Early Look At Anaheim Ducks' Mid-Season Trade Candidates

The Anaheim Ducks aren't expected to compete for a playoff spot this season despite getting a bit better. This will be another year in which their young players develop and are complemented by some of the veterans. With that, they will likely be sellers at the trade deadline and be moving who they can on expiring deals. Here's an early look at who might be traded.

Adam Henrique

Adam Henrique had a strong season for being on such a low scoring team. He played well in the top-six for the Ducks and put up 22 goals and 38 points in 62 games. He should once again have a spot alongside Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras and produce. This will continue to elevate his value and give the Ducks a better piece to use at the 2024 trade deadline than they had in 2023. The team also has lots of room to retain salary, so that isn't an issue.

Ilya Lyubushkin

The Ducks just acquired Ilya Lyubushkin from the Buffalo Sabres and I like the move. They bolster their defense a bit to start the season and gain an asset to move to a contender at the trade deadline. Lyubushkin is on the second of a two-year deal that sees him paid under $3 million AAV. He is strong defensively and I will once again mention that the Ducks can retain salary on a deal. He's not the most attractive name that will be out there, but gives a contender a great depth piece. There are lots of young defensemen coming and no room for him in future plans.

John Gibson

John Gibson's name has been in the rumor mill for some time now. Many still believe he is a very good goalie, but has been stuck behind a well below average defensive group and a rebuilding team. He is slated to start the season on the Ducks and has four years left on his contract while he's in his prime. At any point in the season a serious and untimely injury could occur to another team's starter and force them to consider their options. I think the Ducks will be pushing fairly hard to move Gibson, especially if he puts up better numbers.