NHL Rumors: Ducks' 5 Main Trade Chips This Season

The Anaheim Ducks have a hold on last place in the NHL by three points and have won just six games this season. The expectation going into the season was that they wouldn't make the playoffs but they would at least be somewhat competitive.

Since there is very little hope that the team will do a complete 180 and compete for a playoff spot this season, it is time to start discussing the trade candidates that will bring in assets and make for a brighter future in Anaheim.

Adam Proteau lists John Klingberg, Dmitri Kulikov, Frank Vatrano, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Adam Henrique as the team's trade chips.

It has only really hurt Klingberg to play for the worst team in the league as his offensive skills have been stunted by the lack of team goals. He has just one goal and eight points but teams aren't going to look at his production this season and forget what he's been able to accomplish in his career to this point.

Kulikov was a smart addition in the offseason and it was obvious things would turn out with the defender being moved by the deadline. He's a defenceman on a good deal who can defend and sneakily get points. As for Shattenkirk, he is an upcoming UFA like Kulikov and would be a strong addition to a third pairing. The Ducks have more than enough cap space to retain in any trade they make.

The two forwards, Vatrano and Henrique, both have term left on their deals. There's no doubt the Ducks would have to retain some salary, but they should be able to move both and open up roster spots for some of their prospects. The Ducks will do well this season in regards to assets brought in if they play their cards right.