NHL Rumors: 3 Free Agents Linked to Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks still have over $30 million in cap space heading into next season and it appears their busy summer is far from over. General manager Pat Verbeek showed with the signing of Ryan Strome to a five-year contract, the team isn't tanking for a top pick next season. Ideally the transition period post Ryan Getzlaf will be a short one and with the likes of Trevor Zegras leading the way, the Ducks can get back to being mighty and in contention in the Western Conference. Here's three free agents on their radar as the offseason continues:

Nazem Kadri

Word is there's been some back and forth in the Ducks' office as they contemplate signing Nazem Kadri. Ideally they would like to bring in Kadri and move Adam Henrique and head into next season with Kadri and Strome 1-2 down the middle. They have the money so that won't be an issue, it's just going to come down to fit. Kadri is a work horse who is underrated offensively and would compliment the group in Anaheim.

Nino Niederreiter

The Ducks are desperate for some more offense and Niederreiter could bring some secondary scoring and some versatility to their lineup as he's capable of playing either wing. It doesn't appear the Carolina Hurricanes saved some room for a reunion so look for teams with lots of cap space to see if they swoop in late and get pen to paper. He's coming off a season scoring 24 goals, one year after scoring 20, there's still lots in the tank for the 29-year-old Swiss native.

Evan Rodrigues

Speaking of versatility, it's surprising Evan Rodrigues has not been signed yet, considering he literally can play all over the lineup. The Pittsburgh Penguins don't appear to be interested or able to re-sign E-Rod to this point of the summer and have since moved on. 

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The Ducks make a ton of sense as the team could use more work horses like Rodrigues who can also light the lamp and bring it every night. He'd be a good role model for some of the team's younger players and the later bloomer has one of the best shots in the league. Last season with the Penguins he scored 19 goals and recorded 43 points in 82 games; next season could be spent in southern California.

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