Anaheim Ducks: Sami Vatanen Reassigned To AHL

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Anaheim Ducks made the move that we were all waiting to happen, but were not sure of when it was going to happen.

Sami Vatanen was assigned to the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League. With Luca Sbisa back from his conditioning assignment it was only a matter of time before the Ducks had a true log jam on the blue line.

The 22-year old Finnish born leads the defensive group in goals with six, as well fourth in points.

According to Bruce Boudreau, Sbisa is still a couple of ‘good practices’ away from making his return, but you can already tell he is getting excited about what he would bring when put back into the lineup,

"“He’s a physical player who can skate and shoot the puck,” he said. “That’s the way he has to play. When he doesn’t play physical, he’s nowhere near as effective in his game. We need him to come in and be a physical presence.”"

The loss of Vatanen however does limit your second power play, who as a whole has seen an outburst of production – namely due to their six power play goal outburst against the Vancouver Canucks, but this isn’t the last Boudreau expects to see of Sami,

"“Sami’s played really well for us,” he said. “But the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] allows you to send guys down who don’t have to clear waivers. He’s the odd man out right now. But he did a great job and I’m sure, at some point, he’ll be back.”"

Anthony Murphy is the Editor of Pucks of a Feather. You can follow me on Twitter @AMurphyTFC or by email amurphy540@pullinamurph.com