3 Trade Rumors Following the Anaheim Ducks into the 2023-24 Season

Welcome to our 2023-24 season preview trade rumors series that will cover all 32 teams and all of the trade noise surrounding each club heading into this season. It's been a wild summer and there's still lots of business to take care of before the puck is dropped on this upcoming season. Expect to see some trades once training camp gets started as teams see what exactly they have talent wise.

For our first piece, let's make way to California and check in on three trade rumors which continue to follow the Anaheim Ducks:

John Gibson Being Moved is Still on the Table

It was a wacky summer seeing hockey insider Frank Seravalli and Gibson's agent go back and forth online. Seravalli was stating Gibson told the Ducks he's done and won't play another game, meanwhile the goalie's agent is denying anything like that was ever said. Regardless, Anaheim's long-time starter is coming to the crossroads in Anaheim and a trade could very well be in the cards this season. 

Gibson has four seasons left on his deal at a reasonable $6.4 million. He holds a modified no-trade clause that covers 10 teams of his choice. So far throughout the summer, Gibson's name has been linked to the most to the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings. 

Ducks Have Engaged in Talks About Frank Vatrano

Another Duck to keep an eye on is Frank Vatrano. He had his name discussed in several trades last season and there were times many of hockey's best insiders felt he was a prime candidate to be moved. The 29-year-old has two seasons left on his deal at $3.65 million. The team signed Alex Killorn in the offseason to a mega deal and also have several other options on the wing for the top six. If Vatrano doesn't make the top two lines out of camp, look for the trade rumors to intensify. Last season the 5-foot-10 undrafted winger posted 22 goals and 41 points in 81 games. A mighty first season with the Ducks. 

Will Verbeek Use Draft Pick(s) to Add Another Weapon?

The Ducks have been a confusing team to follow these past two summers as the direction of general manager Pat Verbeek is hard to figure out. He's handed out some expensive one-year contracts and now this summer gave Killorn a $25 million deal and also brought in some serious sandpaper on the back end.

Now what? What if the Ducks come out hot in 2023-24 and start to impress? Verbeek has some assets to work with as the team holds a first-rounder, two seconds and three thirds. Needless to say, lots in the cupboards in Anaheim's GM decides it's time to pounce and add another piece. One other play to keep an eye on....signing Patrick Kane. There's tons of money to work with and having him as another mentor for the younger forwards could do wonders for the Ducks.

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