Washington and Anaheim exchange their AHL rosters

[Hesla]

Rumour has it that the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Washington Capitals have completed a deal that is absolutely ridiculus. It began with talks that got nowhere about CPHL roster guys and quickly ballooned into a large exchange of top prospects and fringe CPHL guys. In all 9 guys switched teams and a 5th round draft pick now has a new home.

The deal ended up being:

James Howard (G)
Ilia Krikunov (RW)
Steve "I want to be Bill Guerin" Downie (RW)
Niclas Havelid (D)

for...

Valteri Filppula (C )
Igor Mirnov (C )
Steve Bernier (RW)
Joe Corvo (D)
Brad Topping (G)
5th round draft pick

Purely ridiculus.... an indpeth analysis will follow....

[Hesla]

Prospect Analysis:

James Howard - 7.5B Goalie - Detroit RedWings. Upside is NHL starter.

Steve Downie - 6.0 Forward - Flyers. You may all remember him as being the guy that tried to kill a rookie in Spitfires training camp, and then asked for a trade.... Likely to be an NHLer, but not sure on offensive upside.

Ilja Krikunov - 7.0 D forward. Vancouver canucks 7th round selection... .playing in Rus-2 league. Has potential to be a 2nd line NHLer. May be diamond in the rough.

Valteri Filppula - 7.5B center. Needs time to develop. But, almost cracked the Wings line up out of training camp.

Igor Mirnov - 7.5B center. Definite scoring potential. going to be tough to crack the Senators lineup anytime soon, however.

Steve Bernier - 7.5C center. Needs to work on his conditioning.. but scores in bunches. SJ is hoping he can be longterm powerforward on the team.

Brad Topping - 6.0 Goalie. A body for the AHL. uncertain where his career is going to go.

[pallykins]

From the DUCKS press agent



Anahiem,Ca(AP) The Anahiem Mighty Ducks are at this time not confirming or denying any trades at this time.

[pallykins]

DUCKS welcome the new additions to the team


Anahiem,Ca(AP) The Anahiem Mighty Ducks are pleased to acquire the following players from the Washington Capitals

James Howard (G) -A depth goalie prospect which Anahiem has needed for awhile.
This is one position that the club had very little if no depth in.

Ilja Krikunov (RW)-A true diamond in the rough.A skilled skater, shooter, and especially playmaker, he is excellent in the offensive zone, though his defensive play is quite lacking. Still his offensive skills are what is the most attractive of his abilities. He is a very creative player and the Ducks are very happy to have him.

Steve Downie (RW)-A project player with a great deal of upside.This is a true "heart and soul'' type of guy.According to the Central Scouting Bureau, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Downie "does not show any fear and won't back down from any opponent." Discussing his style, Downie chuckled and said: "I like to hit, I like to fight, I like to do it all.'' These are the types of players everyone wants on their team and not playing against them.

Niclas Havelid (D)-Here is a player that the Ducks would like to have as insurance against any further injuries to their defensive corps.

GM Jurgensen was very happy with the character players that were added to the Ducks roster. The team was sad to see the former players leave and wishes them all the best in their new enviorment. All the new players have been told to report to the AHL team.