The NHL Trade Deadline: An Underwhelming Outlook
The NHL trade deadline is set for noon PST on Friday, March 7, and it appears this year it might be relatively quiet. This is in stark contrast to the usual flurry of activity that typically marks the final hours before the deadline. Several significant trades have already taken place this season, which has thinned out the usual crop of trade targets. Notable players like Mikko Rantanen, Martin Necas, JT Miller, and Marcus Pettersson have all been moved and are now finding their footing with their new teams. This early activity has left many media outlets with a much slimmer list of potential trade candidates compared to previous years.
Key Ducks Players on the Market
Among the players still on the trade market, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson and defenseman Brian Dumoulin stand out prominently on nearly every list. Gibson, known for his desire to play for a contender, has been a Vezina-caliber performer through 54 games this season. His impressive play and ambition make him a highly sought-after asset. Meanwhile, Dumoulin, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is versatile and can fit into any system. With maximum retention, he would only cost an acquiring team just over $1.5 million against their cap. These factors have made both players fixtures on trade target lists, leaving the Ducks in a position where they must carefully weigh their options.
Ryan Strome: A Surprising Trade Target
In a surprising development, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston included Ducks forward Ryan Strome at number 28 on his list of top trade targets. This is particularly unexpected because Strome, along with Frank Vatrano, was one of Pat Verbeek’s first free agency signings in the summer of 2022. Strome is in the third year of a five-year contract with an AAV of $5 million and does not have trade protection. He has been a consistent performer, on pace for his season-high in points since joining the Ducks. With 30 points (7 goals, 23 assists) in 54 games this season, Strome has been a key player, often deployed as the Ducks’ first-line center, playing alongside Troy Terry and Frank Vatrano.
Strome’s Role and Leadership
Head coach Greg Cronin has praised Strome’s ability to bridge the gap between the young players and the veterans. "I’ve known him since he was 19 or 20, when he was with the Islanders," Cronin said. "He was a young kid like these guys (on the roster) are now, so it’s unique for me to be able to talk with him, and he can see the game through their eyes because he was their age when I was coaching with the Islanders back then." Strome’s calm demeanor and communication skills have made him a trusted leader in the locker room. He has worn an "A" as an alternate captain since the departure of Cam Fowler in December. Despite his valuable contributions, Strome’s inclusion on trade target lists is a sign that the Ducks may be open to deals if the right offer comes along.
The Pros and Cons of Trading Strome
Strome’s versatility and reliability make him an attractive asset for any team looking to bolster their middle six. He is one of the more versatile play-builders and connectors in the league, capable of adding a layer of offense while maintaining a solid defensive presence. His contract, while not cheap, is reasonable considering his value and the direction the salary cap is projected to go in. Strome rarely misses significant time due to injury, which adds to his attractiveness as a trade candidate. However, his leadership and intangible qualities make him a vital part of the Ducks’ locker room and organization. Trading him would be a significant move and would likely require a very high return.
The Future of the Ducks
The Ducks are currently creeping up the standings, and there is a growing belief that they are turning a corner in their long-awaited rebuild. This makes the possibility of trading a player like Strome, who has been a key part of this turnaround, even more difficult to envision. Pat Verbeek’s typical response to trade inquiries, which often echoes the sentiment that "even Wayne Gretzky was traded," suggests that the right offer could still win the day. However, the value Strome brings to the Ducks both on and off the ice makes him an essential player, and any trade involving him would need to be thoroughly evaluated. As the trade deadline approaches, the Ducks will have to balance their immediate needs with their long-term goals, making every decision a crucial one.
