As the 2016 NHL trade deadline moved along, it appeared that General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks, Bob Murray, was going to stay pat with his current roster and not risk breaking any chemistry on arguably the hottest team in the National Hockey League. Then, all of a sudden, the grand wizard of Anaheim struck!
Murray and the Ducks made a grand total of four deals on deadline day, three of them coming out after the 3:00 eastern deadline had passed. Anaheim’s acquisitions were far from flashy but addressed team needs without disrupting any of the current mojo. In the four deals, the Ducks only let go of one NHL player and one AHL player.
Overall, the Ducks’ deadline moves were a success. However, the ability to truly appreciate each deal can only occur when they are looked at separately. Here is a look at each trade made by Anaheim at the trade deadline and its grade.
Jamie McGinn
The Ducks acquired McGinn from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a conditional third-round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft. The draft pick can turn into a second-round pick in 2017 if Anaheim wins two playoff rounds and uses in at least 50 percent of its games. McGinn has played all 63 games for Buffalo this season recording 14 goals and 13 assists. In addition, he ranked fourth on the Sabres in hits with 113.
Trade Grade: A-
The Ducks received exactly what they needed from Buffalo in McGinn without paying a steep price. McGinn has demonstrated the ability to put up points and contribute offensively while playing an aggressive style of hockey. In addition, parting with a third-round or possible future second-round pick does not disrupt what is taking place with this organization currently.
Brandon Pirri
Anaheim acquired Pirri from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in this summer’s draft. The 24-year-old has played in 154 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida. So far this season, Pirri has recorded 11 goals and 13 assists in 52 games. The Forward is currently suffering from an ankle injury and appears to be about two weeks away from returning.
Trade Grade: A
This acquisition receives such a high grade simply due to the lack of assets it cost Anaheim to receive Pirri. The Ducks may have gotten a special player in Pirri but things might not work the way they hope. At the end of the day, Murray will lose no sleep no matter how this deal turns out for them because it only cost him a sixth-round pick.
Corey Tropp
The Ducks acquired Tropp from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for right winger Tim Jackman and a seventh-round draft pick in 2017. The 26-year-old winger has played a total of 148 NHL games in his career scoring six goals and adding 21 assists. However, all of Tropp’s games have been in the AHL with the Albany Devils (on loan from Rockford), where he has put up 28 points.
Trade Grade: C+
Acquiring Tropp provides the team with a little more depth at the forward position but he will spend his time with San Diego until the time comes, if ever, for him to fill in for someone. Murray gave up very little for Tropp and got made his roster a little younger. The veteran Jackman is currently 34-years-old and has seen his best days pass by.
Martin Gernat & 4th Round Draft Pick
Anaheim acquired Gernat and a fourth rounder in 2016 from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for left winger Patrick Maroon. Gernat is a 22-year-old defenseman who has not yet played a game in the National Hockey League. He has played 22 games in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors where he recorded three assists.
Trade Grade: C+
This trade has garnered some mixed reactions from fans due to how well liked Maroon was in Anaheim. In reality, this deal rids Anaheim of Maroon’s salary which is on the books until the summer of 2018. Maroon is currently 27-years-old and recorded 13 points in 56 games with the Anaheim this season. The Ducks receive another blueline prospect and the opportunity to pick up a valuable asset in the upcoming draft.