Rumor: Anaheim Ducks trying to trade for a big name after injury to Ryan Kesler.

The Anaheim Ducks lost a big part of their offense this summer when it was revealed that forward Ryan Kesler would miss several months of action due to injury, and they may have been quietly working behind the scenes to pull of a significant trade deal in order to replace him.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman was a guest on Edmonton's 630 CHED radio on Friday and during that segment he was once again asked about the likelihood of Colorado Avalanche star Matt Duchene being traded. 

Elliotte mentioned a few of the names we've heard before as possible destinations, but interestingly the Ducks came up as a potential landing spot for Duchene. 

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“I still think Nashville is circling. I think Calgary has been in and out, I think Anaheim has been in and out. Anaheim, especially now that Kesler is hurt and missing some time, I think they’re around and they’re a team that could make that deal.," said Friedman as per Fanrag's Chris Nichols.

The move would make a lot of sense for both sides, the Avalanche have been searching for a quality defenseman in a trade for Duchene, and the Ducks are among the deepest teams in the league at that position.

While we have no doubt that they would have to seriously consider a trade involving one of their top defensemen, the mere fact that they have guys like Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen as potential trading chips makes them a very legitimate candidate for a big trade deal.