, I'll list guys we should sell, then I'll follow up with guys who might be good acquisitions to help us move forward. Finally, it makes me sad that Murray can't see the value of a draft pick. If Robby is right, and I take the man at his word, then Murray isn't looking for draft picks at the deadline. Getting NHL ready players is always nice, but a pick can be flipped into an NHL player as well. Hey Bob, remember when you traded a second round pick for Andrew Cogliano...I'm just saying. Draft picks are some of the best currency. They are like cash. Everyone can find a use for them. That's not to say that Murray shouldn't be focused on getting young NHL talent, just that Murray should be open to all assets. This team won't make too many serious moves at the deadline, we'll make them before or near the draft. As such, a few extra early round picks could go a long way. Ok, rant over.

Continue reading this post »

Ryan Getzlaf for Jonathan Toews

A captain for a captain. Toews is one of the few players in the NHL that I would be okay with accepting in exchange for Getzlaf. Both men are playmaking centers (even though Toews - an Art Ross candidate - currently has more goals than assists), and proven winners. Both are also known for their intense, physical play. But there is a hunger in Toews' play that Getzlaf has lacked as of late.

Corey Perry for Loui "The Duck Killer" Eriksson

Of the five trades that I've proposed, this is the most plausible. But at first glance, Perry and Loui Eriksson seem like polar opposites. Eriksson was a Lady Byng nominee last season, has never been in an NHL fight, has amassed a mere 4 penalty minutes this season, and tends to disappear on the ice. He doesn't have Corey's edge, which would make him an atypical Ducks player. But this is a good thing. Eriksson is a smart, playmaking, two-way winger who has scored 38 points in 40 games. And he 'disappears' because he takes care of business without drawing attention to himself.

Bobby Ryan for Patrick Kane

Like Toews and Getzlaf, Ryan and Kane have similar profiles - both are American wingers, both were highly-coveted draft picks, and they even played on the same silver medal winning team at the 2010 Olympics. Both are capable of executing a dazzling spinorama. But while Bobby's spinoramas are pretty (and he plays beautiful, finesse hockey), Kane's are often the result of his extraordinary playmaking acumen. Remember this? Yeah, I thought so.

Cam Fowler for Karl Alzner or PK Subban

It was important for me to trade Cam Fowler for another young defenseman, especially considering the age of the Ducks' blueline. PK Subban (more on him later) and Michael Del Zotto were both great suggestions. But if I had my choice of any young defenseman in the league, I'd pick the Washington Capitals' Karl Alzner. He's arguably the best defenseman in the Capitals organization, and is only 23 years old. But more importantly, Alzner satisfies a giant need within our organization: he's capable of playing huge, shutdown minutes. If he keeps developing, he'll be the next Shea Weber.

A note about PK Subban: Subban and Alzner's defensive partner John Carlson are my second and third options for this trade. Both are offensive defensemen in the mode of Fowler, and they would immediately contribute to the Ducks blueline. Chris proposed trading Fowler for Subban in his Fire Sale post, and took some heat for it in the comments section. To be frank, I don't understand why everyone hates Subban. His game is all about antagonizing his opponent - he's Montreal's Corey Perry (and if his name was Chris Pronger, he would be rewarded for this behavior). That doesn't mean he's a "locker room cancer" - he's very polite in interviews, and willingly gives credit to his opponents. But he dives! So does Crosby. So did Gretzky. Subban's only 22, and I imagine that he'll eventually abandon his most egregious diving impulses. I don't want to start a flame war in the comments section, but I think that a lot of the Subban controversy is due to his position as a young, exuberant black man in a league that rewards the contributions of stoic white men. He's an explosive, elite defensman in-the-making, and I would be very glad to have him on our blueline.

Jonas Hiller for Tim Thomas

Yes, Tim Thomas is really old. And as much as I like Thomas, I think that Jonas is the Ducks goaltender of the future. I imagine that as soon as our defensive corps improves, the complaints about Jonas will cease. It just doesn't make sense to trade him for any other netminder in the league (he's only 29!). But if we had to trade him, I'd like to get Thomas in return. Thomas is old, but he's a passionate competitor who will stop a puck by any means necessary. He fiercely protects his own crease (Jonas does allow himself to be bullied too frequently). But beneath Thomas' fire and brimstone, there is stillness and poise. He could be an effective mentor for the Ducks stable of young goaltenders, and a leader on the team. And you don't have to pump his tires.

