Ducks Turn To Youth; Rakell Works On His Return

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks placed forward Ryan Garbutt on waivers today according to several reports. Garbutt has played in all of Anaheim’s 27 games recording three points(2G + 1A). He has played on the fourth line with Logan Shaw, Chris Wagner, and Jared Boll. Garbutt’s salary is $2,000,000 this season, but only $900,000 counts toward the salary cap. Dallas retained half of his salary and cap hit when he was dealt to Chicago in 2015.

It appears head coach Randy Carlyle may be tapping into the pool of young forward players with the San Diego Gulls. Stefan Noesen was called up yesterday for the Ducks game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Noesen scored in the second period of Anaheim’s wild comeback victory. The night before, Noesen scored the game-tying goal with 9.3 seconds left in regulation for the San Diego Gulls. The Gulls pulled out that game in overtime on a goal by Chris Wagner. Newly acquired Logan Shaw was also brought up and scored his first goal in Anaheim’s loss to Calgary.

Ondrej Kase has played 11 games with Anaheim since being called up, recording four points(1G + 3A). He has had several scoring chances and finally got his first goal against the Vancouver Canucks. He has also had two great shootout goals, one against the New York Islanders and another last night against Carolina. He has been primarily playing on the third line with Antoine Vermette.

Joseph Cramarossa is another young player that has seen a good amount of ice time playing in 15 games for Anaheim. He has recorded four points(1G + 3A). Cramarossa has seen a good amount of time on the third line but may play more on the fourth line when Rakell returns.

With the young players stepping up, it may be a sign that Garbutt’s days are numbered in Anaheim. Garbutt hasn’t played poorly, but when younger players are performing at the same level or slightly better, then the competition intensifies. However, there are other forwards like Jared Boll who could see a decreased role as well. One thing is for certain, the Ducks have plenty of options for forwards to fill out the bottom six.

Rakell Skated Today

Rickard Rakell hasn’t played since the Ducks lost in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers. He has been dealing with an upper-body injury that appears unrelated to his appendix surgeries he had in the past several months. He was spotted wearing a non-contact jersey and didn’t take part in line rushes today. It looks like he may not be ready for the game against San Jose tomorrow. He has missed two games so far. He is the second leading scorer with 10 goals on the season.

Want to be an Editor or Writer? Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team

December 8, 2016

Filed under: Ducks News Tagged: Anaheim Ducks, ducksnpucks