Speculation: 2022-23 Roster Thread Part II

[DavidBL]

Someone else pointed out that he may not be able to handle 1C, so maybe moving Z to 2nd line C after a few games (let him get some confidence/energy back at the wing). Vatrano-Z-Strome, they can pretty easily shuffle that line without affecting other lines. Leave Henrique-McTavish-Terry as the 1st line if they keep clicking.

I think this is ideal given our current lineup. That being said I'm not sure the Strome line isn't already the 2nd line behind McTavish.

 

[CrazyDuck4u]

I think if adds more muscle and works on his game , should be ok. I prefer he just stay at C, and try and work it out, it’s not like the Ducks focus are wins now.

This is Exactly what's going on with Z.. He needs to add Muscle.. He's getting bumped around and keeps losing the puck.. and he needs to stop this fancy crap.. Sometimes less is more..

 

[MMC]

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I think these Top 6 lines looked good last game…

Henrique - McTavish -Terry
Zegras - Strome - Vatrano

I’m starting to wonder if having Z on the wing a good thing or bad thing. Need him to develop at C but he is not winning face offs and needs to be more responsible in his own end and stop stealing opponents sticks.

Last year, we had enough defensive support to mask Z's defense. This year, not so much and exposes how much work Z needs to do to become a 200 foot center.

It's a good thing with Z at wing. Moving Z to wing isn't necessarily a permanent move. We've all identified that Z has been playing like shit and some complain if this is good for Z's development. Moving him to wing gives Z some respite while still being able to be creative to help the team offensively. We can't healthy scratch Z, but this demotion is a good wakeup call.

Remember, we tried this combo before

Line 1: Rico-Z-Terry​

Line 2: Strome-McTavish-Vatrano​

This did not work out well because Line 1 was owned. McTavish and Strome at center gave the Ducks a better chance in games, as we witnessed with the St. Louis back-to-back games and going forward.

Z is still only 21 years old. There's enough time for his body to continue to develop as well as his mind to play a 200 ft game. If Rico can continue to evolve, then so that Z. Who knew Rico could be a weapon on the PK team?

 

[DavidBL]

While I agree Z's defense is a work in progress I do think he has proven capable of playing solid D. It's a matter of consistency and decision making I think. I'm hopefuly he'll get there.

 

[MMC]

Starting to seriously wonder if we just don't qualify Comtois at $2.45M in the offseason and risk arbitration. Verbeek didn't acquire him

 

[c4rcy]

Starting to seriously wonder if we just don't qualify Comtois at $2.45M in the offseason and risk arbitration. Verbeek didn't acquire him

His production would hardly qualify that dollar amount imo but it would be up to the arbitrators. I would be willing to bet Comtois comes in less than $2.5 if anything. I would hope maybe 1.5-2 at most.

 

[Rybread86]

Starting to seriously wonder if we just don't qualify Comtois at $2.45M in the offseason and risk arbitration. Verbeek didn't acquire him

On a 1 year deal while we still arent using our cap space, Id probably try it, but I think it also depends on who is coaching next year and what happens with the draft.

 

[Rybread86]

Last year, we had enough defensive support to mask Z's defense. This year, not so much and exposes how much work Z needs to do to become a 200 foot center.

It's a good thing with Z at wing. Moving Z to wing isn't necessarily a permanent move. We've all identified that Z has been playing like shit and some complain if this is good for Z's development. Moving him to wing gives Z some respite while still being able to be creative to help the team offensively. We can't healthy scratch Z, but this demotion is a good wakeup call.

Remember, we tried this combo before

Line 1: Rico-Z-Terry​

Line 2: Strome-McTavish-Vatrano​

This did not work out well because Line 1 was owned. McTavish and Strome at center gave the Ducks a better chance in games, as we witnessed with the St. Louis back-to-back games and going forward.

Z is still only 21 years old. There's enough time for his body to continue to develop as well as his mind to play a 200 ft game. If Rico can continue to evolve, then so that Z. Who knew Rico could be a weapon on the PK team?

Z's lack of D and trouble in the FO circle make me wonder that if we were by some miracle able to draft Bedard, if Z wouldnt be the player moving to wing. I like Z's offensive game at center better but if he cant round out the other parts, then wing makes more sense.

These guys are all really young and still growing into their bodies and games. McT and Gaucher are going to be heavy bodies (And this is assuming Gaucher end up an everyday NHL center). Bedard and Z are both on the smaller side and Z has a little height on him over Bedard but bedard is so young still, he could grow a few more inches and add weight. Z is probably done growing heigh wise but could still add some muscle.

I just hope we are lucky enough to have these problems to consider after the draft.

