Report: Ducks ask veteran leader to waive his No-Trade Clause

With the NHL Expansion Draft looming large in Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray’s “To-Do” list, the long-time Ducks boss appears to be taking a pro-active approach. Fans and analysts have speculated for awhile that the Ducks will likely lose a top player to Vegas due to the Expansion Draft protection requirements, but news today that the team has asked veteran defenseman Kevin Bieksa to waive his no-trade clause may have a big impact on the Ducks’ plans.

If Bieksa complies with the request, the Ducks will have the flexibility to protect Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler. If Bieksa chooses to exercise his right, the Ducks stand to lose one of the above mentioned players to Vegas for nothing. Given his contract and his level of play the past two seasons, there’s also little chance that the Golden Knights select Bieksa at the Expansion Draft, but even with freeing up a spot for the team’s more high-value defenders, they still risk losing up and coming blue liner Josh Manson. While the situation in Anaheim isn’t perfect, having Bieksa waive his no-trade clause would be a huge benefit to the Ducks.