Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray is, according to the latest rumors, looking to jump into the NHL trade market head-first.
While he already has his Ducks (34-13-7) sitting pretty in first place in the Pacific, Murray isn't interested in entering the postseason with his roster as-is. He'd like to upgrade a couple of positions to ensure a Stanley Cup run is in the team's future.
Murray, per a report from The Fourth Period, is looking to acquire both a top-four defenseman and a first-line winger.
On the wing, a couple of big names have already been discussed, per TFP.
"The Ducks have expressed interest in Edmonton Oilers left wing Taylor Hall and Winnipeg Jets left wing Evander Kane, according to multiple league sources," TFP reported.
Kane's recent decision to undergo shoulder surgery removes him from the equation in the short term - though TFP notes that the Ducks would still be interested should he remain on the market into the offseason - and Hall may be a piece that Oilers GM Craig MacTavish would only entertain moving for a ridiculous package of picks, prospects and players.
Murray, though, continues to explore the option.
There are a couple of more affordable wingers Murray has been eyeing including Buffalo's Drew Stafford and Arizona's Antoine Vermette. Vermette is a center who can also play wing and isn't a top-notch scorer so, while he's a quality player, the fit may not be quite right.
Stafford is also a questionable fit as he plays on the right side and doesn't have elite hands.
As for the blueline, Murray has had discussions on or shown varying degrees of interest in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Andrej Sekera and Toronto Maple Leafs rearguard Cody Franson, a couple of pending unrestricted free agents their respective teams are hoping to sign to new contracts but who will be dealt barring extensions.
They've also shown interest in the Senators Marc Methot and the Coyotes Zbynek Michalek.
Tyler Myers of the Buffalo Sabres is "being seriously discussed," per TFP, but the price to acquire him may involve one of the Ducks young defenseman - a significant cost for what could be a marginal upgrade this season.
