Anaheim Ducks Trade Deadline: Tomas Fleischmann (Left Wing)

Nov 20, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Tomas Fleischmann (14) takes a shot on goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. The Florida Panthers defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim Receives: Tomas Fleischmann

Fleischmann was originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2nd round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft (63rd overall), but he never played a game for the team. Instead, Fleischmann was dealt to the Washington Capitals with two draft picks for Robert Lang. It was in Washington where he would win a Calder Cup with current Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau.

Fleischmann scored 60 goals and 138 points during 283 games over parts of six seasons with the Capitals. He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for Scott Hannan in the final year of his deal before reaching unrestricted free-agency and then signed a four-year, $18 million contract with the Florida Panthers before the 2011-2012 season.

Anaheim Ducks

Fleischmann had a strong start in Florida, playing all 82 regular-season games while scoring 27 goals and 61 points (both of which are still career-high totals) as the Panthers won the Southeast Division and made the postseason. In the next year (the lockout-shortened season), Fleischmann played all 48 games while scoring 12 goals and 35 points (a similar point-per-game pace: 0.743 in 2011-2012 and 0.729 in 2012-2013).

However, Fleischmann’s point totals dipped massively in the 2013-2014 season, as he scored just eight goals and 28 points over 80 games. Part of this was the Panthers’ general inability to score: their leading scorer was Nick Bjugstad, with a measly 38 points. But Fleischmann has been barely better than that this season, with seven goals and 21 points over 52 games (0.404 points-per-game this season as opposed to 0.35 last season).

Still, Fleischmann offers some skill, which is still a lacking element on the Ducks at wing. He’s a solid offensive player who has familiarity with Boudreau. So there is a chance for increased production. Also, Fleischmann could do better with new linemates. No offense to Bjugstad and Aleksander Barkov: they have tremendous upside and are part of a young core in Florida that will improve. Neither are the players that Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler are currently.

Perhaps Fleischmann is the player to end the revolving door at left-wing on the top-line with Getzlaf and Corey Perry, but he might not be the best answer either. Those two are physical players who love to engage on the forecheck and excel at puck battles along the wall. Fleischmann, on the other hand, is a bit small (not in height, but he’s about 15 pounds lighter than the average NHLer) and is not strong on the boards.

“Perimeter” players have not really succeeded well with Getzlaf and Perry: both Heatley and Rene Bourque were disappointments this year in that spot, while players like Patrick Maroon flourished in the role. Fleischmann is creative with the puck and has good hockey-sense, but there is no guarantee that he succeeds in that role.

Fleischmann’s role is mostly a mystery right now. He may be a top-line option, but he could be good for the middle-six as well. He could really be an interesting option on a skill-oriented third-line with Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg. Fleischmann probably isn’t the best choice for a grinder-role with Nate Thompson, but Boudreau has done all sorts of creative (and head-scratch-worthy) line-shuffling.

Fleischmann is a rental who may or may not have a major impact on the team. He adds depth and is certainly a better option on the wing than a player such as Bourque. His impact remains to be seen, as he will most likely make his Ducks debut on Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes.

Next: Florida: Heatley, Draft Pick