 

[Rooch]

Starting to seriously wonder if we just don't qualify Comtois at $2.45M in the offseason and risk arbitration. Verbeek didn't acquire him

As excited as I am about the youth on this team developing into whatever they'll be, I'm equally as excited about upcoming opportunities to rid ourselves of some of the long-time Ducks who are (and have been) underperforming. Shattenkirk, Silfverberg and Comtois are at the top of that list for me.

 

[GreatBear]

As excited as I am about the youth on this team developing into whatever they'll be, I'm equally as excited about upcoming opportunities to rid ourselves of some of the long-time Ducks who are (and have been) underperforming. Shattenkirk, Silfverberg and Comtois are at the top of that list for me.

I am not certain that I would define Comtois as a long-time Duck. He is not, however, living up to his contract, and I suspect, based upon what Verbeek did with Steel and Milano, that the Ducks will not extend him after his current contract ends.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

As excited as I am about the youth on this team developing into whatever they'll be, I'm equally as excited about upcoming opportunities to rid ourselves of some of the long-time Ducks who are (and have been) underperforming. Shattenkirk, Silfverberg and Comtois are at the top of that list for me.

I think a lot of people are having unrealistic expectations out of Shatty and Silf.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Z's lack of D and trouble in the FO circle make me wonder that if we were by some miracle able to draft Bedard, if Z wouldnt be the player moving to wing. I like Z's offensive game at center better but if he cant round out the other parts, then wing makes more sense.

These guys are all really young and still growing into their bodies and games. McT and Gaucher are going to be heavy bodies (And this is assuming Gaucher end up an everyday NHL center). Bedard and Z are both on the smaller side and Z has a little height on him over Bedard but bedard is so young still, he could grow a few more inches and add weight. Z is probably done growing heigh wise but could still add some muscle.

I just hope we are lucky enough to have these problems to consider after the draft.

If we draft Bedard...

xxx - McTavish - Bedard​

Strome - Z - Terry​

If we draft Fantilli ...

xxx - McTavish-Terry​

Z - Fantilli - xxx​

If we draft Carlsson ...

xxx - McTavish - Terry​

Z - Fantilli - xxx​

If we draft Michkov... we'll find out in 2026.

 

[Rooch]

I think a lot of people are having unrealistic expectations out of Shatty and Silf.

My feeling that they're underperforming isn't rooted in a lack of understanding, and it's obnoxious and arrogant of you to contend that that's the case. No, I'm not OK with a player who carries a $5M salary having nine points and a -15 through 38 games. If expecting more is "unrealistic", then maybe our standards are too low.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

My feeling that they're underperforming isn't rooted in a lack of understanding, and it's obnoxious and arrogant of you to contend that that's the case. No, I'm not OK with a player who carries a $5M salary having nine points and a -15 through 38 games. If expecting more is "unrealistic", then maybe our standards are too low.

We're in an obvious reset rebuild with lesser talents and no top-4 shutdown D. Silf is playing the shutdown role against the opposing team's best offensive line as well as the PK unit. Silf is doing this with rotating centers since Lundy got himself injured.

Silf play on the ice isn't underperforming. Is Silf's $5 mil preventing the GM from acquiring more talent this past off-season? No. We currently have about $26.3 mil cap space, according to capfriendly. Are you happy that I played along with your goal post moving by adding salary to underperformance?

It's hilarious to identify a few players, but not acknowledge we're in a designed reset rebuild with no defense, physicality, nor balance and about $26.3 mil cap space available. Cherry picking scenarios only gives you cherry picking conclusions.

I'll leave you be with your goal post moving "underperformance" conclusion.

 

[Rooch]

We're in an obvious reset rebuild with lesser talents and no top-4 shutdown D. Silf is playing the shutdown role against the opposing team's best offensive line as well as the PK unit. Silf is doing this with rotating centers since Lundy got himself injured.

Silf play on the ice isn't underperforming. Is Silf's $5 mil preventing the GM from acquiring more talent this past off-season? No. We currently have about $26.3 mil cap space, according to capfriendly. Are you happy that I played along with your goal post moving by adding salary to underperformance?

It's hilarious to identify a few players, but not acknowledge we're in a designed reset rebuild with no defense, physicality, nor balance and about $26.3 mil cap space available. Cherry picking scenarios only gives you cherry picking conclusions.

I'll leave you be with your goal post moving "underperformance" conclusion.

I really don't understand your condescension or your interest in making this personal. Can we please have a civil discussion?

