In the early morning hours of January 17, 2019, the Pittsburgh Penguins
and Anaheim Ducks announced they had executed a minor depth trade.
Late on Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired center
Joseph Blandisi from the Anaheim Ducks for Derek Grant. While the deal is not
the blockbuster that Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford has been rumored
to be involved in, it’s the latest in a myriad of deals that Rutherford and
Ducks GM Bob Murray have structured over the past few seasons.
The acquisition of Blandisi gives the Penguins some
additional depth in the bottom end of the line-up. He adds another player to
the roster that is not afraid to be a net front presence to shake up opposing
goalies.
With Patric Hornqvist recovering from a concussion, Blandisi
may draw into the Penguins line-up sooner rather than later. He has appeared in
74 games with the New Jersey Devils and Ducks, scoring 8 goals and 26 points.
Blandisi has appeared in three games this season with Anaheim and has been held
scoreless in those contests.
RETURN TO CALIFORNIA
Derek Grant continues to cement his journeyman status in the
National Hockey League, as he begins second stint with the Ducks. Overall, he
has played for six teams (Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres,
Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins) since he joined the league in the
2012-13 season.
Grant has appeared in 177 games during his career, and has
scored 14 goals and 36 points. This season with Penguins, he has scored two
goals and five points in 25 games. Grant was primarily used in a fourth-line
center role and deployed defensively.
NOT DONE DEALING
With the trade deadline steadily approaching, the Penguins
are sure to make a few more deals to bolster the line-up. Rutherford has a
track record of making big splashes on deadline day and this season should be
no exception to the rule.
No comments:
Post a Comment