On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek shocked the hockey world this week by moving former sixth-overall pick Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for top prospect Cutter Gauthier. It’s obvious Verbeek has become quite aggressive on the trade market and more moves are expected before the trade deadline on March 8.
With the Ducks engraved in a full rebuild at the moment, look for Verbeek to continue trade talks, looking to find ways to upgrade his roster and expedite the process. There’s been some surprising names mentioned of late out of Anaheim, here’s five trade candidates to consider as changes continue:
Trevor Zegras
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that Zegras’ name was ‘out’ there and has been discussed at certain points of this season. It certainly comes at a bit of a surprise considering he’s just 22 years old and was thought of as a core piece moving forward. So was Drysdale though, so it’s obvious that Verbeek is willing to pivot should the right deal catch his eye.
Zegras has struggled this season after a contract dispute, with only seven points in 20 games and he was also recently injured and is now expected to be out a while. This complicates matters for sure, however he’s expected to be back into the Ducks’ lineup before early March.
Zegras is signed through the 2025-26 season at $5.75 million and does not hold any trade protection. There’s already been some speculation that the Montreal Canadiens could have some trade interest so we’ll have to wait and see how this all plays out once Zegras returns to the lineup.
John Gibson
Another season full of trade rumors, goaltender John Gibson is an old pro at this. This year, however, it does feel different and the trade talks have amplified in a major way. Gibson has always been the ‘good goalie on a bad team’ type and while his save percentage isn’t as high this season (.904), he still has the makeup to be a true 1-A starter.
The Pittsburgh native is signed through the 2026-27 season at $6.4 million AAV and his trade clause protects him from 10 teams of his choice. So far the New Jersey Devils appear to be the favorites, as the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs could also be dipping their toes into the goalie market ahead of March’s deadline.
Ilya Lyubushkin
The defense market isn’t filled with top-four options, but there are a number of depth pieces who could benefit playoff-bound teams and the rugged Lyubushkin is one of them. He plays the game tough, he’s not afraid to take the body and block shots, and as a #5 or #6, he’s well suited for success.
Lyubushkin is a pending free agent who is owed $2.75 million and is a player that Verbeek can expect to retain some salary on, which will certainly increase the return to Anaheim. He hasn’t scored in 40 games this season, so don’t expect any offense, but he is an above-average penalty killer and a very stay-at-home type.
Lyubushkin was recently mentioned by Sportsnet as a trade candidate as their experts seeing only a fourth-round pick heading back to the Ducks in the deal. If Verbeek retains 50% salary, he should be able to pry away a mid-level prospect as well in the deal.
Adam Henrique
One of the best veteran forwards available this season, Henrique is all but certain to be moved by the Ducks. He’s versatile to be a strong 3C or play left wing and he’s known as being one of the smartest players in the league when it comes to hockey IQ.
Henrique is owed $5.8 million this season and holds a 10-team no-trade clause. So far in 39 games, he’s put up solid numbers with 21 points. He’s coming off a 22 goal in 62 game season a year ago. You’ll see Henrique’s name plastered all over everyone’s trade boards these days and rightfully so, he’s already been linked to the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and Maple Leafs. Seravalli had him ranked #7 on his trade board as the insider sees Henrique as a prime candidate to be moved after almost being traded last season before an injury dampened Verbeek’s plans.
The Ducks are going to be one of the busiest teams leading up to the trade deadline as Verbeek looks to do whatever he can to expedite a rebuild and set up his team for success. While all four of these players should be considered trade candidates ahead of March’s deadline, look for Henrique and Lyubushkin to surely be moved, with Gibson and Zegras more of the ‘potential’ category.
More must-reads:
- Veteran center attempting NHL comeback
- 'Clearly separated himself': Why one QB is winning Browns' competition
- The '2024-25 NFL passing-yard leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Do Hurricanes Have What Oilers Need in Suggested Bouchard Trade?
Former NHL defenceman James Wisniewski stirred debate this week by blasting the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract. On the Empty Netters podcast, Wisniewski didn’t hold back, saying bluntly: “If you want to fu—- win, that is not the guy that you’re going to sign to go to the next level.” Instead, he suggested the Oilers would have been smarter to trade Bouchard and use the money to acquire two $5-million defensemen—one for the power play and one for shutdown duties. But would that actually make Edmonton better? What Would That Bouchard Swap Look Like Today? On the surface, there’s logic in diversifying cap spending. A $10.5M cap hit is steep, especially when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl already command massive salaries. Spreading the money across the lineup does have its merits, assuming that opportunity even exists. Wisniewski mentioned that almost anyone could get power-play points with the two best offensive stars in the game. We know that’s not true, but could another offensively talented defenseman do it? Someone like Shayne Gostisbehere at $3.2 million is the type of player Wisniewski is hinting he’d rather have. We know Carolina is in the market for a big swing and has been linked to Erik Karlsson. Bouchard would be a nice get, if that’s the kind of deal they’re trying to make. Hypothetically, the Hurricanes could move Gostisbehere and Jaccob Slavin and take on just over a million in extra salary. The Oilers would take back $9.6 million, saving $900K on their books, but getting two defensemen for the price of one. One could argue the Hurricanes are getting the best player in the trade. One could also argue the Oilers are better off with these two blueliners versus just Evan Bouchard. Gostisbehere posted 45 points last season in 70 games played. It would be interesting to see what he could post in Edmonton. However, Bouchard is elite by several metrics. He’s not just a power-play specialist. He drives offense, suppresses chances, and excels in the postseason. With the cap projected to rise above $110M soon, Bouchard’s deal could age well. Trading him for quantity over quality would weaken the blue line’s top end. There’s also the matter of no-move clauses that have to be considered in most trade hypotheticals. Wisniewski’s idea may make for lively debate, and there are likely other teams beyond Carolina that have what he might consider a better way to build the Oilers’ roster. But in reality, are the Oilers better off keeping a 25-year-old elite defenceman entering his prime?
