Even though the Ducks lost to the Seattle Kraken by a final score of 3-1, in their final game before the holiday break, the team could make a trade as soon as the roster freeze lifts on December 28th. With Pacific Division rivals like the Los Angeles Kings trading away Phillip Danault and the Seattle Kraken trading Mason Marchment, right before the roster freeze deadline, the Ducks could follow suit. Here are a few Ducks skaters to keep on an eye on, as potential trade targets.

Frank Vatrano36 GP, 3 G, 3 A, TOI: 12:25

To say Vatrano’s season has not lived up to expectations, would be an understatement. In Vatrano’s previous three seasons with Anaheim, he averaged around 20 goals with at least 40 points; a far cry from the production he is putting up this season. Vatrano’s usage has also plummeted this season, as he was averaging 17:33 in ice time last season, about a five-minute drop per game. The young core of the Ducks has taken center stage this season and as a consequence, Vatrano has pushed down the lineup, lately skating on the third line.

While Vatrano is only in year one of a three-year contract, with a cap hit of 4.5 million, 3 million of his salary is deferred. With only a seven team no trade list, the options of where to trade Vatrano aren’t too restrictive either. A change of scenery and a more prominent role with a new team, could help Vatrano regain his scoring touch.

Ryan Strome18 GP, 2 G, 4 A, TOI: 12:10

Rumors have begun to swirl around Strome as a possible trade target, as reported by Elliotte Friedman a couple weeks ago. An early season injury knocked Strome out of the lineup, but he has been a bottom six staple since his return. However, both Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling have played better in the middle of the ice, pushing Strome out of his natural center role and to the wing.

Strome is in year four of a five-year contract, that has a 5 million cap hit without any trade protection. Though his contract seems expensive for only six points on the season, Strome does skate on the second powerplay unit for the Ducks and is capable of controlling five on five play, with a 56 Corsi for percentage. As such, Strome could provide reliable center depth to a possible playoff contender.

Drew Helleson 33 GP, 2 G, 7 A, TOI: 18:38

When in the lineup, the right-handed shooting Helleson has been paired nominally with Jackson LaCombe. The problem for Helleson though, is the Ducks are flush with young defenseman, like Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov, and Ian Moore. Coupled with Tristan Luneau and Stian Solberg already playing with the San Diego Gulls awaiting their eventual call ups to the big club, Helleson is facing a lot of internal pressure to hold down a roster spot.

While his underlying stats are discouraging, with an expected goals percentage of 45 and a Corsi for percentage of 49, Helleson does have a good contract. Only in year one of a two-year deal, that carries a cap hit of 1.1 million, Helleson can be moved to a team that is in need of a defender with NHL experience.