NHL Rumors: Ducks Defenseman Wants Contract Extension

According to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson is open to signing a contract extension with the team.

ICYMI: Lindholm could walk, Manson could stay https://t.co/fEsyj5qHJY
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) February 18, 2022

Manson is in the final year of his contract and can hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Although he certainly could land himself a nice contract that way, Bernstein noted that the veteran defenseman loves California, and his wife is from there, too. These factors could result in him sticking around.

Manson has been in the rumor mill since last summer, but a deal has not come to fruition. That is actually due to his own accord, as he rejected a trade to the Winnipeg Jets last offseason. Thus, he has already shown in the past that he would prefer to stay in Anaheim.

If the Ducks still decide to shop Manson this deadline season, there will be a lot of interest in him. He is a right-handed defensive defenseman who plays a very physical game. However, if he is openly expressing the desire to stick around, the Ducks should work hard to re-sign the top-four defenseman.

In 43 games this season, Manson has three goals, four assists, and 49 penalty minutes.