Ducks’ Defenseman Josh Manson Traded to Colorado Avalanche

Manson’s name was brought up in multiple trade rumors as the Ducks are considered to be sellers this season and he was a pending UFA. The team was trying to extend Manson but recent news that GM Pat Verbeek let it be known he was open to taking calls suggested the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement.

Manson is exactly what Colorado needed on their blue line and an already strong team just got a lot better. Manson will add size and toughness to add to an incredibly skilled team. Manson is a physical two-way defenceman.

Drew Helleson just presumably finished his college career and should be close to making the jump to the NHL. He should get strong consideration by the Ducks to make the team next season. He is a 20-year-old defenseman who has 25 points in 32 games for Boston College this season. He represented the United States at the Olympics this year. As per Elite Prospects:

“A capable defensive defenseman with an impressive compete-level and really good hockey sense. Skates well and is a decent puck handler, but stands out as solid defenseman who rarely makes mistakes and can shut down the top players on the opposing team. (2019)”

The Avs now have $292K of Projected Cap Space remaining, which can fit $1.24M Annual Cap Hit today or $1.46M at the deadline. That’s assuming Gabriel Landeskog’s LTIR salary is not used to grab another forward.