[Ed. Note: All weekend, the AC staff will be trading the same five core players for another team(s) core player(s) of equal value. Thanks for forcing us to write this, Bob Murray.]

Bob Murray's ill timed decision to put the entire team up for auction will certainly have the desired effect around the blogosphere: trade speculation for everyone! We at Anaheim Calling are no different, and in that spirit I'm embracing this assignment as best I can. Mostly, because I get to trade Bobby Ryan and that makes me happy.

Bobby Ryan for Brooks Laich

Before everyone jumps up and down shouting, "you'd trade a top line player for a borderline second line player?". Laich brings back all my nostalgia from the Cup team. I love everything about his game. He puts in effort, he's defensively responsible and he has a decent scoring touch. With the right linemates, I firmly believe he can be a 60-70 point guy. The guy can can anchor a line from the wing or the middle. To this team, he's a younger, upgrade to Koivu. He's exactly the player we'd need to help bring up guys like Emerson Etem, Devante Smith-Pelly, and Kyle Palmieri. Other Thoughts: P.K. Subban, and Joffrey Lupul

Corey Perry for Patrick Sharp

The fact that the Blackhawks pay that guy less than 5 million should be considered cap circumvention. He has a great shot, plays center and the wing, and is just an all around great player. He's the only type of player I'd want to replace Perry. Ok, that one hurt a little. Other Thoughts: Rick Nash and Jarome Iginla

Ryan Getzlaf for Mikko Koivu

The younger Koivu is also a great playmaker like his brother, and might benefit from playing for a team with some better wingers. Not that Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi are light weights, but I think Mikko and Perry could be a solid combination. Other Thoughts: Anze Kopitar

Cam Fowler for David Krejci

The Bruins want an offensive defenseman, and we have one. Krejci makes good sense considering we need another good center. Krejci would look great shoring up a line behind Getzlaf. Losing Fowler hurts...tons, but we have Justin Schultz in the pipeline and we need to retool the D anyway. Krejci for Fowler is a good move for all parties. Other Thoughts: P.K. Subban and Milan Lucic

Jonas Hiller for Erik Karlsson

This is a tough one. Of all the players on this list, I might consider Hiller to be the one the Ducks absolutely shouldn't move. There really isn't another goalie in the system, so it makes it hard to consider moving him for anything other than another goalie. That would mean the only legitimate option is a Hiller for Ryan Miller deal that I don't necessarily love. Karlsson is another offensive defenseman and that would give the Ducks 3 young ones and make Sami Vatanen all but superfluous. This guy is putting up points that put a lot of forwards to shame. His career -34 in 3 seasons of work is a little terrifying, but it's something that can hopefully be improved upon. Other Thoughts: Ryan Miller

[Ed. Note: All weekend, the AC staff will be trading the same five core players for another team(s) core player(s) of equal value. Thanks for forcing us to write this, Bob Murray.]


I just wanted to state that I am completely disgusted we are even doing this activity. Not because I think it’s a bad idea - it’s definitely fun - but because I find it revolting that the Ducks are so bad that it has come to us playing these types of games. (Which will likely turn into a twist of reality for someone, probably sooner than later.) Dammit, Anaheim…what is your problem?!

A trade for a trade, eye for an eye. I wonder if it would be breaking the rules to trade Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry AND Bobby Ryan for the Sedin Twins. Not ok? Fine, lets just throw in Ryan Kessler so that it’s 3 for 3. DONE!

Cam Fowler for Jordan Eberle

I had a hard time coming up with someone that I thought would constitute a fair trade for Fowler. So I went with someone who I thought was going to continue to blossom just as we, or any one, should expect from the youngster. Fowler is definitely struggling this season, but what player aside from that 41 year-old is actually doing anything worth wild? We’ve seen what Fowler is actually capable of, and there is no doubt in my mind he will only get better. I think the same goes for Eberle and, if I had to chose an Edmonton youngster, I’d pick him over that pompous Taylor Hall any day. Plus, I have a thing for that crazy gapped tooth smile he’s got. Sue me.

