POLL: Ducks Trade Vatanen To New Jersey

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks announced they traded Sami Vatanen and a conditional draft pick to Devils for Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi and a 2018 third-round pick.

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, there was no salary retained in the Devils-Ducks deal. Henrique and Vatanen salaries are a wash for this year at $5 million cash each.

According to CapFriendly, if the Ducks sign Henrique to an extension for the 2019-2020 season prior to their own 3rd round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft then Anaheim transfers the pick to New Jersey. If the Ducks sign Henrique to an extension for the 2019-2020 season after their 3rd round pick, then their 3rd round pick in the 2020 draft is transferred to New Jersey. If the Ducks don’t sign Henrique to an extension, then no pick is transferred to New Jersey.

Analysis

Sami Vatanen had shoulder surgery in the off season and returned to the team this season playing in 15 games. He had just four total points(1 goal + 3 assists). He had an on ice rating of -6. He hadn’t been playing to expectations especially at his $4.875 million dollar price tag. With Cam Fowler back and the depth the Ducks have on defense they could afford to trade Vatanen. Anaheim made this trade to get some much needed offense and versatilty in their forward lineup.

Adam Henrique played in 24 games for the Devils this season, recording 14 total points(4 goals + 10 assists). He has an on ice rating of -6. His winning percentage in the face-off is 47.1%. Adam Henrique will help Anaheim at the center position with Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler out. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Getzlaf is close to returning. It appears the Ducks and Devils have been discussing this trade for the past 10 days. Henrique hasn’t been great in the face-off circle, but he does bring some added offense which the Ducks are desperately lacking. He can also play wing if necessary when either Kesler or Getzlaf return.

Joseph Blandisi is currently with New Jersey’s American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton, New York. He played in 68 games with New Jersey in 2015-16 and 2016-17. He has 26 total points(8 goals + 18 assists) in the NHL. Blandisi is a gritty player with agitating qualities and has some upside offensively. He can also play wing and center.

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November 30th, 2017

Filed under: Ducks News Tagged: Anaheim Ducks, ducksnpucks, sami vatanen