Speculation: 2024-25 - Free Agency/Trade Thread

[GermanRocket7]

I wouldn't trade Zellweger unless it were for an absolute overpayment. Zellweger is probably the next batch of defensemen in the mold of Makar or Quinn Hughes, and if he were playing on a team more talented and further down the road in their rebuild (or even a contender), would he be a Norris candidate in the eyes of many experts.

The kid is our best bet at a reliable 60 point defenseman since our Cup in '07 and should by no means be given away for someone like Power, who already is on the verge of being labeled a bust (for a 1st overall pick, at least).

If I were to part ways with Zellweger, would I want to get back a bonafide #1 defenseman who is maybe 3-4 years older. The only actual player fitting that description and being even remotely available (95% chance he isn't), is Seider. Detroit will have to make radical changes after this season, as they are now 10 years out of the playoffs IIRC and seem not to be able to find their next gear time and again.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Too high of an expectation from Mac this season. He was a ppg player during two long stretches last year in a 20-game set and a 7-game set, but also oft injured last year. This year, we were expecting him to take the next step in his progression, but he is just as 0.50 ppg player to this point. A few of those points have come in garbage time.

I believe head coach Cronin has stunted all of our youth forwards. I also believe that Mac is a good soldier who tries to appease his head coach. In following what the head coach wants, it has left Mac looking out of place often. Coach Cronin wants Mac to play like Tkachuk, but Mac doesn't play that constant physical style; Mac is more optimal as a transition offensive mind than a constant physical dump-and-chase player like Tkuchuk.

Proof of misuse of our youth forwards is that none of them have taken a lift-off the past two seasons save Mac last year. We can use Zegras as the control group since he played before coach Cronin got here. Before Cronin arrived, Zegras had scored over 60 points and 23 goals in each of his first two full seasons with the Ducks. With Cronin... a dud and made out of glass.

View attachment 951222​

Our top youth forwards are Carlsson, Gauthier, McTavish, and Zegras. Our youth defensemen are Helleson, LaCombe, Mintyukov, and Zellweger. Our youth d-men are scoring similarly to our youth forwards. It is scary and disappointing when a youth defenseman is a better goal scorer than three out of the four youth forwards.

​

View attachment 951223​

The league average for GF and GA is 105 goals. The Ducks GF is 80 goals, or 25 fewer goals than the average and the league's worst GF production. The Ducks' GA is 102 goals allowed, or 3 goals allowed better than the average. This is why I don't think the Ducks need to move any forward youths until we have a new head coach with an offensive mind. Hell, we called up our best scoring youth forward from the AHL in Sam Colangelo and made him into a 4th line checker for eight NHL games without a sniff in the top-6 despite needing more scoring.

Great post thank you

I wouldn't trade Zellweger unless it were for an absolute overpayment. Zellweger is probably the next batch of defensemen in the mold of Makar or Quinn Hughes, and if he were playing on a team more talented and further down the road in their rebuild (or even a contender), would he be a Norris candidate in the eyes of many experts.

The kid is our best bet at a reliable 60 point defenseman since our Cup in '07 and should by no means be given away for someone like Power, who already is on the verge of being labeled a bust (for a 1st overall pick, at least).

If I were to part ways with Zellweger, would I want to get back a bonafide #1 defenseman who is maybe 3-4 years older. The only actual player fitting that description and being even remotely available (95% chance he isn't), is Seider. Detroit will have to make radical changes after this season, as they are now 10 years out of the playoffs IIRC and seem not to be able to find their next gear time and again.

I wouldn’t say Power is approaching bust status. He needs to be a 1D and he’s playing second fiddle to Dahlin. So he’s getting PP scraps and having to play tougher defensive minutes. In the same way McTavish was described above as being miscast, Power is in the same situation.

I think with teams playing the 1-3-1 on the power play, teams really only have room for one true 1D. I wanted the Sabres to take Beniers but that ship sailed. But I don’t think Power is close to a bust especially with how long it takes for D to develop.

 

[FlyingV09]

The idea of giving up on Mason McTavish is painful to read. Have we not learned anything Ducks fans?

We’ve dealt Theodore, William Karlsson, Montour (just off the top of my head) before they were done ripening and ended up on the bad end of those deals. I know the circumstances of these trades were different and an argument could be made they wouldn’t have ever blossomed here, but I do think they were dealt before we knew what we had.

