The Anaheim Ducks are hoping Saturday’s trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins works as well as the previous one between them did.
The Ducks traded forward Carl Hagelin to the Penguins in exchange for forward David Perron and defenseman Adam Clendening.
Anaheim ranks 30th in goals scored and likely was disappointed in Hagelin’s offensive production (12 points in 43 games). Perron isn’t much better offensively with 16 points through 43 games, but the real value for the Ducks in this trade is the salary cap space freed up this summer to re-sign a long list of important restricted free agents. Perron is a UFA after this season, while Clendening is an RFA.
The most notable RFAs for Anaheim are forward Rickard Rakell, defensemen Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm, and goaltender Frederick Andersen. Lindholm, in particular, could be expensive to re-sign given his first-pairing potential. If we re-did the 2012 NHL draft, he’d probably go No. 1 overall.
via General Fanager
The Penguins will hope Hagelin’s speed and offensive skill are a better fit in Pittsburgh, especially if he plays a top-six role alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
Thumbnail photo via Anne-Marie Sorvin/USA TODAY Sports Images
