For a sixth straight season, the playoffs are but a mirage for the Ducks, who head toward Friday’s noon PT trade deadline as sellers looking toward their future once again.
But for the first time, the light at the end of the tunnel might be permeating that darkness, as the Ducks dealt for top prospect Cutter Gauthier to deepen a stable that already included three Canadian junior defensemen of the year, No. 2 overall pick Leo Carlsson and a host of other teenage and 20-something talents. While the immediate-term fortunes might get dimmer, the prospect pool all but ensures a brighter future.
Where they stand:
The Ducks have won more than two straight games just once this season, though they’ve been more competitive and exciting than last year while making strides in several areas. First-time NHL head coach Greg Cronin has instilled structure and work ethic in a group that started slightly short on talent only to be decimated by injuries this season.
They’ve also already made two trades, both of which were forward-facing moves that further thinned their young, inexperienced defense corps. Last week, they dealt veteran blue-liner Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third-round draft pick, and earlier in the season, they made a huge splash by acquiring Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick. Lyubushkin’s departure has opened up playing time for the ultra-mobile Olen Zelwegger and Gauthier should make his Ducks debut after his NCAA campaign concludes, adding youth to a resourceful group that has braved difficult circumstances.
“There’s definitely been more consistency. We like the way we’re playing [lately],” said two-time Stanley Cup champion Alex Killorn, who signed with the Ducks this past summer. “There’s definitely more of a positive feel in the room, and we feel like we’re going in the right direction.”
Recent history:
General Manager Pat Verbeek was hired just ahead…
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