Look at Troy Terry. Had many rough years before he turned 24 then exploded into one of our most important players.

Let these guys develop. Under a new coach we could see them turn into the players we expected them to be. It’s hard to be patient but I think that is what is required here.

 

[Mr Rogers]

The idea of giving up on Mason McTavish is painful to read. Have we not learned anything Ducks fans?

We’ve dealt Theodore, William Karlsson, Montour (just off the top of my head) before they were done ripening and ended up on the bad end of those deals. I know the circumstances of these trades were different and an argument could be made they wouldn’t have ever blossomed here, but I do think they were dealt before we knew what we had.

Look at Troy Terry. Had many rough years before he turned 24 then exploded into one of our most important players.

Let these guys develop. Under a new coach we could see them turn into the players we expected them to be. It’s hard to be patient but I think that is what is required here.

The frequent lamenting over his play this year and newly his hockey IQ is pretty annoying to read.

He hasn’t been great this year but the only forward who’s been “good” is Terry. Why is it the coach’s/linemate’s fault for them but for McTavish it’s his hockey IQ? He could very well finish 2nd on team in points this year too, would love to see that.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Power and Quinn for LaCombe and McTavish?

This is so bad for us lol.

 

[Rasp]

If we are trading for Power based on his potential being a 1D then the pieces we trade should be valued at their potential too. I wouldn't be giving up 2 of our core young players for him.

Like other people have said trading our kids now could be a massive mistake as the common denominator for their poor development is Cronin. Lets see how well they go with a new coach first.

 

[Der Jaeger]

This is so bad for us lol.

Eh maybe. But if McTavish reaches his potential, and so does Power, Power is still behind Dahlin picking up PP scraps.

I see Power as a wasted asset in Buffalo. I think he needs to be the 1D somewhere, and it can’t be Buffalo.

 

[JAHV]

The frequent lamenting over his play this year and newly his hockey IQ is pretty annoying to read.

He hasn’t been great this year but the only forward who’s been “good” is Terry. Why is it the coach’s/linemate’s fault for them but for McTavish it’s his hockey IQ? He could very well finish 2nd on team in points this year too, would love to see that.

I actually don't think his hockey IQ has been his biggest problem. I don't see any difference there. The issue I've seen is he's consistently not making plays that a player of his caliber should make - handling passes, getting shots away, staying on his feet when he's skating. The biggest red flag for me is that these are plays he's made in the past. He's taken a step BACK.

 

[duckpuck]

If Elias Pettersson is available, the ducks should be all in on him. I think any player other than Carlsson should be made available.

I actually don't think his hockey IQ has been his biggest problem. I don't see any difference there. The issue I've seen is he's consistently not making plays that a player of his caliber should make - handling passes, getting shots away, staying on his feet when he's skating. The biggest red flag for me is that these are plays he's made in the past. He's taken a step BACK.

I see the same thing. For a player who is regarded is having a good shot, he fumbles/mishandles the puck way too often and makes a lot of questionable passes (which applies to many ducks).

 

[ScarTroy]

If Elias Pettersson is available, the ducks should be all in on him. I think any player other than Carlsson should be made available.


I see the same thing. For a player who is regarded is having a good shot, he fumbles/mishandles the puck way too often and makes a lot of questionable passes (which applies to many ducks).

Didn’t he just extend? Why would they get rid of him?

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

The idea of giving up on Mason McTavish is painful to read. Have we not learned anything Ducks fans?

We’ve dealt Theodore, William Karlsson, Montour (just off the top of my head) before they were done ripening and ended up on the bad end of those deals. I know the circumstances of these trades were different and an argument could be made they wouldn’t have ever blossomed here, but I do think they were dealt before we knew what we had.

Look at Troy Terry. Had many rough years before he turned 24 then exploded into one of our most important players.

Let these guys develop. Under a new coach we could see them turn into the players we expected them to be. It’s hard to be patient but I think that is what is required here.

The idea of giving up on anyone under 25 for the Ducks is insane to me.

