Free Agent Tomas Tatar Linked To New Western Conference Team

Tomas Tatar is still one of the top remaining free agents available for teams to scoop up and it appears as though someone might be interested. The Anaheim Ducks have added a few bigger pieces during free agency and are making an effort to get better from last season. Adam Proteau argues that a contract with the Ducks could come with certain trade protection and allow Tatar to have somewhat of a say in being moved to a contender at the deadline.

The two additions to note are Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas. Although both are a bit overpaid, the Ducks have more than enough cap space and wanted to start surrounding their young guys with leadership and toughness. While the team has a few trade candidates with one year remaining on their deals, that could easily open up room for Tatar to be signed to a multiyear deal if that's the way things go. He's a strong regular season winger, but does struggle when it comes time for the playoffs.

The 32-year-old played last season for the New Jersey Devils and they did a little bit of restructuring to fit in some of their top players. Tatar was one of the odd men out and he could bring exactly what the Ducks need to the lineup, goals and more scoring. He is a seven-time 20-goal scorer, doing so last season, and on top of that is a strong two-way presence. He earned some votes for the Selke Trophy last season as well.

Jakob Silfverberg, Adam Henrique, and Frank Vatrano are all trade candidates and Tatar could easily take over any of their roles with effectiveness if signed. He might be looking for a little more money than some teams are able to pay, and seeing as the Ducks aren't expected to be in the playoffs for a couple more seasons, his playoff performances won't matter.