In a bit of a confusing swap, the Anaheim Ducks have reacquired defenseman Michael Del Zotto from the Florida Panthers. In the trade, Florida received winger Givani Smith from the Detroit Red Wings, while Detroit received forward Danny O’Regan from the Ducks.
All three have NHL experience but are expected to report to their new teams’ AHL affiliates.
Del Zotto, who has over 700 NHL games under his belt, was expected to possibly make the Panthers out of camp this season with the team lacking in depth at the position. But he didn’t make the opening night roster, and he hasn’t seen a recall since, even with injuries striking the team.
After registering over a point per game in an AHL stint with the Belleville Senators last year, Del Zotto had just 10 points in 25 games with Charlotte before the trade. He’ll now head to San Diego, the last-place team in the league.
O’Regan is serviceable AHL depth who can come up to an NHL team in a pinch. He appeared in five games with Anaheim last season, registering one assist. With San Diego this year, the 28-year-old has three goals and 15 assists in 27 games.
Smith gives Florida a pair of solid physical presences with Ryan Lomberg in the fold as well. A 2016 second-round pick, Smith recorded over 100 penalty minutes in 46 games with Detroit in 2021-22. He’s spent most of this season with AHL Grand Rapids, where he has five points in 19 games.
So much mid
There pillars Maxwell there not MID
That has to be the most boring 3 team trade I’ve ever seen
Hahaha. I just said that exact thing to my buddy . Too funny . It’s a who gives a crap trade that moves the needle for nobody
Maybe Danny O’Regan has potential to become an NHL enforcer if he’s allowed to display his blue bloodlines in his game???? :)
He’s 5’ 9” and 176 lbs.
Hopefully oRegan is the brawler Detroit needs
So let me get this straight: The Anaheim Ducks are the 2nd worst team in the NHL, and their AHL affiliate is the absolute worst team in the AHL? Yikes!
Haha. Yes
Hi. Not a ducks fan myself. Can someone explain why the move is “somewhat puzzling” please?
It’s a pure depth move just for injury depth and maybe for a veteran NHLer to help give backbone to the AHL team right?
Del zotto would b a guy u would trade for if u were gonna b in a playoff run. It’s a ridiculous trade . Sounds like 3 bored GM’S today to me .