The Anaheim Ducks are signaling that their time as a rebuilding team is coming to an end. After years of accumulating high draft picks and developing a promising young core, general manager Pat Verbeek appears ready to accelerate the timeline and push for a playoff spot as early as next season.
One name that has prominently emerged in trade discussions is that of Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, a move that could provide the Ducks with the veteran stability they desperately need on their blue line.
Weegar the Perfect Mentor for a Young Ducks’ Defense?
Anaheim’s future on the back end is undeniably bright. With a stable of promising young defensemen including Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, Tristan Luneau, and the recently drafted Stian Solberg, the foundation for a dominant defensive corps is in place. However, with all of these players under the age of 22, there is a clear need for a seasoned veteran to guide their development and eat up tough minutes against the opposition’s top lines. While the acquisition of Jacob Trouba helps, adding another top-four defenseman of Weegar’s caliber would be a game-changer.
Weegar, 31, is coming off a strong season with the Flames, posting 8 goals and 47 points. He is a workhorse, capable of playing in all situations and providing the steady, two-way presence that the young Ducks defenders can learn from. His leadership and experience would be invaluable in a dressing room that is still learning how to win at the NHL level.
The Proposed Blockbuster and Why It Makes Sense for Both Sides
So, what would it take for the Ducks to pry Weegar out of Calgary? The rumored proposal is a significant one:
Anaheim Ducks receive:
- D MacKenzie Weegar
- 2025 first-round pick (from Florida)
Calgary Flames receive:
- D Drew Helleson
- F Nathan Gaucher
- 2025 first-round pick (10th overall)
- 2027 second-round pick (from St. Louis)
From the Flames’ perspective, this trade aligns perfectly with their retooling efforts. While Weegar is a valuable player, his six-year contract at a $6.25 million cap hit is better suited for a team looking for a mentor. In return, they would receive a top-10 draft pick in a deep draft, a promising young defenseman in Drew Helleson, and a solid forward prospect in Nathan Gaucher. The additional second-round pick in 2027 further sweetens the deal, providing them with more assets to build for the future.
For the Ducks, the price is steep, but the reward could be immense. Parting with the 10th overall pick is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a necessary move to acquire a player of Weegar’s stature who can make an immediate impact. The inclusion of Florida’s late first-round pick helps to offset the loss of their own top-10 selection. Giving up Helleson and Gaucher from their deep prospect pool is a calculated risk, but one that is justifiable to accelerate their ascent into playoff contention.
Some Ducks fans may balk at the idea of trading a top-10 pick for a 31-year-old defenseman with a long-term contract. However, the window to compete with their young stars like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier is just beginning to open. Adding a player like Weegar not only improves the team immediately but also provides the veteran leadership that can help their young players reach their full potential sooner rather than later. This is the type of bold move that can transform a promising young team into a legitimate playoff threat.
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The post Anaheim Ducks Circling Flames’ MacKenzie Weegar in Blockbuster Trade Rumor appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
