Smith-Pelly Loaned to Team Canada. Palmieri and McMillan Called up

The Ducks have loaned right wing Devante Smith-Pelly to Hockey Canada for the upcoming 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. This news followed shortly after the calling up of right winger Kyle Palmieri, and center Brandon McMillan.

Initially, I thought they were going to give Palmieri a chance in the pros, seeing as how the Ducks need someone to step it up and score some goals. But it seems he is just he is just temporary while Smith-Pelly is away.

Smith-Pelly, has appeared in 26 contests with Anaheim this season, scoring 3 goals, 2 assists with 10 penalty minutes and a +4 rating. He has been improving each game, showing a more physical play and some good stick handling. Considering it is his rookie season, he has had a pretty good season so far.

I’m not the biggest fan of Smith-Pelly, but I think going to the IIHF World Juniors will only benefit him. He can get some playing time with some of the top players his age.

I am also stoked that Kyle Palmieri is going to get some playing time. The kid has been dominating this season. For quite some time I have been saying we need to call him up. Palmieri, has 17 goals, 9 assists with a +15 rating and 19 PIM in 18 games for Syracuse this season. He currently leads the AHL in goals, ranks fourth in scoring, tied in game-winning goals (4), and ranks second in plus/minus.

Some impressive numbers so far this season. Again, I doubt he will change EVERYTHING, but he certainly could help.

McMillan will be getting his second chance in the NHL this season. In 23 games in the NHL, he has 3 assists and 14 penalty minutes. His stint in the big leagues was pretty mediocre and everyone expected more out of him.

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