Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois learned from the master, and pulled off a late-night trade yesterday. His Bolts shipped Alex Volkov to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Antoine Morand and a seventh-round pick.
We have acquired forward Antoine Morand and a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Alex Volkov. https://t.co/DZfBmwDbPy
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 25, 2021
The trade is a curious one, as I’m not sure that the Lightning ever really got a sense of what Volkov would or would not become during his relatively short stint with the team. After being drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft, Volkov played only 28 games with the Lightning, compiling six points. He was used primarily in a fourth line role, which might have been a little bit of a misfit for the skill set he brings to the table. The unfortunate reality for Volkov is that this Lightning roster has so much forward depth; breaking through and solidifying a spot on a more prominent line was always going to be difficult.
So, with that in mind, maybe part of this deal is simply doing right by an enigmatic prospect, by hopefully providing him with a chance to go out and make a name for himself somewhere else. There’s no doubt that Volkov’s chance to make it or break it will be more significant in Anaheim.
In terms of return, the seventh-round pick is essentially a nothing, but Antoine Morand should provide organizational depth in Syracuse. Also a second-round pick in the 2017 draft, Morand is an undersized QMJHL product just beginning his transition to the pro game. While the Lightning have had success with similar players before, reviews of the trade in certain prospect-watching circles were less than favourable:
My verdict on the Volkov for Morand+ trade? No-brainer win for the Ducks. Kind of surprised that they got him for so little. Might not work out for Volkov in Anaheim, but he’s got a way better shot of doing that than Morand.#FlyTogether #GoBolts
— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) March 25, 2021
As always, thanks for reading.