Corey Perry for Steven Stamkos

With all of that blindingly white/blonde facial hair - those two are easily swappable. The way I look at it, if we’re comparing players here, there is a chance the Ducks might be getting the better end of the stick. I love Perry don’t get me wrong (he’s my God), but since Steven Stamkos has busted through the wall of talent, he’s yet to miss a stride. Last years leading goal scorer swapped out for the next best goal scorer? Sounds like a win to me. Plus, Stamkos has rosier cheeks is a better skater.

Bobby Ryan for Shea Weber

I wanted to find a bona fide left wing to replace Ryan - who I will still claim is a right wing until I’m blue in the face - but I went with a desperate to fill a hole on the blue line instead. Plus, I’ll be surprised if any of us find a way to NOT trade for Shea Weber. The guy is a beast through and through, and we all witnessed the Ducks fall to he and the Nashville Predators last season. Any team who adds Weber is instantly better in a heartbeat, no doubt. Plus, the Predators would be getting Ryan who is slightly younger and possesses that offensive output that Nashville always seems to be looking for.

Ryan Getzlaf for Scott Hartnell, Henrik Sedin, Ryan Carter

What Getzlaf are we trading here? The Getzlaf that was drafted and played through the 2007-08 season? The Getzlaf that he COULD be with a bit of effort and desire? Or the Getzlaf we have right now? If I’m trading the Getzlaf of yesterday, Scott Hartnell seems a fair swap. [Ed. Note: Written before Friday's game.] If I’m trading the Getzlaf in my fantasy world, send Henrik Sedin over ASAP. If we’re trading the Getzlaf of right now…I hear Ryan Carter is with New Jersey, and he’d be an upgrade (that’s not meant to be a slap in the face to Carter - I was a big fan).

H for M, Jonas Hiller for Ryan Miller

When those rumors started flying around, my brain started flying with the thought of it. Right now I’d take my 5’0’’ tall best friend for Hiller. Dan Ellis for Hiller would also be a great swap (DO IT)! The fact is, Hiller’s got some health issues, and so does Miller, but both were also at the top of their game just a short time ago. It’s possible that a change in scenery might help both out a bit.

Bob Murray for SK

I’m serious. I think my mom could do a better job than that guy

[Ed. Note: All weekend, the AC staff will be trading the same five core players for another team(s) core player(s) of equal value. Thanks for forcing us to write this, Bob Murray.]

There are times when I’m convinced Jen makes up these group blog assignments just to torture me. [Ed. Note: True statement.] Now I’m supposed to imagine some kind of trade for Bobby Ryan. And you know the worst thing? I have to trade Bobby for just one player. One player?! That’s like taking the island of Manhattan for a pile of beads. It’s just not equitable value going both ways. And the one player in the world that could save the Ducks this season doesn’t even play hockey. He’s got some playoff game against Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Sigh.

As you’ll see while I’m going through, my biggest priority is defense. I’m not so great at paying attention to what assets are available from other teams or how they value them, but this is my best shot at even swaps.

Ryan Getzlaf for Dion Phaneuf

Toronto has a well-documented center problem and Brian Burke would probably love to get Getzlaf back under the fold. Phaneuf might be a bit of a stretch for Getzlaf, but I think subbing Getz is a solid upgrade over Tim Connoly, Tyler Bozak, or Mikhail Grabovski. I’m also hoping the sudden emergence of Jake Gardiner makes this move a little more palatable for the Leafs. At any rate, this move fills a legitimate need for both clubs.

Corey Perry for Claude Giroux

If I’m giving up one of the best players in the league, then I’m getting one of them back. Giroux would take over the number-one center role and could be an absolute monster for this team moving forward. I have a feeling Perry’s gritty style would be incredibly popular in Philly and Giroux has broken out as a defensive wunderkind this year.

