Which core pieces could be moved if Ducks struggle next season

Next season will be a big one for Anaheim Ducks’ general manager Bob Murray. With his team falling towards the bottom of the NHL standings, Murray has to hope the Ducks show significant improvement in 2020-21 to keep the faith of ownership.

Anaheim has Trevor Zegras in the prospect pipeline, and will add the No. 6 pick in this year’s NHL Draft. But, if some of the young talent already on the roster, the Ducks may blow it all up.

The Athletic’s Eric Stephens wrote about a scenario where Anaheim remains a cellar-dweller next season, and what it could mean for the organization. Stephens says another down year could result in Murray —or a different GM— blowing up the roster. Here’s what Stephens had to say about which players could be moved:

“Gibson isn’t going anywhere, and Fowler probably isn’t, given a hefty contract that runs for six more seasons and a four-team no-trade clause. Getzlaf doesn’t want to leave. But players such as Henrique, Lindholm, Rakell and Manson do have value. Each could bring assets that could lead to further restocking a pipeline with young talent, which is what’s going on in L.A.”

I agree with Stephens that John Gibson is just too valuable of a piece to move. He provides stability for a young back end, and is one of the best goaltenders in the league. Cam Fowler and Ryan Getzlaf have hefty price tags, and clauses that make them very difficult to move.

The other players are intriguing. Adam Henrique, Hamhus Lindholm, Rickard Rakell and Josh Manson could land high draft picks if they’re moved to a contender at the deadline. Lindholm and Manson could fetch a nice package from a playoff-bound team that would help accelerate the Ducks’ rebuild.

It remains to be seen if Murray is around to see the rebuild through, but if he doesn’t which player would you like to see moved?