It has been a very busy two days in and around the Ducks Universe. Lets get to it.
Trade
Winger Patrick Eaves was acquired yesterday from Dallas. He cost Anaheim a conditional 2017 second round pick, which can be upgraded to a first rounder if the Ducks go to the conference finals. Eaves' cap friendly salary was a big reason why GM Bob Murray was able to add him to the roster.
This could possibly be the only move the Ducks make before the deadline. After the trade, Murray told the media that he didn't feel he needed to make another move. The door isn't shut, this sounds like a bit of posturing by the GM.
Transaction
The arrival of Eaves means someone has to go. Unfortunately, the player leaving is Nic Kerdiles. It would have been nice for the local guy to play tonight against L.A., especially after his strong performance against Boston. Instead he has been reassigned to San Diego.
Injury
John Gibson was pulled from his scheduled start against Wednesday night with a lower body injury. A follow up MRI found that the extent of the injury is a muscle strain. He will miss tonight's contest as well. After the game, Anaheim begins their five day break. Plenty of time for Gibson to recover.
Suspension
Thursday Antoine Vermette had his hearing to appeal the 10-game suspension he drew for hitting an official with his stick on February 14. His goal was to have the ban shortened. That hearing was to no avail, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced earlier today that he will keep the full suspension intact. Vermette is eligible to return March 12, against Washington.
Ducks @ L.A.
Game four of the five game Freeway Faceoff Series commences this afternoon at the Staples Center. As mentioned earlier, Gibson won't play leaving Jonathan Bernier to make his third consecutive start. Eaves should slide into the left wing slot on Rickard Rakell's line. Otherwise, the lineup should be fairly similar to one that scored five goals on Wednesday.
Forwards Ritchie-Getzlaf-Kase Eaves-Rakell-Perry Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg Shaw-Thompson-Boll/Craamarosa
Defensemen Fowler-Vatanen Lindholm-Manson Bieksa-Montour/Holzer
Goalies Bernier Gibson
Ask Ed
I'm still taking questions (preferably about the Ducks) for next week's Ask Ed blog. At the top of this page, click on the contact link under my name and PM me your questions.