Bobby Ryan for Kevin Shattenkirk

This may be a bit of an overpayment by the Ducks, but I’m trying to think out of the box here. Shattenkirk is a young, offensively minded defenseman that is also a career +8 despite playing for a horrible Avalanche team last season. Bobby, TJ Oshie, and David Backes could make one hell of a line for the Blues, who currently rank 21^st overall in goals per game.

Cam Fowler for Marc-Andre Fleury

This could be a bit of a stretch. Fleury is a good, but not elite goaltender in his later 20s while Cam has a lot of potential and is considerably younger. After losing Alex Goligoski last year in the trade to Dallas, and Kris Letang’s perpetual concussion (my fantasy team has a sad), the Penguins could use a young puck-moving defenseman. Since I’m going to be forced to trade Jonas Hiller in a few lines, the Ducks will need a solid goaltender to man the pipes until John Gibson is ready. Fleury seems like a reasonable get. It’s not like I’m trying to trade Fowler for Pekka Rinne or something here.

Jonas Hiller for Jordan Eberle

I’ve only gotten one forward back so far, so it’s time for another. Eberle is a good young player, but he doesn’t seem to have the hype of a Hall of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers don’t have the goaltending options in the league and acquiring a goalie like Hiller could be a solid move for them. I don’t pretend to know how highly coveted Eberle is, but this seems like a reasonable get from a team that could use a solid goalie.

As I said at the start, I’m really terrible at trying to measure player value. I realize that it probably seems crazy that I’m asking for relatively little in return for Bobby, but I’m very high on Shattenkirk and that seems like a reasonable trade to me.

In light of GM Bob Murray's comments on Wednesday night, I posed a challenge to the AC writers - I am going to give you the same five core players on the Ducks and you have to make one-for-one trades for each and explain why. The only restrictions are that you have to trade for one player, on any team, of equal value (doesn't have to be money, talent is value), picks and prospects are not allowed to be added to trades, and you don't have to trade position for position (i.e. you can trade a defenseman for a winger). Basically the player has to be good, in the NHL currently, and will fill the void left by the Duck being traded. Our ultimate goal is to have this serve as an example to Bob Murray - an avid AC reader, I'm sure - as to what is acceptable when trading a member of the Ducks core.

We'll be revealing our trades throughout the weekend. Ladies first, so here's my trades:

Core Trade #1: Ryan Getzlaf for Evgeni Malkin

This trade is inspired by my dad. A Pittsburgh-er through and through, he's a Penguins fan and has been campaigning for this trade for years. He has a love-hate relationship with Geno much like my love-hate relationship with Getzy. Geno and Getzlaf are insanely talented, but they have incredible moments of insane stupidity and pure laziness. When I watch Geno, he's at his best when Sidney Crosby isn't in the lineup because he's the star that's already proven himself. He craves the attention that most of our players shy away from. By bringing him to Anaheim, he'd be paired on the top line with Perry for a devastating one-two punch. The obvious hole left by Getzlaf leaving is at center. He hasn't been really good at it lately, so if we're looking at marginal performers at center, move Bobby Ryan in there or start trusting our kids.

Core Trade #2: Corey Perry for Shea Weber

The fact that Corey Perry was not put on the "hands off" list is beyond me. His trade value could be the highest of any player on the Ducks. For that, the Ducks must acquire someone that will be worth a major investment. The only player worth it is a healthy Shea Weber. Weber is still an RFA after his one year deal is over. This would give the Ducks sole negotiating rights, sans some outrageous offer sheet. For Weber, I wouldn't put it past big spending teams to do that though, so that's the risk the Ducks would take on.

