We have our second blockbuster trade of the 2017-18 season, including the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils. The Ducks acquired forwards Adam Henrique and Joseph Blandisi and a 2018 3rd round pick for defenseman Sami Vatanen and a conditional 3rd.
For the Ducks, they have many defensemen in Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson that can make an impact for multiple years. They can afford losing Vatanen, especially when this is the reward. With Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler and Rickard Rakell, it seems strange acquiring another center, but Getzlaf is out for a while, and someone could move to the wing. Blandisi is also a solid depth player.
Henrique, 27, has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 24 games this year. In his NHL career, all for the Devils, Henrique has scored 122 goals and 135 assists for 257 points in 455 games.
Blandisi, 23, hasn\’t played in the NHL this year. In his two year career, all in New Jersey, Blandisi has scored eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points in 68 games.
For the Devils, they need a defenseman, and a young one too. Damon Severson is fine, but Adam Larsson was their big d-man before they got a bargain for Taylor Hall and dealt
Larsson to Edmonton. Vatanen is probably better than pre-trade Larsson, and Larsson currently. Plus, it cost them way less then Hall.
Vatanen, 26, has scored one goal and three assists for four points in 15 games this year. In his NHL career, all in Anaheim, Vatanen has scored 33 goals and 93 assists for 126 points in 280 games.
I think this is an even trade. Both teams got what they need and wanted, and didn\’t give up too significant of a prize. That\’s why everyone wins.
CarterHud 