Ducks Rumors: 2 New Teams Linked to Ilya Lyubushkin

The Anaheim Ducks are one of the worst teams in the NHL. This was expected before the start of the season, as they are still very much in the middle of a rebuild. Because of this, they will be sellers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.

One player whom the Ducks are very likely to move is defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin. This is because he is in the final season of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this summer. Interest in his services is starting to increase, too, as The Fourth Period reported that the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins are now expressing interest in him.

It was previously reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning have expressed interest in Lyubushkin, but now we know that the Oilers and Bruins also are considering adding him.

The Oilers could certainly use a boost on their right side before the playoffs. With that, Lyubushkin would also give them far more physicality on their blue line, which would absolutely come in handy during the postseason.

As for the Bruins, bringing in Lyubushkin would give them another option for their bottom pairing. While he does not have the same offensive upside as Kevin Shattenkirk, his defensive play and physicality would make him a nice addition to their group if acquired.