It appears the trading movements are starting increase more and more as many teams are jotting to get the player they need earlier than waiting at the trade deadline. Although not as big as yesterday, a minor deal was done today.
Today, in a minor trade, the Montreal Canadiens traded their AHL and backup goaltender Dustin Tokarski to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for 23 years-old for forward Max Friberg. In six games this season, sharing duties with backup goaltender Mike Condon during star Carey Price is injuries, Tokarski has had some difficulties in net compiling a record of 1-3 and a 3.19 goals against average, combined to a save percentage of .878. Tokarski was assigned to the Ducks AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.
Tokarski who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2013, played 27 NHL games with a record of 10-12-5 recording a save percentage of .904. His goals against average was at 2.85. It appeared according to some sources, Tokarski did request a trade from Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, when he was demoted to the AHL back in October.
Tokarski wasn’t part of Montreal’s plan anymore
He didn’t figure in Montreal’s plan after Mike Condon made the cut at training camp and he was demoted to the St John’s Icecaps. The acquisition of Ben Scrivens for Zach Kassian and the improved play of prospect Zachary Fucale and Eddie Pasquale recalled from the ECHL, literally pushed Tokarski out. In addition, Tokarski’s play forced Bergevin’s hand to send him somewhere where he could improve on his game. This trade could be seen as a move by the Ducks to alleviate the burden left by the injury John Gibson got in last’s night game. Although Gibson is day-to-day, Gibson’s injury could be a bit longer than expected.
As for Max Friberg, who was the second best scorer for Sweden at WMJHC in 2012, played only six games for the Ducks with no points. He was a minus -1. With the San Diego Gulls, he played 25 games recording 5 goals and 12 assists. Friberg will also report to the AHL affiliate St John’s IceCaps. Friberg is seen as a depth player who can play on the 4th or third line. He is 5’11.
Mike Richards to the Capitals
As expected and mentioned here in our post of earlier this week at Trade Rumors, the Washington Capitals was cleared to play by the NHL and was hired by the Washington Capitals. The contract is for one year at 1M at a prorated salary for Mike Richards. Released by the Los Angeles Kings last June due to substance abuse.
The hiring of Richards is seen as a depth move by the Capitals and shows their intent to go all-in for a run at the Stanley Cup. Richards will bring this grinding experience on their third or fourth line. He will be reunited with former teammate Justin Williams with whom he won the Stanley Cup twice with the Los Angeles Kings. It is expected Richards will first report with Washington’s AHL affiliate for conditioning purposes.
