Post by anaheimgm on Mar 20, 2013 23:25:32 GMT -5
The Anaheim Ducks announced the first two of what will be several moves he has hinted are around the corner. His first trade saw him deal a second round pick in the upcoming draft to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Andrew Cogliano.
"Andrew is a guy just coming into his own in this league. He's got speed to spare and contributes in every zone. We can't wait to see what we have when we get him into camp," said General Manager Shawn Hammack.
The second move came as a shock to many fans when captain Mike Richards was dealt to the Washington Capitals. In return, the Ducks added young centreman Brandon Sutter, and wingers Milan Michalek and Michael Grabner.
"This wasn't a move I would make normally," said Hammack, "but after discussing it with the coaching staff, we decided we had only five or six guys we felt comfortable handing a spot in the top nine for us. We have fifteen players who are approaching unrestricted free agency, and several of those guys were key players for us. This was a chance to hedge our bets in free agency and try something different. We weren't exactly world-beaters when I was handed the reins."
Richards hit the thirty-goal mark last season while playing excellent defence for the Ducks. It is not exactly clear who will be playing first line minutes with Corey Perry at the center position.
Milan Michalek notched twenty-five goals last season while Michael Grabner managed to tally twenty of his own. Brandon Sutter oozes potential, and is likely to be a key player for the club heading into the future.
Next on the agenda is free agency, and rumours have the club re-signing Perry and looking for additional depth and a starting netminder.
More as it develops...
"Andrew is a guy just coming into his own in this league. He's got speed to spare and contributes in every zone. We can't wait to see what we have when we get him into camp," said General Manager Shawn Hammack.
The second move came as a shock to many fans when captain Mike Richards was dealt to the Washington Capitals. In return, the Ducks added young centreman Brandon Sutter, and wingers Milan Michalek and Michael Grabner.
"This wasn't a move I would make normally," said Hammack, "but after discussing it with the coaching staff, we decided we had only five or six guys we felt comfortable handing a spot in the top nine for us. We have fifteen players who are approaching unrestricted free agency, and several of those guys were key players for us. This was a chance to hedge our bets in free agency and try something different. We weren't exactly world-beaters when I was handed the reins."
Richards hit the thirty-goal mark last season while playing excellent defence for the Ducks. It is not exactly clear who will be playing first line minutes with Corey Perry at the center position.
Milan Michalek notched twenty-five goals last season while Michael Grabner managed to tally twenty of his own. Brandon Sutter oozes potential, and is likely to be a key player for the club heading into the future.
Next on the agenda is free agency, and rumours have the club re-signing Perry and looking for additional depth and a starting netminder.
More as it develops...
