Verbeek: Ducks targeting top-6 forward, top-4 D-man this summer
Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said Tuesday the team will pursue a top-six right-shot forward and a top-four right-shot defenseman this offseason.
Anaheim enters the summer with $33 million in cap space. None of its notable restricted free agents - Isac Lundestrom, Max Jones, Brett Leason, Jackson LaCombe, and Urho Vaakanainen - project to break the bank. It doesn't have any significant unrestricted free agents.
The 2024 UFA class includes several high-profile right-shot forwards who could fill a top-six role, including Sam Reinhart, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Joe Pavelski, Tyler Toffoli, David Perron, and Elias Lindholm. On the potentially cheaper - and younger - side, there's also Daniel Sprong and Jack Roslovic.
The crop of right-shot UFA defensemen isn't quite as deep, but the likes of Brandon Montour, Dylan DeMelo, Matt Roy, Brett Pesce, Chris Tanev, and Sean Walker could hit the open market.
Anaheim was active in free agency last offseason, signing veterans Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas as UFAs.
After finishing 30th in the NHL standings this past season, the Ducks have an 11.5% chance (third-best odds) of landing the No. 1 pick. They also own the Edmonton Oilers' first-rounder as part of the Adam Henrique trade.