The Anaheim Ducks are ready to make some serious waves this summer, with their sights set on landing Toronto’s Mitch Marner with what could be a massive contract offer.
But they’re not putting all their eggs in one basket.
The team has more than $30 million in cap space to play with, and they’re also eyeing veterans John Tavares and Brock Boeser as potential additions to boost their offense.
The Ducks’ owners recently made it clear they want to build a Stanley Cup contender – and fast. That’s got everyone wondering just how aggressive they’ll be when free agency opens up.
Marner seems all but certain to leave Toronto, but Tavares’s situation is more interesting. At 36, he’s still got plenty of gas in the tank – his 38 goals last season were his best numbers since 2018-19.
While Tavares has said he’d like to stay with the Leafs, Anaheim’s rebuilding project (and deep pockets) might be tempting for what could be his last big contract.
Then there’s Boeser. The 28-year-old sniper probably won’t be heading back to Vancouver, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. But his next contract is harder to predict.
Last season was a bit rough for Boeser:
– Goals dropped from 40 to 25
– Total points fell by 23
– Plus/minus plummeted from +23 to -25
Still, he’s managed at least 23 goals in six different seasons, and he’s still young enough to bounce back.
The Ducks aren’t sitting around waiting for free agency, either. They’ve already:
– Hired Joel Quenneville as head coach
– Traded for Chris Kreider
– Re-signed promising youngster Nikita Nesterenko
They’re also trying to figure out what to do with goalie John Gibson, who’s been in trade rumors for what feels like forever.
One thing’s clear – whether it’s Marner, Tavares, or Boeser, the Ducks are determined to add some serious firepower this summer.
