November 4, 2025 | 12:10pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

COULD DUCKS GO BIG-GAME HUNTING?

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek

The Anaheim Ducks sit second in the Pacific Division with a 7-3-1 record and are exceeding some expectations in the early-going of the 2025-26 NHL season.

As the season progresses, and if the Ducks remain in playoff contention, General Manager Pat Verbeek could be in a position to take a big swing this season and add a significant piece to his roster ahead of the trade deadline.

With just over $14 million in current salary cap space, the Ducks have plenty of room to add to their roster if they so choose.

During Monday’s edition of “32 Thoughts” on Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman wondered if the Ducks could be a potential spot of Artemi Panarin, if the New York Rangers cannot get him signed to an extension and look to trade him this season.

“First of all, I think Artemi Panarin wants to be in New York, and we’ll see if this works out,” Friedman said. “As we have indicated, the Rangers have talked to him about shorter term, lesser money deal, which so far hasn’t worked.

“You talk about Verbeek going out and taking swings... I wondered if a guy like Panarin might make some sense there.”

Panarin, 34, is in the final year of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Ducks could inquire about his availability later in the season if the Rangers fall back of playoff contention, but Verbeek could also cast a wider net and explore additional options elsewhere.

Forwards Alex Tuch, Kiefer Sherwood and Anders Lee are all off to solid starts to the season and are all on expiring contracts, with their teams currently on the outside of the playoff picture. It is too early to determine if any are available, at this stage, but the Ducks will be combing the market for potential adds.