Anaheim Ducks Round Table: Evaluating their moves at the trade deadline

The latest Anaheim Ducks round table discussion takes a look at how they did at the trade deadline this season.

Question: Evaluate the Anaheim Ducks in terms of the moves they made, or lack thereof, by the trade deadline. Did the team improve, relatively stay the same, or get worse?

With the trade deadline now passed, teams are now getting ready for the stretch run. The Anaheim Ducks are one of those team in the midst of an intense and changing playoff landscape that changes on a daily basis. Yet, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray chose not to participate much this time around.

This left the current Ducks team largely intact. But how did Murray’s moves (or lack thereof at the trade deadline) impact the Ducks?

LA Sports Hub’s Anaheim Ducks contributors Ed Stein, Hil Lopez, and Redan Lopez weigh in on how the team was impact by the activity (or lack of activity) at the NHL trade deadline.

Ed Stein’s take

I have a somewhat of a bitter taste in my mouth from the deadline’s un-festivities, like the rest of Ducks nation. If I’m going to be honest, Bob Murray said he didn’t think this team was worth investing in by making a big trade in a recent interview. For a guy like Murray, who has the tightest set of lips west of Lou Lamoriello, to make a public statement like that, we should have taken him at his word.

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Evaluating the team in terms of moves made, almost nothing changed. They made lateral moves by bringing Jason Chimera and Chris Kelly in and trading Chris Wagner out. I disagree with Murray’s post-deadline remarks that the Ducks are faster and better on the forecheck.

Does it really matter when it comes down two fourth line players, who will play less than 10 minutes a night in 80% of remaining games?

There are four teams separated by two points fighting for two playoff spots in the Pacific Division. The real issue isn’t whether or not the Ducks improved their forecheck. It’s whether or not they improved relative to the teams they are battling with for to make the post season. That answer is a flat no.

The Kings and Sharks are markedly improved with their deadline acquisitions. I also think Calgary added some necessary grit to their roster. The Ducks place in the west’s wild card race is about the same as it is in the division.

There is a positive I see to Murray’s additions. If the Ducks do make the playoffs, the experience of Chimera and Kelly will be an asset. That however, is putting the cart before the horse.

I can hear former Indianapolis coach Jim Mora’s words echoing in my head: “What’s that? Ah — Playoffs? Don’t talk about — playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game!”