Speculation: 2025 Trade/Free Agency Thread

Just as an aside - wouldn't you want to shelter Sennecke anyway?

Lets play devils advocate for a second - say we do sign Marner. A right-wing depth chart of Marner-Terry-Sennecke is nothing to scoff at.

I haven't followed Sennecke as much as I would like to admit - but he still looks like a tall, lanky kid that has put next to no muscle on. Wouldn't it be best to have him cook in juniors for one more year, then have him be in the A for next two years? Afterwords he can slot right in and gain confidence by playing sheltered minutes for a couple of years until he can step up in Terrys place if he goes into free agency
I was only thinking about how the organization might want to strategically build the roster looking at things over a 5 year horizon. As a fan, most of us would be delighted to get Marner and not worry about how it affects the roster down the road. But Verbeek and staff are paid to look at things differently and I just was wondering if they'd want to have Sennecke blocked for the foreseeable future by both Marner and Terry. I guess a lot of it depends on where they see Sennecke in his development curve. Most 3OA picks are in the NHL in some capacity in their D+3 year.
 
Just as an aside - wouldn't you want to shelter Sennecke anyway?

Lets play devils advocate for a second - say we do sign Marner. A right-wing depth chart of Marner-Terry-Sennecke is nothing to scoff at.

I haven't followed Sennecke as much as I would like to admit - but he still looks like a tall, lanky kid that has put next to no muscle on. Wouldn't it be best to have him cook in juniors for one more year, then have him be in the A for next two years? Afterwords he can slot right in and gain confidence by playing sheltered minutes for a couple of years until he can step up in Terrys place if he goes into free agency
I expect him to get the McTavish/Luneau treatment.
9 NHL games
AHL conditioning stint
WJC
OHL
AHL playoffs

The question is will he spend another year in the AHL like Luneau or into the NHL like McTavish.
 
I was only thinking about how the organization might want to strategically build the roster looking at things over a 5 year horizon. As a fan, most of us would be delighted to get Marner and not worry about how it affects the roster down the road. But Verbeek and staff are paid to look at things differently and I just was wondering if they'd want to have Sennecke blocked for the foreseeable future by both Marner and Terry. I guess a lot of it depends on where they see Sennecke in his development curve. Most 3OA picks are in the NHL in some capacity in their D+3 year.

I think Terry is versatile enough that he would work just fine as a 3rd line RW. Heck, that's kind of what he is now, depending on how you rank the Ducks' forward lines. They really have three second lines, which seems like something they're comfortable doing.
 
I expect him to get the McTavish/Luneau treatment.
9 NHL games
AHL conditioning stint
WJC
OHL
AHL playoffs

The question is will he spend another year in the AHL like Luneau or into the NHL like McTavish.

Interestingly, if Sennecke isn't in the NHL for more than a cup of coffee next year, that's incredibly rare for a 3rd OA. Most of those guys stick in the NHL at least part-time in their D+2. The only one in recent memory who didn't was Dylan Strome. Which isn't to say it's necessarily wrong for Sennecke, just that it would be an oddity.
 
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I think Terry is versatile enough that he would work just fine as a 3rd line RW. Heck, that's kind of what he is now, depending on how you rank the Ducks' forward lines. They really have three second lines, which seems like something they're comfortable doing.
I don't disagree on Terry. But you make an interesting point...Marner, Terry, Sennecke, Colangelo make for a very crowded top 9 (none of them is suited for the 4th line). Marner would be the best of them for sure but does Verbeek see a Marner type as a pressing issue to spend $100 million on? Especially if Colangelo continues to break out and is viewed as a 25-30 goal scorer going forward (not an unreasonable POV IMO).

Our fan viewpoint on Marner could be very different from the organizational roster building standpoint. That's all I'm saying.
 
