Ducks Rumors: 3 Teams Linked to Ilya Lyubushkin

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin is expected to be moved before the 2024 trade deadline passes. This is because the Ducks are among the worst teams in the NHL, and he is a pending unrestricted free agent. Due to this, he has been picking up a lot of steam in the rumor mill, and interest in his services is beginning to increase. According to The Fourth Period, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning are all linked to him.

The Maple Leafs certainly know Lyubushkin, as he played for them during the second half of the 2021-22 season. With the Maple Leafs needing help on the right side and more physicality overall on their blue line, it is understandable that they are considering the prospect of a Lyubushkin reunion.

The Penguins certainly need some help on the right side of their defensive group. Lyubushkin would be a nice addition to their bottom pairing and would also be a clear fit for their penalty kill. Therefore, it is a potential move that would benefit the Pens if they were to make it.

The Lightning moved out some toughness on their right side earlier this season when they parted ways with Zach Bogosian. Bringing in another shutdown defenseman like Lyubushkin would make sense for them because of it.

We will need to wait and see if any of these three teams end up acquiring Lyubushkin before the trade deadline passes from here.