Speaking to several people around the league, there is a growing consensus that the Ducks will indeed be sellers this deadline. This is a team with a lot of the right parts in place, but work needs to be done. They don't need a rebuild, simply an off-season to make things right. I am hearing contracts could be dealt at the deadline, with the replacements coming in during the off-season, younger and possibly cheaper. Here is some of what I am hearing regarding the Ducks:
J.S. Giguere could be on his way out, and yes I've been reporting this for almost a month now. The Leafs, Flyers and Capitals are the three teams I'm hearing, while Colorado is also slightly in on this. The Ducks are looking for defense in a big way, as Niedermayer and Beauchemin are both UFA's on July 1. The Leafs have Kaberle and Kubina to offer up, while the others fall short on top-quality defensemen they can afford to lose.
Scott Niedermayer is almost likely to be dealt, with New Jersey the one realistic destination for him.
Chris Pronger is iffy, as he has one year left on his deal. If the Ducks could get a top-quality guy from say the Leafs (Kaberle, Kubina) or Devils (Paul Martin), then Pronger would become a major tradeable player. But who is in on him? The Bruins are very in on this, but would struggle to make cap room available (though trading Manny Fernandez would go a long way). Aside from the Bruins, the Penguins would love Pronger and may have the tradebait to bring him in.
Todd Marchant will be looked to be dumped by the Ducks, but will not bring in that large of a return.
Here are today's other rumours from around the league...
Tomas Kaberle will be traded at the trade deadline, and has accepted this. He will submit his list of ten teams he'd be willing to go to this week. Kubina is in a similar process right now.
The Canucks are still talking to the Wild about acquiring Marian Gaborik. Pittsburgh and Ottawa are still involved in these talks as well.
The Avalanche are apparently shopping Ryan Smyth in hopes of bringing in a #1 Goaltender.
The Denver Post suggests the Avs have serious interest in Jaroslav Halak, but Hockeyleaks.com does not believe Halak will be dealt, due to the struggles of Carey Price.
The Sabres have a large interest in Phoenix's Derrick Morris.
For all the latest, make sure to check Hockeyleaks.com several times a day!
