Ducks News: Expert Wonders How Active Anaheim's GM will be During Free Agency
How will they play the offseason?
Ducks News: Expert Wonders How Active Anaheim's GM will be During Free AgencyAs the Anaheim Ducks enter into the 2023 offseason, it's as critical as can be. The team ended the year with the worst record in the NHL and while it didn't land them the chance to draft Connor Bedard, they did get the second overall pick.
Anaheim also brought in a new head coach in Greg Cronin, who is expected to help the development of the young talent on the roster. But as the Ducks enter this rebuild, the question remains on what they will do during free agency this year? Will they be aggressive? Or wait it out once again?
"The big question for the Ducks is how they plan on leveraging their flexibility. Last summer, Pat Verbeek was active in free agency, signing Ryan Strome, John Klingberg and Frank Vatrano.
Klingberg was a poor fit from Day 1 and Strome underwhelmed in the first season of his five-year contract. Will that make Verbeek more conservative in free agency this time? Will he try poaching sweeteners from other teams to take on bad short-term contracts?"
Anaheim has a little more than $20 million projected in cap space as they enter the offseason. That money could be used to shore up some holes on the roster and start building a winning team. Verbeek has some decisions to make but hopefully he chooses to go for it.
The team can't wait any longer to start winning again otherwise they run the risk of alienating the young players on the roster. The Ducks will get a future star with the second overall pick so the journey back to the postseason starts now.
Anaheim hasn't seen the postseason since 2018 and while they likely won't reach it this season, they have a chance to build a solid foundation.