The Anaheim Ducks signed free agent defenceman Ben Hutton to a 1-year contract worth $950,000. This contract carries him through the 2020-21 season.
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Ben Hutton Signs With the Anaheim Ducks
Over his 5-year NHL career Ben Hutton has played for the Vancouver Canucks and LA Kings. He has put up 15 goals and 71 assists for 86 career points in 341 career games. He was originally drafted in the 5th round, 147th overall of the 2012 NHL draft by the Vancouver Canucks.
Last season he scored 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points. He also added 14 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 55.5 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 3.6.
The deal comes after Hutton was signed to a PTO with the Ducks.
What This Means for the Future
Hutton is a solid depth acquisition for the Anaheim Ducks. Hutton saw a real bounce-back season in LA after a poor year in 2018-19 in Vancouver. If the Ducks are able to get to 2019-20 quality player, this can turn into a really good signing really quickly. This move adds depth to the Anaheim Ducks defence group, as Hutton can fill in on most any pairs. He can carry a third pairing or play as a complementary piece in the top four.
The Ducks, while not cup contenders, look better now with this addition. It is low risk, so if Hutton begins to play poorly like he did in 2018-19, it is easily buriable. With it being just a one year deal, if it does not pan out, the Ducks can just walk away from it. The Ducks obviously liked what they saw from him at camp during the PTO. If they decided to sign him after the PTO, they will have a role in mind for Hutton to play.
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