Team: 2019-20 Anaheim Ducks

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 29, 2019

Published: Jul. 29, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Taking advantage of salary cap woes and preparing for the Seattle expansion draft.

The signing of a franchise left wing should be a top priority for Anaheim. The main options on the table appear to be Matthew Tkachuk and Patrik Laine.

Matthew Tkachuk's situation seems to be a bit of a blur right now; he came from a very good season for the Flames but, unless some moves are made, the team just doesn't have the space available for more than a bridge contract - something that Matthew probably doesn't really want (especially considering his rising production since entering the League) and also not solving the team's problem next season, when they will have several pending FAs and the expansion draft to deal with (and where they will be unable to protect all their young stars). It might make sense to try and get some sort of return for Tkachuk.

As for Laine, he faces a similar situation to Tkachuk's, with the downside of having a more quiet year after two very interesting couple of seasons. Laine's stock in Winnipeg seems to have gone down a little and the Jets probably want a "prove yourself"-type of deal before committing to Laine long term. Obviously, Laine is also looking for a superstar deal with the team, especially considering Nylander's antics last season, so the Ducks might also be able to capitalize on the situation. However, unlike with Tkachuk, the Jets have the cap space to match any offer sheet that might come Laine's way, even considering the impending FAs they will have next season.

1.

2.