NHL Rumors: Ducks Likely To Trade Forward

According to Elliotte Friedman, Rickard Rakell is the most likely pending free agent who the Anaheim Ducks will trade by the deadline.

Friedman on TJMS talking Verbeek's to do list:

You've got Rakell, I think he's the most likely of the 3 (along with Manson & Lindholm) to get traded, we'll see where it goes, but the no.1 question is Lindholm...Can you allow Lindholm to walk if you don't think you can sign him?

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) February 3, 2022

The Ducks have three big pending UFAs in Rakell, Hampus Lindholm, and Josh Manson. Ryan Getzlaf technically is one, too, but he of course holds a no-trade clause, so he won't be going anywhere. However, from the trio, Rakell is apparently the one who we have the best chance of seeing in a different jersey by the deadline's end. 

In 38 games this season, Rakell has 10 goals to go along with 10 assists. Overall, he's capable of being a very solid top-six forward, but he is also having a somewhat down year offensively. Keep in mind, he's a player who has two 30-goal campaigns on his resume. With that, he also had 69 points in 77 games during the 2017-18 season. 

Even if it's been a bit of a down year for Rakell, he still should get plenty of interest around the league. He offers great versatility, as he is capable of playing all three forward positions if needed. It's always beneficial to have a player like that in the lineup. Furthermore, there are plenty of teams looking for middle-six to top-six forwards at this juncture. His affordable $3.8 million cap hit makes him a very alluring option.

Although the Ducks are currently holding a playoff spot, there are still rebuilding and could trade rental candidates like Rakell. Let's see what happens from here.

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