We need to find a way to push this team higher in the standings, because we are perfectly capable of doing so. It’s clear we need another offensive forward to stack the current group we have. Rakell of the Ducks is the clear favorite for me because of his extra year on a sweetheart deal. Bonus that he is a goal scorer.
Rakell (50%) + R. Miller for Rittich + 2021 1st + Gawdin/Phillips
Tkachuk - Lindholm - Rakell/Mangiapane
Gaudreau - Monahan - Simon/Mangiapane
Mangiapane - Backlund - Ryan
Lucic - Bennett - Dube
Nordstrom, Leivo (Leivo and Simon can switch off, Nordstrom can too playing with Backs and Ryan and Mangiapane moved up).
Gio - Andersson
Hanifin - Tanev
Nesterov/Mackey - Valimaki
Mackey/Nesterov
Markstrom
Miller
I feel more comfortable with Miller as backup stepping in if an injury came to Markstrom than Rittich. Miller has intentions of staying in Cali, but this can be his final run at a cup (assuming we make it), and then he can just retire in Cali. Plus, we need to get rid of Rittich’s cap to grab Rakell, who would be under 1.9m for next year’s playoff run too. Rakell at 50% would be advantageous for a team like us that can use the extra cap space to re-sign some players and also bolster the lineup more.
Mangiapane becomes the Swiss Army knife playing on either one of the top 3 lines because he can. He’s proven he can have chemistry with anyone because of his motor and resiliency.
The Ducks get a good prospect and a 1st to continue their rebuild, one that should be ending in a couple of years. They could even flip Rittich to a team that is struggling with goalie injuries and grab another pick/prospect with him.
I know some might scoff at Gawdin or Phillips getting traded, but we have to give to get. Maybe a different prospect could be added, but I added one of these guys to convince Anaheim to take this deal. Was going to add Kylington but I think they have enough waiver/taxi squad D and could use an up-and-coming forward prospect more.
Thoughts?
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