Ducks after Spezza, Kesler?
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – The trade rumors in the NHL are starting to really heat up, especially in Anaheim according to published reports.
The Ducks might make a major trade in the very near future according to the Orange County Register. Apparently GM Bob Murray is believed to be interested in acquiring either Jason Spezza and/or Ryan Kesler, which would be a huge boost for an Anaheim team that could put together two solid scoring lines.
The Ducks currently own the 10th overall pick in this year’s NHL draft as part of the Bobby Ryan trade. If they end up parting with the pick, they could potentially land a top-tier center while acquiring a known commodity for an unproven talent. Granted, it would be a top-10 unproven talent, but an inexperienced player nonetheless. The Ducks’ window to win a Cup remains open so it’s hard to blame Murray for wanting to make a deal this offseason.
The Ottawa Sun is reporting that Spezza currently has five teams interested in his services. Those teams are rumored to be the Ducks, Blues, Coyotes, Predators and Panthers, whom have all contacted the Senators with offers. That said, Nashville was reportedly one team that Spezza wouldn’t accept a trade to, so they could be out of the race regardless of if they want to or not.
The Senators were the team that parted with their first round pick this year to acquire Ryan, so trading Spezza and getting back into the first round makes sense. Murray stated earlier this month that he’ll try to honor Spezza’s trade request so it looks like a deal will eventually get done, even if it’s right before the draft.
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!