The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded winger Alexander Volkov to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for prospect Antoine Morand and a seventh-round pick. The trade was initially reported by Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman on Wednesday night.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1374928904423677957
Alexander Volkov Trade
Volkov was selected 48th overall in the 2017 draft by the Lightning. So far in his NHL career, he has scored three goals in 28 games across two seasons. He primarily played on the Bolts’ fourth line alongside Gemel Smith and Pat Maroon. The good news is he will likely get more game-time on a much shallower Anaheim Ducks roster.
A second-round pick in 2017, centreman Morand has spent the duration of his professional career in the American Hockey League. According to Elite Prospects, the 22-year old has scored six goals and 22 points in 75 games for the San Diego Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks affiliate. He will now report to the Syracuse Crunch.
Tampa Bay also receive a 2021 seventh-round pick in the trade, taking their total number of selections up to eight for 2021. Three of those picks are in the seventh round.
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What This Means Going Forward
Lightning general manager Julien Brisebois admitted that the Alexander Volkov trade was primarily to provide some cap flexibility. With Volkov’s $700,000 cap-hit (as per Cap Friendly) off the books, the Lightning has the option of moving more defensemen up from the taxi squad if injuries continue to plague them. Recently, Ryan McDonagh suffered a lower-body injury.
The Bolts also had to find room for returning bottom-six forward Mitchell Stephens. Stephens injured his knee near the beginning of the season and has missed 28 games. Although his return date is unknown at present.
On the other hand, Anaheim has added bottom-six depth with this trade. Volkov becomes a restricted free agent in the off-season.
It is unlikely that the Ducks will cease doing business after this transaction. Anaheim has placed various veterans on waivers this year, including centremen Adam Henrique and David Backes. Rumours have also included 23-year old, Tory Terry as a possible deadline move.
This is the second trade in the lead-up to the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline. Last week, the Colorado Avalanche traded for former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Jonas Johansson.
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