Does Josh Manson Mark The Start Of Trade Season in the NHL?
Josh Manson has been traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Colorado Avalanche. It was also no small price to pay for the NHL-leading Avalanche. Elliotte Friedman reported that the cost was a second-round pick and prospect Drew Helleson in exchange for the longtime Duck. Manson has never been a lights-out scoring defenseman, with 37 points back in 2017-2018 the highlight to date. However, he is an experienced and tough right-handed defenseman, which is something the Avs could find useful as the playoffs draw nearer.
The Avs Push Their Chips On The Table
Joe Sakic is beginning to truly buy-in on this championship window. What started with smart, shrewd moves like acquiring Nazem Kadri and Devon Toews from the Maple Leafs and Islanders respectively, has now turned into filling out the roster. He believes that core is there. Nathan MacKinnon is arguably a Top-2 or 3 players in the sport. Cale Makar will be a Norris Finalist for at least the next decade. Mikko Rantanen and the injured captain Gabriel Landeskog complete one of the most dangerous top lines in all of hockey. All the while, they have a quality supporting cast and a respectable pool of prospects and draft picks. If they wanted, the Avalance could be VERY far finished from tweaking their roster ahead of another Presidents’ Trophy-esque season.
The Ducks Are Better, But Not Good Enough
The Anaheim Ducks started 2021-2022 as a pleasant surprise for all to see. Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras were bringing fans out of their seats on the daily, as the likes of Ryan Getzlaf and John Gibson had impressive bounce-back years. The Ducks sat second in the Pacific around the New Year, and all seemed to be going swimmingly. However, they have taken an absolute nosedive. They now sit at sixth place in the Pacific, with a daunting four points to make up on the Vegas Golden Knights despite having played one more game than them.
Just as the Avs could keep adding, the Ducks could keep tearing it down. Hampus Lindholm, like Manson, is a pending free agent this summer. They certainly have the chance of getting more than just a second and a prospect for the talented lefty defenseman. Furthermore, they could really embrace the future by giving captain Getzlaf a trade to another contender, allowing him a chance to win his first Cup since doing so in Anaheim in 2007. Regardless, the Ducks front office will have their hands full between now and next Monday.
Future Implications
There is a chance that this trade could blow open the doors of trade season around the league. There is no shortage of names and positions available on the market, as both contenders and rebuilders could certainly find value anywhere you look. It’s also possible that both rosters mentioned earlier could look a lot different in seven days’ time. With Colorado still searching for answers in net, moving for an established starting goaltender would hardly be a surprise. Meanwhile, the Ducks put up a good fight but are struggling to keep up in a long and taxing season. Could they move on from more veterans and cling to this youth movement? Both are very possible, as this could shape up to be a trade deadline to remember.
Vendetta Sports Media is sponsored by Monkey Knife Fight, the fastest growing DFS site in the industry. MKF’s unique style and gameplay make betting fun and easy. Use our promo code ‘VENDETTA’ or use the link below to get a 100% instant match on any deposit and let them know that we sent you!
Signup now!