Chargers star's brutal injury shows why players should hold out with new contracts on line
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater was carted off the practice field on Thursday afternoon with what turned out to be a significant injury. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the two-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending knee injury. It's a massive blow to the team's offensive line and offense as a whole. It also serves as a harsh reminder as to why players will always — and should always — act on the side of caution when it comes to participating in training camp when they are seeking a new contract. In Slater's case, he's a lucky one because he just agreed to a new four-year, $114 million contract extension with $92 million in guarantees days before the injury happened. That contract was signed after he did not participate in some of the team's early training-camp practice sessions. If Slater had participated early on and had this injury happen before he was able to get his new deal signed, it would have been a devastating blow in his quest to get that pay day. Not only would the Chargers have had no incentive to pay him this season, but there is no guarantee he would have ever received that sort of contract in the future. Fans might not like the idea of a hold-out or hold-in, but you have to look at it from the perspective of the player. They have a very limited time to earn top dollar in the NFL, and there are never any guarantees. The hold-out/hold-in approach is not only a way to put pressure on the team to pay them, but it's also a matter of self-preservation. Football is a violent game. It's a physical game. It's a collision game. Injuries are always going to be a part of that. But injuries happen with much greater frequency early in the season, and especially in training camp, due to the fact that players are still working their way back into game shape and going through more intense and physical practices than they do at any point during the season. It's a dangerous time for them in terms of injuries, and that should not be overlooked when it comes to contract talks. Players have short careers and even less time to set themselves up financially. They should not be willing to take unnecessary risks when it comes to their earning power. The Slater situation shows just how delicate all of it is.
Dream Dealt Unfortunate News on Brittney Griner on Thursday
Neck pain isn’t usually headline news, unless it belongs to Brittney Griner. Atlanta Dream fans hoping for another dominant night on Thursday just had their mood checked. Griner is officially out again, and suddenly that winning streak feels a little more fragile. The Dream hit the road to face the struggling Chicago Sky, a team sitting at 8-21 and already missing rookie standout Angel Reese. But while the Sky limp into Wintrust Arena, the Dream aren’t walking in at full strength either. On Wednesday, the team ruled out Griner for a third straight game due to her lingering neck injury. According to the WNBA’s official injury report, she’s still not ready for game action. Griner’s absence is a blow. The nine-time All-Star has been averaging 10.6 points and 5.6 boards while shooting over 51 percent from the field this season. She signed with Atlanta as a free agent this offseason, helping turn the Dream into a serious contender after last year’s playoff sneak-in. But with their star center on the bench again, the Dream will have to get creative, and gritty. Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon Set to Step Up With Griner out, Atlanta is expected to lean on Brionna Jones and Naz Hillmon to carry the frontcourt load. Jones, another offseason addition, has already started taking on a bigger role. The team will need her presence inside to stretch the Sky’s defense and crash the boards. It’s not all gloom, though. Griner’s "doubtful" tag before last week’s Mercury game was the same story, and she’s reportedly getting closer to a return. But Atlanta’s not taking risks with their veteran star, and they shouldn't. Still, with Rhyne Howard also sidelined due to a knee issue, the Dream are down two primary weapons. That makes Thursday’s game less about comfort and more about character.
Rory McIlroy's controversial decision leaves PGA Tour 'very concerned'
Seventy players qualified for the first round of the playoffs at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, but only 69 will tee it up at TPC Southwind this week. That's because Rory McIlroy, who ranks second in the FedEx Cup standings behind only Scottie Scheffler, is skipping the first playoff event to prepare for the BMW Championship and Tour Championship. The PGA Tour isn't thrilled with his contentious decision. Peter Malnati, a PGA Tour pro and player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, told Golfweek he's "very concerned" the new playoff format allows top players in the standings to skip playoff events. "I think there is stuff in the works, and I'll leave it at that," he said. The PGA Tour must make changes because McIlroy won't face any repercussions for skipping the FedEx St. Jude Championship. As the No. 2 player in the FedEx Cup standings entering the postseason, McIlroy is guaranteed to qualify for the Tour Championship. Before this year, he would've been incentivized to improve his spot in the standings because of the advantage the starting strokes format gave the No. 1 player. That's no longer the case. This year, the Tour Championship will operate like every other tournament on the PGA Tour schedule. There will be no starting strokes advantage for the top players, so every player from No. 1 to No. 30 will have an equal chance to win the $10 million prize. It doesn't matter where McIlroy resides in the standings. It just matters that he makes it to East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, and he's already locked up his spot in the season finale. Why spend a week in scorching-hot Memphis when you could stay home and prepare for the tournament that actually matters, right? The new playoff format will make the Tour Championship more entertaining for fans, but it renders the other two playoff events irrelevant for the PGA Tour's top players. The Tour must make playoff events mandatory to prevent other stars from following McIlroy's lead.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
