Ducks News & Rumors: Gibson, Vatrano, Zegras, Dumoulin and More – Hockey Writer – Anaheim Ducks

Despite facing stiff competition, the Anaheim Ducks have found rare success, posting a 4-2-1 record. During that time, the team defeated the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets and Tampa Bay Lightning. However, the Ducks remain near the bottom of the standings, and general manager Pat Verbeek could become a seller again before the March 7 trade deadline.

Verbeek took one name off the market last Sunday (Jan. 5) by re-signing Frank Vatrano to a three-year, $18 million contract, but goaltender John Gibson and the blue line Player Brian Dumoulin is still up for grabs. We'll be looking at rumors surrounding them and other recent noteworthy topics in the latest edition of Duck News & Rumors.

Gibson's purchase price remains high

According to Elliott Friedman of Sportsnet, Verbeek is asking for a lot in trade talks involving Gibson. The 31-year-old Gibson has a record of 7 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses in 16 games this season, with a 2.69 points per game average and a 0.914 save percentage. He carries a salary cap hit of $6.4 million in 2026-27 and a 10-team no-trade list, which could complicate a potential trade as it has in the past.

Friedman has previously mentioned Gibson's health and statistical results as other concerns, but those have now been put aside. Therefore, rumors about the veteran netminder should continue to circulate heading into the trade deadline. He is currently the only goalie on the TSN trade bait board, ranking fourth on the list.

Vatrano's unique contract raises many questions

Vatrano's extension comes with NHL approval. However, the league never liked these deals and wanted to eliminate them in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. Meanwhile, the Ducks will benefit from an average annual value of $4.57 million instead of $6 million, and Vatrano will earn $900,000 annually for 10 years starting in 2035, when he plans to live outside of California, Enjoy a more favorable tax system. The Ducks will not receive $900,000 in cap charges during those seasons.

RELATED: Frank Vatrano capitalizes on breakout season to become Ducks MVP

Vatrano has 11 goals and 23 points in 40 games this season, putting him a long way away from matching his 2023-24 statistics. The 30-year-old winger excelled for the Ducks last season, scoring 37 and 60 points in 82 games. He achieved his goal of staying in Orange County, and eliminating the distraction of being traded or pending free agency could help him get back on track.

Zegras resumes skating

Trevor Zegras has missed the past 17 games with a right knee injury. He underwent surgery for a torn meniscus on Dec. 12 and was given a six-week recovery timetable. If he doesn't return early, he could be out for at least another two weeks. Still, it's encouraging to see him skating with his teammates.

Zegras had two goals and four assists in seven games before getting injured on Dec. 4 against the Senators. The controversy is likely to heat up again.

Ducks looking to trade Dumoulin

Dumoulin’s name has been popping up in plenty of trade rumors lately (via “Ottawa Senators need to bolster defense amid mounting injuries,” Ottawa CitizenJanuary 7, 2025). The 33-year-old guard is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and moving him before the trade deadline seems inevitable as Verbeek will look to acquire a piece or two from competing teams looking for a lockout defender. asset.

Dumoulin has contributed 8 assists, 42 shots, 66 blocks and 44 hits in 41 games this season. He has been linked to teams such as the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Senators and Oilers.

Procyszyn Lands North Bay Captain

Ethan Procyszyn, selected by the Ducks in the third round (68th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, was named captain of the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) North Bay camp on Friday (Jan. 10). Owen Van Steensel was traded to the Barrie Colts on Sunday (Jan. 5), creating a vacancy.

The 18-year-old Procyszyn has 21 goals and 36 points in 37 OHL games this season. The tough center is known for his ability on both ends of the floor, and his offensive contribution reaches another level in the 2024-25 season.

Ducks look for continued success on road trip

As mentioned earlier, the Ducks have been playing better lately. However, the club lost 6-2 to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday (January 9). The Ducks continue a six-game road trip against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday (Jan. 11). Teams will do a lot of evaluation before the trade deadline and get a clearer idea of ​​who should be a part of the organization moving forward and factor into the decision-making process.