Anaheim Ducks Acquire David Steckel from Toronto Maple Leafs
By Sean
February 25, 2012; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Steckel (20) takes a shot at the Washington Capitals net at the Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
At 1:30 pm today, the Anaheim Ducks announced the acquisition of center David Steckel from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for minor leaguer Ryan Lasch and a seventh-roud draft pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Steckel, listed at 6’6″-215, is 31 years old. He excels at the faceoff dot. Which is an obvious need for the Ducks since they rank 27th in the league at just 46.9%. He is also very capable at killing off penalties as well. Which is also a need since the Ducks are still ranked fairly low in PK, 78.3% (26th). He’s got great size that he doesn’t always use. He isn’t the greatest skater either. But, this is a defensive trade that could really pay dividends.
Of course Bruce Boudreau has some experience working with Steckel. He was Steckel’s head coach in Washington during his stint as the head coach of the Capitals. Here’s General Manager Bob Murray on this acquisition:
"“Adding David Steckel gives us another big body and depth up the middle. He comes highly recommended from Bruce (Boudreau). Faceoffs have been something of a concern for us the last few seasons. Steckel is a tremendous faceoff man and penalty killer, something that will really help our club.”"
This just adds to the forward depth of this team. This isn’t a high risk trade. This could really solidify the Ducks as possible favorites in the Western Conference.
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