via ducks.nhl.com

The Anaheim Ducks announced the signing of the 2008 fifth round draft pick Stefan Warg to a two-year entry-level contract today. If you don’t recognize that name, you’re not the only one. No offense Stefan. When the Ducks drafted him back in ’08, Warg was playing in Sweden but opted for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL) after the Ducks selected him. After one full season with the Thunderbirds and a season split between Seattle and the Prince Albert Raiders, also of the WHL. The 23-year-old went back to his native Sweden after those two seasons in the WHL. There, he spent two seasons with Orebro of the Swedish league Allsvenskan and one season with Vasteras, also of Allsvenskan. He has been under the radar in the Ducks system until he posted decent numbers with Vasteras this past year, 4 goals and 15 assists for 19 points in 52 games played. He also posted 40 PIM and a plus/minus of +21. Don’t read too much into this signing, he isn’t expected to be a significant prospect. However, he will be coming back to North America this upcoming season, to play with either Norfolk (AHL) or Fort Wayne (ECHL)

Stefan Warg (via ducks.nhl.com)

Age: 23

Position: Defenseman

Shoots: Right

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 220 lbs.

Scouting Reports:

A big and right-shooting defenseman. Warg is a skilled passer, physically strong and pretty tough. Plays solid in his own end, but could be more explosive. Is a defensive player that makes very little errors and always does his best for the team.

via EliteProspects.com

Warg is a smart player who makes good passes and skates well.  He will need to fill out and learn the North American style of play.  With the right development, he has the size and skills required to become a solid NHL defenseman.

While it is always a risky move for players to go back to Europe for development, Warg has rounded out well and turned into an everyday defenseman in the league.

While he has been almost completely under the radar among Ducks prospects thus far, Warg has maintained a solid level of play, development, and a desire to play in the NHL and North America. His wish may become reality soon as rumors have been swirling since mid-April of 2013 that the big Swede and only European drafted by the team in 2008 is going to commit to North America for next fall. However, nothing at this point has officially been released.

via HockeysFuture.com

Well, it’s been officially released that he signed with the Ducks and with his desire to play in North America, it’s safe to say he’ll be with Norfolk or Fort Wayne.

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May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) during a stoppage in play against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, the Anaheim Ducks announced that defenseman Francois Beauchemin underwent successfully surgery to repair his torn ACL. You know, the torn ACL he played the final month of the regular season with. You know, the torn ACL he played in the playoffs with. Absolutely incredible. It was arguably the best season of his career. AND in the playoffs he averaged 25:22 TOI compared to 23:37 TOI in the regular season. AND he was tied for the team lead in playoff scoring with 6 with Ryan Getzlaf. That is #DucksDedication right there. He is hoping to be ready by the start of the 2013-2014 regular season. Wow, next year I will actually be able to include two years when describing the length of a season. All will be back to normal next year, thank god.

Thanks for reading! Any questions? Contact us! Or follow us on twitter @PucksofaFeather! We’re back on Facebook, so like us!

Follow me on twitter @ducks_sean! Follow our Lead Editor on twitter @thekrishill! Follow my fellow Staff Writers on twitter @bauerhockeydude and @CamLanier!