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NHL Trade Deadline: Best Trades For Every Pacific Division Team

By Shepard Price

Jan 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pacific Division forward Connor McDavid (97) of the Edmonton Oilers and forward Ryan Kesler (17) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal against the Metropolitan Division during the 2017 NHL All Star Game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pacific Division forward Connor McDavid (97) of the Edmonton Oilers and forward Ryan Kesler (17) of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate a goal against the Metropolitan Division during the 2017 NHL All Star Game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Anaheim Ducks

Vegas Golden Knights: Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf (15) celebrates his goal with teammates Corey Perry (10) , Ryan Kesler (17) and Cam Fowler (4) during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Anaheim wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ducks have been better than expected. Their coach Randy Carlyle carries certain … circumstances and the Ducks have circumnavigated them to this point. The Ducks have kept up with the Oilers and the Sharks in the Pacific throughout the season, and are presumably playoff bound.

The Ducks are going to have to move one of their defensemen, as Kevin Bieksa has a No Movement Clause and will likely not opt out of it for Vegas. That means that Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, and Sami Vatanen could all be on the trade block. But honestly, it’s likely Fowler, as Vatanen has a longer contract and Lindholm is younger.

The Ducks need a wing but I don’t think that trading one of their defensemen right now makes sense, as they must push for the playoffs with all hands aboard.

Ducks Give Up: Emerson Etem, LW; 2nd Round Pick; Nate Thompson, C

Ducks Get: Radim Vrbata, LW

Vrbata is out of place on a lackluster Arizona Coyotes team. Emerson Etem is out of place on an Anaheim Ducks team that doesn’t need him. After being a short time journeyman, it’s about time that Etem found a long-term home. The deal doesn’t work without taking Thompson’s contract in exchange.

And it’s about time Vrbata joins a good team that needs him. The Ducks are just that, and Vrbata would fit right in on a playoff team in need of more scoring.

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