Not sure Zegras is the guy, plus he is hurt

Drysdale just got traded for a top 5 prospect in hockey. This won't get you Zegras.

Maybe not but you leave out quite a bit of context. Namely that the top prospect wouldn't sign, thereby decreasing leverage, and also that Anaheim sent back what will likely be an early second.

While all of that is true, what the Ducks didn't do in the Philly trade is take back 4M AAV in bad salary. On the contrary they opened up a roster spot that they need right now.

Ritchie and the 1st are good starts, although the pick is later in the round than you'd want. I can't imagine a Zegras trade that doesn't include a lottery 1st rounder (8-15 ish). The D-prospect isn't a fit lacking size and playing a position the Ducks are loaded at. Johansen is a boat anchor that you're going to have to pay to move to the Ducks.

What is hard to envision is paying Mikko, LoC, Byram, and Malinski the year following. It feels like Bo is the odd man out.

If the Ducks liked a deal presented to them (not necessarily saying this one - just in general), taking on 4M or so through just next year should be a very easy pill for them to swallow (imo). They don't have anyone due for a big raise, and it wouldn't be wise for them to go too crazy in the ufa market.

Best thing they can do is stay the course and fill in the gaps with mid-level players on short term deals (again imo).

Be that as it may, you can't pass on a long term solution at an important position because you might have to move a depth player or two.

It's extremely unlikely that Zegras happens, so probably not worth discussing too much, but if say Girard is moved in the off season, it's just something that must be accepted.

Not sold that Zegras is the solution, but the D is where we have the most assets to either acquire new pieces or simply create cap space. Should try like heck to move Manson, but I think fans have to brace for one of Byram/Girard/Malinksi getting dealt.

yeah for sure. i think it's the right call. i'm not certain zegras is the guy but paying a mid-tier 2C ~ $6mil is a good idea, and if bo has to go for that, i guess that is what it is.

The Ducks can and sometimes do take contracts. But they get paid for it. Taking both John Moore (1x2.75M AAV) and David Backes (1x4.5M AAV - Bruins retained 25%) got the Ducks extra picks in those trade. There's probably one or two more instances that I'm forgetting but that's kind of the extent of it. Anaheim isn't the high rolling Blackhawks or Canadiens when it comes to revenue. Nor have they seen a playoff game to boost revenue for 5 years and running.

Are the Avs willing to part with an extra 2nd rounder to shed that 4M in cap? I doubt that.

EDIT - I'll add a useful link to frame this...

https://www.forbes.com/lists/nhl-valuations/?sh=52a5f3884109

Compare the three teams I've mentioned: Anaheim, Chicago and Montreal.