Interestingly, if Sennecke isn't in the NHL for more than a cup of coffee next year, that's incredibly rare for a 3rd OA. Most of those guys stick in the NHL at least part-time in their D+2. The only one in recent memory who didn't was Dylan Strome. Which isn't to say it's necessarily wrong for Sennecke, just that it would be an oddity.
I'm sure the Ducks would prefer to have him in the AHL and get a cup of coffee at the NHL throughout the year, but that isnt an option.

I honestly could not care less if he takes longer then most 3rd overalls to get to the NHL. If they think it gives him a better chance at longterm success in the NHL then I am all for it. Especially if they sign a top 6 RW like Marner.
 
I think people are going to be shocked at contracts given out this year.

If we can lock guys up longterm with a little overpayment it will likely pay off in a huge way. The cap is going up 30% in 3 years. 6 mil guys are going to be 8 mil guys this summer.
I think I’d prefer to look the trade route for top 6 help…. Ufa going to be way too high imo
 
I don't disagree on Terry. But you make an interesting point...Marner, Terry, Sennecke, Colangelo make for a very crowded top 9 (none of them is suited for the 4th line). Marner would be the best of them for sure but does Verbeek see a Marner type as a pressing issue to spend $100 million on? Especially if Colangelo continues to break out and is viewed as a 25-30 goal scorer going forward (not an unreasonable POV IMO).

Our fan viewpoint on Marner could be very different from the organizational roster building standpoint. That's all I'm saying.

Again, though, if you've got the opportunity to add elite talent, you do it and ask questions (or make trades) later. I also don't think Colangelo would be out of place on the 4th line. I actually think he'd be a great 4th line forechecker who can put up 15 goals per season.
 
Again, though, if you've got the opportunity to add elite talent, you do it and ask questions (or make trades) later. I also don't think Colangelo would be out of place on the 4th line. I actually think he'd be a great 4th line forechecker who can put up 15 goals per season.
Fair POV on Marner. Totally disagree about Colangelo being a great 4th liner.
 
Given how many teams have cap room, I think many fans will be in for a surprise at just how much it will cost to sign some of these UFAs, the kind of term they'll get, and how many better options the best will have. It also means teams are less likely to be trading "bad" contracts of quality players, at least at any discount.

A more sensible use of funds would be to strengthen the bottom 6, at more reasonable term lengths. Offensive improvement is going to depend on development of the kids.
Sure if the right opportunity presents itself we need to pounce, but we're not the only team with young assets looking to consolidate into an impact player.
 
You may be right but I'm curious why you think they would move either of them. Cap doesn't seem to be an issue and their depth on D is not that good.
Cap isn’t an issue at this moment, but you know they are going to look to upgrade their forward group with a big name. The top 4 of their defense is set, so if they need to trim some fat, it will probably be Hague or Whitecloud. I think Hague is the likelier one to get dealt, but they do have Korzcak as a young RHD who could step in for Whitecloud.
 
I will be interested to see Vegas’ plans for its defense. Whitecloud is a guy who could fit our team pretty well. They probably end up moving him or Hague.

It'll be interesting to see how they improve the D core next season—if at all. They need to make room for Luneau, IMO, but I don't see them moving Gudas or Trouba. Wouldn't be surprised if they extend the latter.
 
It'll be interesting to see how they improve the D core next season—if at all. They need to make room for Luneau, IMO, but I don't see them moving Gudas or Trouba. Wouldn't be surprised if they extend the latter.
Baring a trade, I expect them to handle it similar to how they did this year with Luneau being in the NHL splitting time.

You have to assume Gudas or Trouba get moved at some point. If I was a betting man I would guess Gudas is traded and Trouba is resigned for 2/3 more years.
 
If Ducks were to sign Marner, I would roll 4 scoring lines next season. I often notice our players are out of fresh legs often, and if we intend to play some of our top offensive players on the PK, I think this strategy would suit us well, even under Cronin. It'd also create easier matchups for some scorers at all times.

Nesterenko - McTavish - Marner
Cutter - Leo - Colangelo
Killorn - Zegras - Sennecke
Vatrano - Strome - Terry

Roll them fairly evenly, giving more time for whichever line is hot in any particular game. Load up the PK and PP so guys who need/thrive with more minutes get them, and ease in guys like Sennecke there.

