This summer is massive for Anaheim!

After ending the season on a 13 game losing streak and securing the worst record in the NHL this season, the Anaheim Ducks are headed into a crucial offseason. The team let go of head coach Dallas Eakins and hired Greg Cronin to take his place. Cronin, know for his player development skills, has the tall task of getting this team back into contention. General Manager Pat Veerbek has some decisions to make as well, including that of a few veteran players.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period spoke about two players in particular on NHL Network, goalie John Gibson and center Adam Henrique. Below, he mentions that both players are open to a change of scenery and that the Ducks will field calls for the players this offseason.

Both of these players have been staples of the Ducks for awhile now, especially Gibson. He has been with the team since 2014 and has been one of the most loved players on the roster by the fans. Gibson has been in trade rumors for the better part of two years as the Ducks have fallen out of contention. Anaheim hasn’t reached the postseason since 2018, when they were swept by the San Jose Sharks in the first round.

This has surely weighed on Gibson as he wants to win, like all competitors do. While his stats have gone down a bit, much of that can be attributed to him playing in front of some of the worst defenses across the league. Gibson is still a very valuable player and someone that teams would love to get their hands on. He has four years left on his deal at about $6.4 million a season, so a decently hefty price tag. This could be the offseason where the Ducks move Gibson as they look to rebuild themselves.

As for Henrique, the Ducks likely would have traded him during the trade deadline had he not been injured. Between he and Gibson, I’d bet more on Henrique being dealt than the long-time goalie.

Henrique is 33-years-old and the Ducks rebuild likely doesn’t fit in with his plan. He wants to win and the Ducks aren’t going to provide that. He had a bounce-back year this past season, scoring 22 goals and added in 16 assists over 62 games. He could easily give some team a top-six player and the Ducks could get a nice return for him.

Anaheim has a ton of questions entering this offseason but one thing is for certain, they want to get this team back into the postseason competing for Stanley Cups. The moves they make this offseason could help determine just how quickly or slowly, that happens.