The Anaheim Ducks have been busy so far this season. First, they acquired New York Rangers’ captain Jacob Trouba. Most recently, Anaheim sent long-time Duck Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues. And it sounds like they’re not done yet. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Ducks are taking calls on Brian Dumoulin, a veteran shutdown defenseman who won the Stanley Cup twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and listed the Edmonton Oilers as a team who could be interested.
Why it would work
The Oilers are in “Cup or Bust” mode, and have been for several years now. But their roster lacks players who know what it takes to win. The Oilers have just one player on their roster who has won a Stanley Cup– Corey Perry who won with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007– and Dumoulin was a crucial part of Pittsburgh’s back-to-back Stanley Cups. Dumoulin is a twelve year veteran who plays a simple game. He won’t bring much offense, but that’s not what Edmonton needs. The Oilers need someone who will play shutdown defense, and that’s what Dumoulin does.
Why it wouldn’t work
Edmonton currently has just over $400,000 of salary cap space, and Dumoulin is on an expiring contract worth $3.15 million. This means that the Oilers would have to find a way to shed some salary to create room for Dumoulin’s contract. The Oilers are currently the oldest team in the league, and Dumoulin would be another aging veteran.
What it would cost
Dumoulin is 33, and isn’t the player he once was. That being said, he still has value. He plays on the penalty kill– Edmonton’s penalty kill is tied for 23rd in the league– and takes very few penalties. He’s averaging 19:53 of ice time this year with the Ducks, and is third on the team in blocked shots. I’d guess that Dumoulin could be had with salary retained for a third-round pick.
