Many perceived the Anaheim Ducks’ decision to deal Dustin Penner as a prelude to a bigger trade. Maybe that indeed was the plan for GM Bob Murray, but it just didn’t work out that way, as Stephane Robidas stands as their biggest pickup.
It sounds like Murray is just as confused as many observers that the Ducks couldn’t land a big fish like Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler (who stayed put).
Bob Murray said he put his two firsts and two seconds in play. Said he was left "confused" about deal that didn't get done, i.e. Kesler.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) March 6, 2014
Now, in the case of Kesler in particular, the Canucks might not have been interested for two key reasons:
1) Vancouver clearly didn’t want to deal the 29-year-old to another team in the West. That probably goes double for a high-ranking contender like the Ducks.
2) The Canucks laid out a blueprint that included a roster player and prospect plus a pick, so despite Murray floating a serious asset, it might not have conformed to what Mike Gillis was searching for.
So, in the case of Kesler in specific, Murray maybe shouldn’t be so surprised. If he was dangling such high picks for the likes of Thomas Vanek (who went for a fairly minimal package, unless you ask New York Islanders GM Garth Snow), then you can understand why he might be perplexed on Wednesday.