Anaheim Ducks Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Star Centre
It wouldn't be the first big trade he pulled off this season, but Anaheim Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek is reportedly eyeing a star centre who is rumoured to be on the trade block. The 25-year-old, who has improved vastly over the past two seasons, would be a perfect fit for the rebuilding Ducks.
According to Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Verbeek has a keen eye on Casey Mittelstadt of the Buffalo Sabres. The former 8th overall in in 2017 has blossomed into a solid player over the past two seasons, and is on pace for career highs across the board in 2023-24.
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek Looking at a Trade to Acquire Mittelstadt
Many may wonder why Sabres GM Kevyn Adams would be willing to part with Mittelstadt when he seems to be finally coming into his own. That, apparently, has a lot to do with it. According to former NHLer Andrew Peters, Adams doesn't want to pay Mittelstadt the big raise he's likely to get after this season when his current contract runs out. Mittelstadt will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. According to Peters, Buffalo believes they can use Mittelstadt to land the number one goalie the team desperately wants.
"I have heard from a very reliable source Kevyn Adams is shopping Casey Mittelstadt hard, doesn't want to pay him."
"And the last thing he said was, take it for what's it's worth, but they are looking for a goalie. They don't trust the three that they have." - Andrew Peters
"And the last thing he said was, take it for what's it's worth, but they are looking for a goalie. They don't trust the three that they have." - Andrew Peters
Mittelstadt Could be a Member of the Anaheim Ducks in the Future
A trade with Anaheim could land the Sabres goaltender John Gibson in return. The 30-year-old has been part of trade rumours for years now as the Ducks continue with their team rebuild.
Verbeek recently swung a major deal with the Philadelphia Flyers to bring in top prospect and the 5th overall pick in 2022, Cutter Gauthier. The return was defenceman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
| POLL | ||
FÉVRIER 14 | 87 ANSWERS Anaheim Ducks Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Star Centre Do you think this would be a good trade for Anaheim to make? | ||
| Yes, perfect fit | 36 | 41.4 % |
| No | 22 | 25.3 % |
| I'm not sure | 29 | 33.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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