The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenceman Brendan Guhle and forward Sam Carrick to contact extensions. Guhle signed a two-year, one-way deal worth $1.6 million ($800,000 AAV) Carrick signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $700,000.
NEWS:
We have signed Brendan Guhle to a two-year extension and Sam Carrick to a one-year extension. https://t.co/cv52jExpsx— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) May 10, 2020
Ducks sign Brendan Guhle and Sam Carrick
The Ducks acquired Guhle in February 2019 from the Buffalo Sabres. The Ducks traded Brandon Montour to the Sabres in exchange for Guhle and a first-round pick in the 2019 draft (Brayden Tracy). Guhle played six games with the Ducks last year. This year, Guhle played 30 games for the Ducks and scored four goals and added four assists. He also played 27 games with Anaheim’s AHL team the San Diego Gulls. The 22-year-old had 14 points with the Gulls.
Carrick was traded to the Ducks from the Chicago Blackhawks in a minor league deal in 2017. In his three and a half seasons with Anaheim’s organization, Carrick has been a high scorer in San Diego. In 189 games with the Gulls, Carrick scored 156 points and added 233 penalty minutes. This season, he played nine games for the Ducks and scored two points.
What does this mean for the future
The fact that both Guhle and Carrick received one-way deals indicates that Ducks management see these two players sticking in the NHL next season.
Guhle has the higher ceiling of the two players. He is a good defensive prospect, who is an excellent puck-moving defenceman. In the 2019 AHL fastest skater contest, Guhle recorded the sixth-fastest time ever, so he can move the puck with his legs. He is a good passer as well. In an article written by the Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, he says that Guhle needs to work on his defensive game, and he doesn’t think there is a lot of offensive upside from him. Wheeler sees Guhle as a future bottom pairing defenceman.
Carrick’s deal signifies that the Ducks are serious about him being a regular NHL player next year. On a one a one-year deal, it won’t be a big disaster if he doesn’t make it. Carrick has shown at the AHL level that he can score and is a physical player. If he can do that with the Ducks he should carve out a spot on the fourth line.
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