Ducks trade Erik Gudbranson to the Ottawa Senators
The Anaheim Ducks announced that they have traded defenseman Erik Gudbranson to the Ottawa Senators for a fifth round draft pick in 2021.
Gudbranson was acquired last year on October 25th from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Andreas Martinsen and a 2020 seventh round draft pick. Clearing out his $4 million in cap space for a fifth rounder represents a good piece of business from Ducks General Manager Bob Murray.
Gudbranson had a decent year for the Ducks helping to stabilize a rash of blueliner injuries including Josh Manson and Hampus Lindholm.
On the surface, sending Gudbranson away from a team that is severely lacking in right-handed blue liners might seem puzzling. But Murray indicated that the trade was for financial flexibility and hinted at potential conversations with Kevin Shattenkirk and Tyson Barrie, both of who would be significant upgrades for Anaheim.
It’s also important to remember that Corey Perry’s buyout cap hit will jump from $2 million to $6 million this year, though Anaheim still has the option of putting Ryan Kesler’s $6.875 million on LTIR to aid with financial flexibility.
The NHL free agency period opens tomorrow.