For team in the middle of a five day break, the Ducks made lots of news today. Trade rumors, cuts and suspensions all came to the forefront. Without further adieu...

Cam Fowler

Ek posted in his blog today that Cam Fowler is on the trading block. He specifically mentioned the Duck defenseman to the Hurricanes for Jeff Skinner, as well as interest from the Penguins. If Cam Fowler is available, there will be no shortage of suitors.

Skinner would be a great addition to a lack luster Anaheim offense. It would be ironic if Carolina trades the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft to the Ducks for the 12th overall pick of the same draft. If I remember correctly, the Canes had some interest in drafting Fowler in 2010. Fowler has a very cap friendly $4M per season contract for a top four defenseman. As good as Skinner may be, Fowler's contract may warrant a bigger return.

As far as the Penguins go, if General manager Bob Murray can repeat the success he had form his last deal with Pittsburgh, I'm all for it. Simon Despres for Ben Lovejoy was a huge windfall for the Ducks. What could he get from the Pens for a top quality defenseman in his prime? We won't know because Pittsburgh picked up Trevor Daley instead.

Something to throw out here. Blue liner Travis Hamonic asked to be traded from the Islanders for personal reasons, ideally to the northern central time zone. It is widely speculated that NYI wants a top defenseman in return, or in effect an even up deal. If Hamonic is on the market; one, teams interested in Hamonic, but were limited in what they could send back, have another option. Two, how about a three way deal that sends Fowler to Brooklyn? The Ducks would take a forward where NYI doesn't want to go that way.

Does a Fowler departure signal the start of the Shea Theodore era?

Nate Thompson

As a result of his high hit to Justin Faulk of Carolina on Friday night. Initially the check didn't think look that bad. After seeing it in slow motion, it was that bad. A suspension is warranted, but three games for a check to a guy who came back and assisted on two more scores, seems like a bit excessive. Faulk punished the Ducks quite a bit on his own. Here is a link from the NHL Department of Player Safety explaining Thompson's suspension: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=900508&lang=en

Bruce Boudreau

Ek stated it very well in his blog that Boudreau isn't the problem, but doesn't appear to be the solution either. As written several times in this space, Boudreau doesn't look like a coach that can win a Stanley cup. Murray may be coming to the same conclusion. Friday's loss at home to Carolina has to be a big wake up call. Are Boudreau's days behind Anaheim's bench numbered?

Anton Khudobin

Earlier today the Ducks placed Khudobin on waivers. Acquired in the offseason for James Wisniewski, goaltender Khudobin has played sparingly and with the emergence of John Gibson is unnecessary to the team right now. There is a chance he could be claimed. Khudobin is relatively young at 29 and has enough experience to be a long term fill in for a team who's main goalie is injured for an extended stretch. Montreal or Columbus could be options. If he does go, Matt Hackett should be able to become this season's version of Jason LaBarbera. If he does stay with the organization, does Murray start shopping Andersen in earnest?

Jiri Sekac

Sekac has been out since suffering an ankle injury back in early November. He played a game on a conditioning stint with San Diego. He should be activated in time for Thursday night's game in Buffalo. He wasn't exactly scorching the opposition goalies when he was healthy. How much of a difference does he make?

The Ducks now occupy the cellar of not only the Pacific Division, but also in the entire Western Conference. Sure they are only three points out of third place in their division, but the teams ahead of them aren't going away. The team and its fans may not want to admit it, but Anaheim needs to pick up the pace or face an early summer vacation.

Hampus Lindholm and Frederick Andersen

Check out www.puckhcky.com for some cool swag featuring Frederick Andersen and Hampus Lindholm. Use the promo code PUCKDUCK for 10% off your purchase.

Chicken Soup

Continuing with feel good hockey stories for the holiday season, here is another video:

http://www.blueshirtsunited.com/video/rangers-make-young-kayleigh-petersens-dream-come-true

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