Core Trade #3: Bobby Ryan for Zach Parise

If you've read this site for any period of time, you know that I have it bad for Zach Parise. So bad that I would be willing to give up a potential superduper star to get him. (The only caveat would be that he would have to be a sign-and-trade because this is his final year of the contract with the Devils.) He is incredible. He doesn't have the size of Ryan but he has the skills. He is the sniper the Ducks are going to need once Teemu retires and while Emerson Etem gets used to the NHL ropes. He does not have the scoring droughts that has plagued Ryan his entire year, giving the Ducks someone other than Perry and Selanne that score consistently

Core Trade #4: Cam Fowler for Michael Del Zotto

This one was a little more difficult for me. Prior to this season, Del Zotto has had some not so spectacular seasons for the Rangers. I believe that he's finally found his stride, not to mention he's healthy. He's not an offensive defenseman the way Fowler can be but he is physical and blocks a lot of shots - think Toni Lydman last season but younger. He has experience and confidence - two things Cam is missing currently. He is also an RFA at the end of this season.

Core Trade #5: Jonas Hiller for Cory Schneider

A starter for a back-up? You betcha. Schneider has provided outstanding relief for Vancouver when Bobby Lou goes through one of his spells. He even earned himself a Jennings Trophy at the NHL Awards for the best goaltending tandem. If he can handle the pressure cooker of Vancouver, the vast unaccountability in Anaheim will be a welcome vacation. He's another RFA after this season and is currently making a measley $900K. The room left by dropping Hiller's long term deal would leave plenty of money to sign him to a shorter term contract that allows him to play while Iiro Tarkki and John Gibson develop.

Let me preface this by saying that this post will not be about whether or not Bobby Ryan is a good player. On the contrary, this post assumes that Bobby is a very good player and is going to get paid. I know I'm the resident Bobby hater, but I did my best to take an unbiased approach to this; however, I believe there's no such thing as a purely unbiased approach. I focused all of my arguments on things that have almost nothing to do with him.

Unless you were living under a rock a last week, you remember when there was huge buzz that the Ducks might move Bobby Ryan. Instead, they fired Randy Carlyle in an attempt to get the season going in the right direction. I've said before that I think the Ducks made the right decision, primarily because Murray didn't seem interested in getting the players Randy needed. The argument has been made that Murray has been hampered by an internal cap, and therefore has been unable to build a truly consistent and competitive team. I think this is exactly the reason the Ducks need to consider the possibility that they can't hold on to Bobby Ryan.

The reason I'm writing this post is because I think a lot of the discourse about whether or not to move Bobby has focused more on his merits as a player. I'm beginning to think that's only part of the problem. I have three main points that I will go through in order of importance: Affording the player, Bobby's value, and helping the team this year.

Continue reading this post »

I don't have to remind anyone how much it sucks to be a Ducks fan right now. In a way, this is a new territory for the post-lockout Anaheim fanbase. I've been following the team since 1996. I'm somewhat used to these awful streaks and underachieving teams. Yet, what I'm not used to is horrible losing streaks for teams that I know should be much better. In the Mighty Ducks days, we had maybe one or two mega stars (like Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya) surrounded by a team of lesser known players (Marty McInnis and Pascal Trepanier, anyone??). The fact that the 2003 Mighty Ducks made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals was a miracle in itself. This season's team isn't built fully on superstars, but we have substantially more talent than that 2003 SCF team. That's why it's so frustrating. We should be soooo much better, BUT I'm not ready to completely blow up the ship. I fully believe that's going to happen next off-season when Teemu does hang them up and Saku Koivu decides on his future.

One thing I've learned throughout my history with the Anaheim franchise is that big changes aren't necessarily for the better. Remember when Teemu Selanne was traded to the Sharks? How about when Sergei Fedorov was acquired? Or when Chris Pronger was traded to Philly (marginally OK because of Sbisa)? Or sending Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner to Toronto for Francois Beauchemin? For a fickle fanbase, massive change is bad unless it brings a significant and instantaneous payoff (i.e. hello Chris Pronger, hello Stanley Cup!).

Every horrible team has its rock-bottom and the Ducks have hit theirs. Fans are freaking out and have called on several changes that should be made to better the team. To this I say: SIMMAH-DOWN-NAW. I am fairly certain the Ducks won't do the following three things to right the ship: Fire Bob Murray and/or Randy Carlyle; trade Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and/or Corey Perry; and strip Ryan Getzlaf of his captaincy.

Did I make your head explode with those declarations or are you just seething with rage? Take my hand as I explain the reasoning behind all three.

Continue reading this post »