Anaheim Ducks Trade Young Defenseman Olen Zellweger

The Anaheim Ducks may trade young defenseman Olen Zellweger, according to recent speculation.

What's behind the rumors?

The Ducks have several rising stars, including Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, who will require expensive new contracts.

Olen Zellweger, 22, is a left-shot, puck-moving blueliner completing his entry-level contract.

Why is Zellweger a potential trade candidate?

Zellweger averaged between 17 and 19 minutes of ice time over the past two seasons but was a healthy scratch through the final four games of the regular season and nine playoff games.

The Ducks have Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov as left-side defensemen, with Mintyukov seeing more playing time than Zellweger this season.

What are the potential trade destinations?

Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston suggested Zellweger as a good fit with the Bruins, while Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now proposed Zellweger or Mintyukov as suitable trade targets for the retooling Penguins.

The Ducks are projected to have over $38.7 million in cap space for 2026-27, which should be enough to lock up Carlsson, Gauthier, Zellweger, and Mintyukov.

However, the team might not spend to the ceiling for next season, making re-signing these players more difficult.

And the Ducks' cap space situation could lead to a trade, with Zellweger being a potential candidate.

But it's unlikely that the Ducks will trade Carlsson or Gauthier, and it might not be Mintyukov either.

So the focus is on Zellweger, who could be a valuable asset for another team.

The Anaheim Ducks will have to make some tough decisions regarding their young players and cap space.