At some point upgrading Nesterenko would be ideal but I think he can suit a Kunitz type role helping M&M and potting a few garbage goals.

Try to employ an attack, attack, attack mentality which we have seen a little bit more of lately vs early on in the season - but we see them running out of gas, also.
 
If Ducks were to sign Marner, I would roll 4 scoring lines next season. I often notice our players are out of fresh legs often, and if we intend to play some of our top offensive players on the PK, I think this strategy would suit us well, even under Cronin. It'd also create easier matchups for some scorers at all times.

Nesterenko - McTavish - Marner
Cutter - Leo - Colangelo
Killorn - Zegras - Sennecke
Vatrano - Strome - Terry

Roll them fairly evenly, giving more time for whichever line is hot in any particular game. Load up the PK and PP so guys who need/thrive with more minutes get them, and ease in guys like Sennecke there.

At some point upgrading Nesterenko would be ideal but I think he can suit a Kunitz type role helping M&M and potting a few garbage goals.

Try to employ an attack, attack, attack mentality which we have seen a little bit more of lately vs early on in the season - but we see them running out of gas, also.

I'm not sure this lineup seems logical. Vatrano-Stome-Terry is clearly not working and only really did when Terry was feeling it. When he slows down, the line collapses. And, while I believe Zegras is a center, the team clearly does not. He has strong chemistry with McTavish, and I'm not sure why they would split that?

If the pairs are Gauthier-Carlsson and Zegras-McTavish, then either Terry joins those lines, or he needs a new center. Terry has not shown strong chemistry with Carlsson or McTavish IMO. This would lead to the idea that Terry needs a center.

I would also add that Killorn's spot on the Gauthier-Carlsson line is the most obvious upgradable top 6 spot for the Ducks. Both Colangelo and Nesterenko have shown chemistry and production playing with McTavish.

If I were to guess the focus for Verbeek, it would be to add a top 6 winger to move Killorn down in the lineup and then aquire a center to play with Terry.
 
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Cap isn’t an issue at this moment, but you know they are going to look to upgrade their forward group with a big name. The top 4 of their defense is set, so if they need to trim some fat, it will probably be Hague or Whitecloud. I think Hague is the likelier one to get dealt, but they do have Korzcak as a young RHD who could step in for Whitecloud.

I don't think they will be looking for a big add honestly. I don't necessarily agree but I think the front office like the group of forwards they have. I do think one of Hague or Whitecloud will be moved just because with Korzcak they have 7 NHL D that should be every night players. Up front I'm expecting they'll sign Smith and Saad to extensions and call it a day.
 
If Ducks were to sign Marner, I would roll 4 scoring lines next season. I often notice our players are out of fresh legs often, and if we intend to play some of our top offensive players on the PK, I think this strategy would suit us well, even under Cronin. It'd also create easier matchups for some scorers at all times.

Nesterenko - McTavish - Marner
Cutter - Leo - Colangelo
Killorn - Zegras - Sennecke
Vatrano - Strome - Terry

Roll them fairly evenly, giving more time for whichever line is hot in any particular game. Load up the PK and PP so guys who need/thrive with more minutes get them, and ease in guys like Sennecke there.

At some point upgrading Nesterenko would be ideal but I think he can suit a Kunitz type role helping M&M and potting a few garbage goals.

Try to employ an attack, attack, attack mentality which we have seen a little bit more of lately vs early on in the season - but we see them running out of gas, also.
Welcome to the board!
 
If Ducks were to sign Marner, I would roll 4 scoring lines next season. I often notice our players are out of fresh legs often, and if we intend to play some of our top offensive players on the PK, I think this strategy would suit us well, even under Cronin. It'd also create easier matchups for some scorers at all times.

