Anaheim Ducks Recall Emerson Etem, Dave Steckel From AHL

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

After playing playing in only three games in the American Hockey League, the Anaheim Ducks have recalled 2010 first round pick Emerson Etem from the Norfolk Admirals.

Etem had played in 24-games for the Ducks before being sent to Norfolk when Saku Koivu returned to the lineup. In those 24-games, Etem had ten points (6 G, 4 A) and was a plus-2.

In the three games in the AHL, Etem had five points (G, 4 A).

This move is a little curious, as the original reason the Ducks sent Etem to the minors was that there wasn’t enough playing time to go around, and the organization wanted him to get more playing time than he was getting.

There isn’t anymore playing time than there was before, but maybe the coaching staff realized that his speed was something that needed to be in the lineup, no matter how many minutes.

Etem won’t be alone joining the club, as Dave Steckel was also recalled from the American League.

Steckel played in 21-games last year for the Ducks, but wasn’t resigned in the offseason. Playing in Norfolk on a conditioning assignment before signing a two-way contract with the Ducks, Steckel also played with the Iowa Wild – playing in 17-games and scoring six points.

Points has never been Steckel’s game, as at 6’5 he presents a big body and even bigger stick and can bring it to the improving penalty kill.

With a big set of games against the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks, both on the road, the Ducks can use any defensive minded players they can get. Expect Etem to take Tim Jackman’s spot in the lineup and expect to see Steckel in at least one game.

Anthony Murphy is the Editor at Pucks of A Feather. You can reach him by email amurphy540@pullinamurph.com or follow him on Twitter @AMurphyTFC.