Pucks of a Feather
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The Anaheim Ducks Sign Defenseman Andrej Sustr To A One-Year Deal

By Ciara Durant

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 30: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Sustr (62) celebrates after scoring a goal in the 2nd period of the NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 30, 2017, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 30: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Andrej Sustr (62) celebrates after scoring a goal in the 2nd period of the NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning on March 30, 2017, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 16: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against Andrej Sustr #62 of the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Pepsi Center on December 16, 2017. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Shot In The Dark

When it all comes down to it, Andrej Sustr is a complete shot in the dark. There is no evidence to suggest he is going to benefit the Ducks, nor is there evidence that he won’t. I see Sustr as a gamble, but I think it’s a risk we should be open to.

In retrospect, Sustr did not have the best 2017-18 season. The defenseman produced an all-time low of seven points (2g, 5a.) His season was thus restricted to 44 games and he was inactive throughout Tampa Bay’s playoff run.

However, with the $1.3M cap hit, it’s a reasonable observation that Sustr fits into Murray’s 2018-19 plans. He will still have to prove his worth with defensemen like Jacob Larsson and Andy Welinski vying for a spot on the Anaheim Ducks roster. Nevertheless, his experience can be a great asset to the inexperienced defensemen.

He brings added depth to the blueline and is attributed to being a strong and dependable player. The Ducks also lack right-handed shooters for their third pairing options, so that serves to benefit him. His size is also an advantage, standing at an impressive 6’7” and 220lb.

As a viable option for the third pairing, his career stats aren’t awful. In 318 games he has produced a total of 63 points. He is certainly not in the same class as the Ducks solid top four. If given the chance, he should use his time in Anaheim as an opportunity to further develop his game.

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