The current team is a mess on offence. It's not just one player, its not just two players. It's not just one line. Every single forward looks completely lost when they enter the offensive zone. There's just zero chemistry all around. Its just a bunch of individuals hoping for the best with no cohesive plan. The only time the offence has looked dangerous is when Zel or Lacombe say screw it and do their best Bobby Orr impersonation/

Every game I watch on the visiting broadcast they always suggest that a current player is struggling this year and what a big surprise it is. One week it's Zegras, the next it's McTavish and more recently it's been Leo. I just don't see how anyone can really gauge what the Ducks have in this system on the forward side of things. I find it hard to believe that trading any of these players will make a difference. I would fully expect Elias Pettersson to be completely ineffective in Anaheim because almost everyone else has for the past 5 years.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Great post thank you

I wouldn’t say Power is approaching bust status. He needs to be a 1D and he’s playing second fiddle to Dahlin. So he’s getting PP scraps and having to play tougher defensive minutes. In the same way McTavish was described above as being miscast, Power is in the same situation.

I think with teams playing the 1-3-1 on the power play, teams really only have room for one true 1D. I wanted the Sabres to take Beniers but that ship sailed. But I don’t think Power is close to a bust especially with how long it takes for D to develop.

I haven't paid much attn to Power since his draft, but I thought he was projected as a shutdown d-man with potential offense. That he was someone who can tilt the ice and be dominantly physical, especially with his stature. Power is an eager shot blocker, but not a hitter. Dahlin tilts the ice more and is more physical the Power. Byram hits more than Power.

As for tougher defensive minutes, I don't think Power has had the pleasure of playing under Cronin as a youth. The highest DZone Start% for Power is 48.8% last season and this season is 48.1%. Last year, LaCombe's DZone Start% was 55.8%. This year, Minty's DZone Start% is 63.2%.

I'm becoming less enamored with Power. Power is being paid $8.350 mil AAV until 2031. LaCombe is being paid $0.925 mil AAV until 2026. Ever since Fowler was traded to St. Louis weeks ago, LaCombe has been playing as a top-pairing guy and our default #1D. And I don't think LaCombe will cost anywhere near $8 mil to be extended.

Edit: I took off a year from Power' NHL season in the table b/c it was just an 8-game stint after his NCAA season ended.

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

The idea of giving up on anyone under 25 for the Ducks is insane to me.

The current team is a mess on offence. It's not just one player, its not just two players. It's not just one line. Every single forward looks completely lost when they enter the offensive zone. There's just zero chemistry all around. Its just a bunch of individuals hoping for the best with no cohesive plan. The only time the offence has looked dangerous is when Zel or Lacombe say screw it and do their best Bobby Orr impersonation/

Every game I watch on the visiting broadcast they always suggest that a current player is struggling this year and what a big surprise it is. One week it's Zegras, the next it's McTavish and more recently it's been Leo. I just don't see how anyone can really gauge what the Ducks have in this system on the forward side of things. I find it hard to believe that trading any of these players will make a difference. I would fully expect Elias Pettersson to be completely ineffective in Anaheim because almost everyone else has for the past 5 years.

This exactly! Put Bedard on this team and he’d be a mess too.

 

[Kalv]

The idea of giving up on anyone under 25 for the Ducks is insane to me.

The current team is a mess on offence. It's not just one player, its not just two players. It's not just one line. Every single forward looks completely lost when they enter the offensive zone. There's just zero chemistry all around. Its just a bunch of individuals hoping for the best with no cohesive plan. The only time the offence has looked dangerous is when Zel or Lacombe say screw it and do their best Bobby Orr impersonation/

Every game I watch on the visiting broadcast they always suggest that a current player is struggling this year and what a big surprise it is. One week it's Zegras, the next it's McTavish and more recently it's been Leo. I just don't see how anyone can really gauge what the Ducks have in this system on the forward side of things. I find it hard to believe that trading any of these players will make a difference. I would fully expect Elias Pettersson to be completely ineffective in Anaheim because almost everyone else has for the past 5 years.

Also, the Killorn(?) comments supports this, imo. That no one knows where other guys are. That is not how an NHL team should be. And as you say, it diminishes player talent

My worry is, lost development time while our young stars are learning how to be effective 4th liners

 

[All Mighty]

Didn’t he just extend? Why would they get rid of him?

He and JT Miller apparently have a lot of tension between them. The Canucks will probably try to make them work together, but if not, then they are likely going to trade one of them. Pettersson is younger, but he doesn’t have any trade protection until next year.

 

[FiveTacos]

Didn’t he just extend? Why would they get rid of him?

Look at his splits before and after his extension. A few days ago it was posted that he went from 1.25ppg to .72ppg.

Can't rule out the possibility that his big year was an outlier.