In 2019, SIlf scored 24 goals, had 43 points and shot a career-high 14%. That's why he got the contract he's on now. Yet he's been nowhere near those numbers since. You say his role has changed because we're in a rebuild and now he's "playing the shutdown role". I don't see that. What I see is a player who looks lost, who this year has scored 20% of what he posted three years ago, who is frequently injured, and who is still one of the highest-paid players on the team (owed $5.25M this season and another $5.25M next season). If that is a "goal post [sic] moving 'underperformance conclusion" in your view, I guess I can live with that.

"Cherry picking scenarios only gives you cherry picking conclusions." I have no idea what that means, but I think you're trying to say that because I chose the Silf example, I'm somehow short-sighted or ignorant. That seems like the thesis of your replies so far.

Despite the thrill of the last couple of games, we are among the worst teams in the league. Blind allegiance to underperforming players isn't going to change that.

 

[Leonardo87]

Hey fellas let’s keep it civil. Come on now.

 

[alsmiss94]

Depsite his horrific defensive play this season, I still think Klingberg could look good on a team with a strong defense and a strong partner. Specifically I'm thinking about the Bruins where he could be paired with Brandon Carlo and of course they have a fantastic defensive system. Plus we know the teams love to deal with each other and the Bruins will 100% all in for the cup this year (insanely good season, probable last year for Krejci and Bergeron, maybe Pasta walking in the offseason).

I wonder if we retained 50% and took back Reilly (has another year at 3m) if they'd cough up a first. They're going to be in a seriously tight cap situation next year assuming Pasta resigns and they'll have bonuses from Krejci and Bergeron carrying over. They've already put Reilly on waivers this year so we know they'd like to get rid of him.

We could also possibly take back Craig Smith. His contract expires this year so wouldn't really have much of an impact besides heading down the stretch. They've put him on waivers too and I think he's been a healthy scratch.

They get a (hopefully) top 4 D for a 3.5 mil cap hit, cap flexibility next year and if we take back Smith they get even more cap space this year for maybe another add. We get another first in a great draft and a couple warm bodies.

 

[Leonardo87]

 

[Beckett]

They're a fun group

 

[JlindiesANA]

This is Exactly what's going on with Z.. He needs to add Muscle.. He's getting bumped around and keeps losing the puck.. and he needs to stop this fancy crap.. Sometimes less is more..

That’s why I don’t think he will be a number 1 center. It’s fancy ba dancy. Anaheim needs that Getzlaf presence again. Where Anaheim Ducks will crash the net, get in the dirty areas right off Getzlaf stick.

And that big body helps change the entire game. People were scared when Getzlaf had the puck. You’re either gonna get ran over? Or get out skilled by the hash marks. Your choice!

And Zegras isn’t that. Damn do us Duck fans miss Getzlaf alpha male center position

 

[CrazyDuck4u]

That’s why I don’t think he will be a number 1 center. It’s fancy ba dancy. Anaheim needs that Getzlaf presence again. Where Anaheim Ducks will crash the net, get in the dirty areas right off Getzlaf stick.

And that big body helps change the entire game. People were scared when Getzlaf had the puck. You’re either gonna get ran over? Or get out skilled by the hash marks. Your choice!

And Zegras isn’t that. Damn do us Duck fans miss Getzlaf alpha male center position

Couldn't agree with you more.. Mctavish is only 19 and he has better poise with the puck.

 

[Frosted Tips]

That’s why I don’t think he will be a number 1 center. It’s fancy ba dancy. Anaheim needs that Getzlaf presence again. Where Anaheim Ducks will crash the net, get in the dirty areas right off Getzlaf stick.

And that big body helps change the entire game. People were scared when Getzlaf had the puck. You’re either gonna get ran over? Or get out skilled by the hash marks. Your choice!

And Zegras isn’t that. Damn do us Duck fans miss Getzlaf alpha male center position

Oh boy, seeing those words together in these boards take me back a few years and instantly made me feel very uneasy. I don't exactly even remember those conversations out of the top of my head but based on the reaction it must've been a fun one.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Well that was garbage, not unexpected. One of the top teams playing, without playing down to the opponent, against one of the worst in the league.

We're in for a long ride.

Trade deadline is March 3rd. That ride, although the amount of games doesn't change, may be even longer after the TDL. I know it was last year after the TDL.

Notable UFA's for this season:

D Klingberg​

D Kulikov​

D Shattenkirk​

F Grant​

G Stolarz​

Also, I read a potential contracted Duck might be available in Vatrano.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Ducks have a pretty tricky schedule up ahead. two real tough games remaining on the homestead, then off for a six game road trip. while some of the teams on the trip aren't very good, this team is even worse on the road and i certainly don't expect them to fare all that well.