Ducks Make Low Key Signings

Photo: Norm Hall

By Richard Gonzalez

Today was the start of the NHL’s free agency signings and the Ducks signed three players. The Anaheim Ducks didn’t land top free agents, like John Tavares, but the good news is that the San Jose Sharks didn’t get him either. The Ducks signed forward Anton Rodin, defenseman Luke Schenn and goaltender Jared Coreau all to one-year contracts.

Anton Rodin

Rodin, 27, was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2009 NHL draft and plays on the wing. The Swedish forward is listed at 5’11” a weighs 185 pounds. Rodin is a former MVP of the Swedish Hockey League in 2016 and has appeared in three NHL games with the Canucks scoring 1 point (an assist). Rodin played for the HC Davis of the National League for the 2017-2018 season, scoring 6 points (1 goal and 5 assists) in eight games played. Rodin’ one-year deal is worth $650,000. 

Rodin seems like a low-risk signing that can have high rewards if he can play to his potential. He is a speedy player with the ability to create space for himself and has an excellent passing ability. He doesn’t quit on the play and fights hard for the puck despite his lack of size. If he can stay healthy he has the potential to rack up some good amount of points and can earn his spot on the bottom six. 

Luke Schenn

Schenn, 28, was selected in the first round, fifth overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008 draft. The Canadian defenseman is listed at 6’2″ and weighs 229 pounds. Schenn spent the 2017-2018 season with the Arizona Coyotes scoring 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists) in 64 games. Schenn is also credited with 219 hits for last season. Schenn’s one-year contract is worth $800,000

Schenn is a stay at home hard-hitting defenseman used to shut down the other team’s top guys. He uses his size to his advantage and loves to take the body. He is pretty disciplined too only getting 35 penalty minutes last season. He will be best used as a sixth or possible as a seventh defenseman and could serve as an upgrade to Kevin Bieksa and Korbinian Holzer. 

Jared Coreau

Coreau, 26, was signed by the Detroit Red Wings in 2013, as a free agent. The. Canadian goalie is listed at 6’6″ and weighs 220 pounds. Coreau spent the majority of the 2017-2018 season playing for the Red Wings affiliate team, the Grand Rapids Griffins, playing in 41 games. He also played a total of 21 career NHL games going 5-9-4, with a 3.74 GAA and a .880 save percentage. Coreau’s one-year contract is worth $650,000.

Coreau uses his size to his advantage to cover as much as the net as possible. He is pretty athletic and is quick to react. He has a very high determination and continues to work to get better. This is a solid pick up to have down in San Diego and gives the Ducks another option in case John Gibson or Ryan Miller gets injured. 

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True to Bob Murray‘s word, it wasn’t that big of a day for the Ducks as they chose to be low key in their signings today. Each player is a low-risk signing that might pay dividends. The Ducks still need to get other players signed to contract extensions so that’s likely Bob Murray‘s main objective right now. Overall, I am happy with these three signings but was hoping for a little more. Only time will tell. 

The Anaheim Ducks plan to officially announce these signings tomorrow.

Related Articles:

Ducks Transactions Tracker

Who Will The Ducks Target In Free Agency?

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July 1st, 2018