 

[ScarTroy]

Look at his splits before and after his extension. A few days ago it was posted that he went from 1.25ppg to .72ppg.

Can't rule out the possibility that his big year was an outlier.

His career ppg of over 400 games is over 1.00 ppg. I think we can infer what might be the outlier.

 

[FiveTacos]

His career ppg of over 400 games is over 1.00 ppg. I think we can infer what might be the outlier.

Probably. But you'd have to think if they were absolutely sure about that, any idea of trading him wouldn't even be considered by them.

I know they blamed tendinitis for his dip last year. But what if it's chronic?

 

[All Mighty]

His career ppg of over 400 games is over 1.00 ppg. I think we can infer what might be the outlier.

Probably. But you'd have to think if they were absolutely sure about that, any idea of trading him wouldn't even be considered by them.

I know they blamed tendinitis for his dip last year. But what if it's chronic?

Could just be a coincidence, but in the 10 games Miller missed recently, Pettersson had 15 points. In the 7 games since Miller came back, Pettersson has 2 points. Pettersson’s ice time has gone down slightly, but the point differential is quite drastic.

 

[DavidBL]

Could just be a coincidence, but in the 10 games Miller missed recently, Pettersson had 15 points. In the 7 games since Miller came back, Pettersson has 2 points. Pettersson’s ice time has gone down slightly, but the point differential is quite drastic.

Did his linemates change?

 

[ReptilianQuack]

I live in Vancouver. I drown in the news and watch every game like I do the Ducks. We do not want Petey. Flakey and Inconsistent for his contract. Let alone giving up someone for this...
Dont. Bail. Them. Out.

 

[Boo Boo]

Also vancouverite - would love pettersson but the contract is just a little too rich for someone who can be high maintenance

I would however be overjoyed if really any of our young players could dominate stretches like he can

 

[2faded]

Why is Power a bust? I don't watch Buffalo.

I wouldn't consider trading McTavish for Power "giving up on him". They were in the same draft. I was hoping they would win the lottery to get Power instead of ending up with McTavish. Swapping McTavish for the guy I actually wanted in that draft is a no brainer for me.

Is the price between the two worth Zellweger? Idk but I don't really care. You are getting a potential #1 D. And it's not even really a downgrade offensively. Power would be 2nd in points (22), 3 behind Terry (25). Hell, if you combined McTavish and Zell's points (26) it's still only 4 points more than Power. Even if you adjusted Power's stats based on the ratio of Ducks GF/Buffalo's GF, Power would still be tied for 2nd in points on this team.

The Ducks are thin at forward already, but it would put an end to the McT/Z 2C battle. The D is basically set for years and now you can put all your focus on building the forward lineup.

As far as Zell being the next Makar/Hughes, he's very good but I don't see it. I don't think Zell will match Power even offensively. Definitely not defensively.

 

[Ducks DVM]

Why is Power a bust? I don't watch Buffalo.

I wouldn't consider trading McTavish for Power "giving up on him". They were in the same draft. I was hoping they would win the lottery to get Power instead of ending up with McTavish. Swapping McTavish for the guy I actually wanted in that draft is a no brainer for me.

Is the price between the two worth Zellweger? Idk but I don't really care. You are getting a potential #1 D. And it's not even really a downgrade offensively. Power would be 2nd in points (22), 3 behind Terry (25). Hell, if you combined McTavish and Zell's points (26) it's still only 4 points more than Power. Even if you adjusted Power's stats based on the ratio of Ducks GF/Buffalo's GF, Power would still be tied for 2nd in points on this team.

The Ducks are thin at forward already, but it would put an end to the McT/Z 2C battle. The D is basically set for years and now you can put all your focus on building the forward lineup.

As far as Zell being the next Makar/Hughes, he's very good but I don't see it. I don't think Zell will match Power even offensively. Definitely not defensively.

Power has 5G 17A, Zellweger is 4/8. Power is not going to make our forwards in our “system” suddenly score, so take the points disparity with a large block of salt.

 

[FiveTacos]

I live in Vancouver. I drown in the news and watch every game like I do the Ducks. We do not want Petey. Flakey and Inconsistent for his contract. Let alone giving up someone for this...
Dont. Bail. Them. Out.

Yeah, I wonder if there's not a bit of buyer's remorse already. 8 years at 11.6 with a full NMC ... he better be the ~100pt version of himself with that contract.