Nesterenko - McTavish - Marner
Cutter - Leo - Colangelo
Killorn - Zegras - Sennecke
Vatrano - Strome - Terry

Roll them fairly evenly, giving more time for whichever line is hot in any particular game. Load up the PK and PP so guys who need/thrive with more minutes get them, and ease in guys like Sennecke there.

At some point upgrading Nesterenko would be ideal but I think he can suit a Kunitz type role helping M&M and potting a few garbage goals.

Try to employ an attack, attack, attack mentality which we have seen a little bit more of lately vs early on in the season - but we see them running out of gas, also.
Love your last paragraph.
 
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I'm not sure this lineup seems logical. Vatrano-Stome-Terry is clearly not working and only really did when Terry was feeling it. When he slows down, the line collapses. And, while I believe Zegras is a center, the team clearly does not. He has strong chemistry with McTavish, and I'm not sure why they would split that?

If the pairs are Gauthier-Carlsson and Zegras-McTavish, then either Terry joins those lines, or he needs a new center. Terry has not shown strong chemistry with Carlsson or McTavish IMO. This would lead to the idea that Terry needs a center.

I would also add that Killorn's spot on the Gauthier-Carlsson line is the most obvious upgradable top 6 spot for the Ducks. Both Colangelo and Nesterenko have shown chemistry and production playing with McTavish.

If I were to guess the focus for Verbeek, it would be to add a top 6 winger to move Killorn down in the lineup and then aquire a center to play with Terry.

- For that Terry line, as you said, Terry doesn't have chemistry with others he's been tried with and did have long successful stretches with Vatrano/Strome. I agree he drives that line so it goes as he goes, hopefully he goes better after the newborn stuff isn't as fresh. Also a lot of times they were providing the only offense during spurts this season, I think with less focus on them from defenders they'd be fine.

- Z as C, I think even Cronin acknowledged he's better at centre but IMO they wanted him getting top 6 minutes and helping try to spark Leo (finally, he then moved to a new line with Mac). Given the whole idea here would be no "top-6" and all about offense/attacking strategy, they could all be considered "top6". McT I think would do great with Nesterenko + Marner as his wings, doesn't need Z.

- Agree on Killorn, hence why hes moved down to play with Sennecke and try to help him along as he's done Leo. Z/Killorn have had a few moments (much as anyone could with Killorn).

Again all of this was on getting Marner specifically though. If not (the likely outcome), then I don't propose the same idea...
 
If Ducks were to sign Marner, I would roll 4 scoring lines next season. I often notice our players are out of fresh legs often, and if we intend to play some of our top offensive players on the PK, I think this strategy would suit us well, even under Cronin. It'd also create easier matchups for some scorers at all times.

Nesterenko - McTavish - Marner
Cutter - Leo - Colangelo
Killorn - Zegras - Sennecke
Vatrano - Strome - Terry

Roll them fairly evenly, giving more time for whichever line is hot in any particular game. Load up the PK and PP so guys who need/thrive with more minutes get them, and ease in guys like Sennecke there.

At some point upgrading Nesterenko would be ideal but I think he can suit a Kunitz type role helping M&M and potting a few garbage goals.

Try to employ an attack, attack, attack mentality which we have seen a little bit more of lately vs early on in the season - but we see them running out of gas, also.
Playing 4 lines is good for teaching the kids to play each shift with intensity rather than coasting to save energy. A lot of star players struggle in the playoffs because during the regular season they play too many minutes and have a habit of trying to conserve energy during shifts, and that doesn’t work out at all during the playoffs.
 
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I wouldn't spend much on Dobson, seems like an unnecessary luxury. If we're spending assets on D I'd do it on high end defensive stalwarts. Reliable shutdown guys. We have puck movers. Our ability to defend is bad, it's the thing we're worst at, so we should address that.

Agreed that we need top-4 shutdown RD's. The problem is we have Gudas and Trouba for next season and Helleson looks like a mainstay. We need better than Gudas and Trouba today. And I fear that Verbeek wants to extend Trouba. Sadly, we may do nothing this off-season for our blueline.
 

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