NHL Rumors: Anaheim Ducks Talking Trade on Pending Free Agents

Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek hasn't been on the job very long but that's not stopping him from being interested in making major changes to his roster. According to several sources, Verbeek has made it known to other teams across the league he's willing to listen on any of his pending free agents. 

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet recently commented on the Ducks in his recent 32 Thoughts blog and had this to say on Verbeek's approach leading up to the March 21 deadline:

Anaheim GM Pat Verbeek made it clear he wants to know the market. That means Nic Deslauriers, Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson and Rickard Rakell. That doesn’t mean automatic trades, although some — Manson and Rakell — appear more likely than others, with the caveat that it takes just one phone call for things to change. Verbeek dislikes term like Batman dislikes the Joker, although word through the grapevine is there’s a bit more wiggle room for Lindholm. I’m just not sure how much. As Jeff Marek reported, last year’s leading scorer, Maxime Comtois, is available too, during a difficult season where he’s been a regular scratch.

Lindholm, Comtois and Rakell appear to be the most likely to be moved with the Swedish defenseman garnering the most interest. Manson's trade protection has already stopped one deal this season so he's will be a bit tougher to move. 

The Ducks currently sit four points out of the final playoff spot in the western conference so they are still within reach of making the postseason. Any move will likely include proven NHL players or NHL ready players coming back the other way as Anaheim continues to transition between the Ryan Getzlaf years into the Trevor Zegras era. Expect to see multiple moves from the Ducks as Verbeek is going to be busy trying to move out multiple players and maximize his return as he tries to build a successful future with the franchise.

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