Ducks Acquire Mathieu Perrault

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY SportsThe Anaheim Ducks announced the addition of center Mathieu Perreault from the Washington Capitals for prospect Winger John Mitchell and a 2014 fourth round draft pick.

Perreault had played in 159 games over four seasons with the Capitals, scoring 70 points with a plus-17 rating. He has won 51.2% of his face-offs. He has plenty of experience playing under Bruce Boudreau, having played on his 2006 and 2007 Hershey Bears AHL team as well as the 2008-2011 Washington Capitals team.

“Adding a young, quality center to the mix makes us that much deeper,” Ducks general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. “I thought we needed some additional speed and scoring, and he is a feisty competitor. Having played under Bruce was also a factor in acquiring him, that’s another positive. He makes us a better team today.”

“It was a little bit of a shock, but I’m very excited to get a chance to come to this organization,” Perreault said. “Things were good in Washington, but I feel like this will be a good fit for me. Bruce knows me from before, and I’m very excited.”

In my opinion this is a direct reflection that the team just does not have faith in Peter Holland at this moment. My guess is Holland will be sent to Norfolk or traded for some defensive help. While I think this move could help I also wonder what the long term plan is. Is Holland still the second line center of the future? Or has the organization run out of time and given up on him? My hope is that we haven’t given up on Holland yet. The kid seems to have a bright future in front of him, he has all the makings of a solid second line center, and just needs one more year in the minors to refine his game.

Ultimately this trade seems to be a win win for both teams. Washington was able to free up 1.05 million in cap space, gain some organizational depth, and get a fourth round pick while the Ducks were able to move one of their glut of young wingers and gain depth and experience at center. Where this all fits we should know shortly with the opening day roster due out soon but it looks as if we will start the season with Bonino and Perreault vying for our second and fourth center positions.