While it has been a very quiet summer for Anaheim aside from the re-signing of Ryan Getzlaf to a one-year deal, it appears that the Ducks are trying to be active on the trade front. Elliott Teaford of the Orange County Register notes that GM Bob Murray is focusing on trades that would move out some veterans with an eye on netting younger players in return that fit their rebuilding window. The Ducks have certainly shifted towards a younger roster in recent years and could have as many as seven forwards 25 or younger in their opening lineup. Bringing in players in that age group certainly makes sense but with a lot of teams capped out, swapping an expensive veteran for a cost-controlled youngster is something that’s certainly going to be easier said than done.
Elsewhere in the Pacific:
- The Oilers may invite undrafted defenseman Simon Kubicek to training camp, suggests Postmedia’s Kurt Leavins. The 20-year-old’s WHL rights were recently acquired by the Oil Kings who play out of the same rink as their NHL counterpart. Kubicek spent most of the season with Ceske Budejovice of the Czech Extraliga and also suited up at the World Juniors (which also took place in Edmonton).
- Golden Knights prospect Martins Dzierkals has signed with Kunlun of the KHL, relays Sportacentrs’ Rolands Elins. The length of the contract was not disclosed. The 24-year-old was acquired by Vegas last year as part of the three-team Robin Lehner deal and spent last season with Dinamo Riga in the KHL where he had 10 goals and 14 assists in 52 games. Dzierkals spent some time in North America in Toronto’s system not long after they drafted him but since he didn’t play on an NHL contract, the Golden Knights will continue to hold his rights indefinitely.