Sitting at the gate waiting to board a big ole jet airliner out of town for a few days, I see that the Anaheim Ducks have sent their prized young D prospect Shea Theodore back to AHL San Diego?
Question being:
How long will the dynamic tower of power be staying in AHL San Diego?
The Gulls play the Ontario Reign (LA Kings) on Friday night.
Perhaps Bob Murray is looking to keep the kid's skid greased with continuous action during the NHL All Star break.
My guess is that the Ducks will be recalling him early next week when NHL games resume after the NHL Gong Show, er, All Star Weekend festivities conclude.
The Langley, B.C. native has been filling in admirably for the injured Cam Fowler since he was recalled in late December. Fowler suffered a sprained knee on December 27.
Playing a gritty, smart two-way game, Theodore has played a top four role for the Ducks for the past 13 games. He has collected 2 goals and has 4 assists.
In 27 games with San Diego this season, Theodore has 4 goals and 12 assists.
It's no coincidence that the Ducks are 8-4 in the games that Theodore has played since December 31.
They have erupted for 33 goals in those 12 games, which is a huge departure from the 1.7 goals per game rate they were scoring at before he joined the lineup.
The Ducks were a lottery team at the beginning of January, however, they have turned around their fortunes dramatically in the past four weeks and are now a legit wild card contender. They may even make a run for the Pacific Division lead in the weeks to come.
Simon Despres started for the Ducks in Boston on Tuesday night and he looked good in his long awauited return from his concussion that he suffered in October.
The emergence of Theodore and the maturation of youngster Josh Manson, coupled with the return of Despres makes Cam Fowler a trade able commodity in the next four weeks.
The Ducks have scouted the Buffalo Sabres consistently for months, both in Buffalo and on the road.
Sabres GM Tim Murray would love to land a left-handed top four, PP QB, puck mover like Fowler.
Fowler is a $4 million salary cap hit for the next three seasons.
Trading Tyler Ennis may get that deal done.
Ennis is a $4.6 million cap hit for the next four seasons.