Anaheim Ducks GM: “I’m Not Really Talking To Anybody”

The Anaheim Ducks sit in fifth place in the Pacific Division, just a few points out of the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference. They have a 32-year old #1 center likely headed to the Hall of Fame when it’s all said and done, and a roster populated with All-Star talents. Still, things aren’t going well.

Craig Custance of The Athletic (subscription required) sat down with Ducks’ GM Bob Murray recently, for an incredibly candid interview on his team’s success so far this season. Murray believes that his team hasn’t shown enough to really be heavy buyers at the deadline, and explains that he’s just watching waiting for something to happen before he commits to any trades.

I’m still kind of waiting for them to show me something and they’re not. We’re very inconsistent. We’re very up and down. So far when it’s come to real, critical big games — we’ve basically [expletive] the bed in the big games. Right now I sit and watch. I’m not really talking to anybody, not really doing anything.

Murray goes on to explain his thought process for the Ducks, and how he feels about the rental market in most seasons. He also announces that even though Ryan Kesler is back playing, he likely won’t be 100% until next year, despite his best efforts.

The Ducks are an interesting team to watch over the next few weeks, as a good stretch could put them right back in the hunt for a high seed in the West. There are only four teams that have a five or more point lead on Anaheim, and three of them reside in the Central Division. Even though Murray says his team isn’t showing him anything, a short hot streak could put them in position for home ice advantage in the first round. A lasting cold streak could push them out of the race entirely.