Anaheim Ducks take Ryan Poehling off the trade market with massive extension
Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The Anaheim Ducks are officially keeping Ryan Poehling around for the long haul under head coach Joel Quenneville.
General manager Pat Verbeek just rewarded his most reliable two-way center with a lucrative four-year extension. This aggressive move sends a clear message to the rest of the league.
The freshly inked contract keeps him in black and orange for $15 million total. It's a brilliant piece of business.
Carrying a highly manageable AAV of $3.75 million, this deal solidifies the middle of the ice without destroying the salary cap structure.
He undeniably earned every single cent of this significant pay bump. His relentless motor and daily work ethic set the standard for the entire locker room.
The 27-year-old originally landed in Southern California last summer via the highly scrutinized blockbuster trade that shipped Trevor Zegras out of town.
The passionate fan base initially panicked over losing a flashy offensive talent. They've absolutely changed their tune today.
The Blueprint of a Modern Two-Way Stud
Poehling has spectacularly blossomed into an irreplaceable asset in Anaheim. He willingly takes on the grueling assignments that don't make the nightly highlight reels.
With 24 points already in the bank through 54 games, his offensive output and overall transition game have taken a massive leap forward. He is someone the Ducks can depend on, and with this team going for the postseason, that is big news.
He creates unexpected danger out of thin air, utilizing his blazing speed to consistently generate controlled entries on the rush.
But his absolute masterclass happens when the puck is in his own end. His defensive awareness and anticipation are strictly elite.
Sporting a sharp +7 rating, he regularly neutralizes the most dangerous snipers across the Western Conference. Opponents can't stand it.
He currently paces the entire forward group in shorthanded ice time. He even chipped in a pair of shorthanded assists to spark the offense while down a man.
Quenneville trusts his sturdy 6-foot-2 frame during the most grueling late-game situations. You simply cannot buy that level of inherent reliability on the open market.
This substantial commitment guarantees the Ducks retain their defensive backbone. They're perfectly positioned for their upcoming Stanley Cup window.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Massive Sidney Crosby injury update surfaces in Pittsburgh
Massive Sidney Crosby injury update surfaces in Pittsburgh