For thejoeman

This doesn’t work. Need 23 on the roster and even if you carry 22 they wouldn’t be able to call up anyone with only $180k in capspace remaining.

Of course. I was only trying to show @TheJoeMan that they could get an UFA on defense. I know that you would need to make a couple of more moves to make it work, but the point was that the Ducks could move money to get it done.

Also it does not have to be 23:

23-man Roster
There may be a maximum of 23 players on each Club's playing roster at any one time from the commencement of the NHL regular season through the trade deadline. Prior to the start of the season, each Club must submit to the NHL its "Opening Day Playing Roster" which shall be comprised of not more than 23 players. Each Club must have a roster of at least 20 players, composed of 18 skaters and two goaltenders. Players on Injured Reserve do not count in the 23-man limit.

From a simple dollars and cents point of view, yes, the Ducks CAN sign a high-profile free agent. What I'm saying is this team historically DOESN'T for a variety of reasons. I mean, this could be the year that proves an exception to the rule but I doubt it. What's funny though is I was about to go about how Myers will probably get way more than that but looking at the other top-paid d-men, that's probably about right. The Ducks would have to overpay to get him so it would probably be more like 7-7.25 but I would be comfortable with that, as long as the term isn't nuts. But again, Murray never signs high-profile free agents so I dubious. But you're starting to convince me this might be the better route to go. It would just be uncharacteristic of this franchise if they do so.

I just think you could actually use Smith and do not have to sit on $2 million for Eaves to play or sit in the minors. There are plenty of avenues the Ducks can explore, but this could make a lot of sense, where the Ducks are trying to mix veteran leadership with youth to help with their transition. Just food for thought.