Free agency recap: Anaheim Ducks

*Photo from The Athletic*

   Rather than continuing to write about every single free agency signing, which would undoubtedly take me all the way to the start of the season, I decided to just go over what each individual team did as a whole instead. I decided to go in Alphabetical order, so we'll start off with the Anaheim Ducks.

   The 2021 season was a lost one for the Ducks, who have been in rebuild mode for a few years now. They finished in 8th and last place in the Honda West Division, with a 17-30-9 record, for just 43 points on the season. The lack of offense power, especially from some of the upper echelon prospects on the team, was a concerning note for the Ducks as they entered the offseason.

   After captain Ryan Getzlaf became a UFA on July 28, the start of free agency, the Ducks acted fast to bring him back, despite age concerns. He was signed to a one year, $3 million deal, with a no movement clause. Despite being a shell of who he once was on the scoresheet, he's a valuable veteran face in the locker room, given all the struggles the kids have been going through.

   After re-signing Getzlaf, the Ducks mostly were quiet in free agency, but did make a handful of minor signings, giving out two way contracts to around 6 players, most notably centers Sam Steel and Isac Lundestrom. All two way contracts given out were for one season.

   Today, the Ducks decided to bring back 3 RFA's they had to sign. LW Max Comtois was first, being signed to a two year NHL contract with an AAV of just over $2 million. Then came LW/RW Max Jones, who got a 3 year NHL contract with a $1.295 million AAV. Wrapping it up was left shot D Josh Mahura, who signed a two year deal. The first year of that deal is a two way contract, the second is a one way contract. 

   So far, it has not been a busy offseason for the Ducks. But, they probably weren't looking to have a busy offseason. Offloading some contracts(David Backes) and continuing to try and help the young prospects develop is most likely the name of the game right now in Anaheim.