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This will be an important offseason for the Anaheim Ducks. The team will be able to add another couple of young pieces with their two first-round draft picks. General manager Bob Murray will also have some tough decisions to make when it comes to a few veterans on the roster.
The Athletic’s Eric Stephens was asked during a recent mailbag if Murray would consider moving older players to either get another draft pick, or move up a few spots to snag a prospect the scouting department likes.
“Manson is easier to trade than Henrique, whose higher salary is harder to move now in this flat cap environment. I’d at least listen on offers when it comes to Manson, who needs a bounce-back season. If Zegras is ready, then I think a Henrique deal will be looked at more. I think it might be easier to move up from their lower first-round pick and early second-round selection rather than getting higher than the No. 6 position. I just don’t see where those teams will want to move downward, even if they got an additional NHL player or pick.”
Adam Henrique led the Ducks in scoring during the 2019-20 season, with 26 goals and 17 assists for 43 points. The 29-year-old will have value to some of the playoff contenders. He’s averaging 22 goals over his past five seasons, and had a corsi rating of 52.0 last year.
Josh Manson has been a reliable, minutes-eating defenseman for Anaheim over the last six years. He doesn’t bring much offensive firepower, but he’s a good puck mover who could land a high pick in return. Since his 37-point campaign in 2017-18, he has produced just 25 points over the last two seasons. The dip could be tied to a drop in quality of teammates, but at just 28 years old, the right-handed d-man has value.
Who do you think Murray should trade out of Henrique or Manson?
On to some links:
Who was the Ducks’ MVP this past season? Sportsnet’s Rory Boylen gave his pick for each team, and it isn’t surprising who he chose for Anaheim.
The NHL is moving ahead with its plans to finish out the season, but there have been some issues. NBC Sports’ James O’Brien says players have tested positive for the coronavirus during Phase 2.
Which team is the favorite going into the restart? ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski broke down each squads chances to win the Stanley Cup.