Ducks bolster defensive depth by claiming Andrej Sustr off waivers
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The Anaheim Ducks claimed defenseman Andrej Sustr off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday morning, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Sustr had a previous stint in Anaheim, signing a one year deal and playing just five games at the beginning of the 2018-19 season before being sent down to the San Diego Gulls. Following a stint with the Kunlun Red Star of the KHL, Sustr returned to Tampa Bay last year, the team that originally signed him as an undrafted free agent out of University of Nebraska–Omaha.
The 31-year-old Czech has had limited playing time in the NHL this year, which shouldn’t be surprising based off the stacked Lightning roster. He has played 15 games this year at the NHL level, with one point to his name and underwhelming analytics, to say the least.
Aside from the obvious Verbeek/Lightning connection, the Sustr claim and its timing are interesting given the upcoming trade deadline on March 21st. With the Ducks having two big name pending UFAs on the trading block in Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson, claiming Sustr could be a sign that General Manager Pat Verbeek is shoring up defenseman depth ahead of the deadline in anticipation of potential moves. It also could signal that there is not much confidence in Josh Mahura and Brendan Guhle on the left side third pairing, both of whom have struggled in the NHL this year.
Of course, this being the NHL, it could also mean none of that and could simply be a depth defenseman with NHL experience to have another plug and play option on the third pairing. Regardless of the reasoning, we will have a more complete picture of Verbeek’s vision for the rest of the season as we steadily march toward the trade deadline.