The Anaheim Ducks have acquired right-winger Justin Bailey from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for left-winger Pavol Regenda. As a result, Bailey is set to join the San Diego Gulls. The Ducks’ primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Trade: We have acquired Justin Bailey from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Pavol Regenda.
Bailey will report to the @SDGullsAHL. #FlyTogether | @Opendoor https://t.co/actUNXt8Bt
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) January 22, 2025
Ducks and Sharks Trade
Justin Bailey
The Ducks acquire Justin Bailey. The 29-year old brings a wealth of experience. He has played 141 NHL games across stints with San Jose, Vancouver, Philadelphia, and Buffalo. Over his NHL career, he has recorded 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points, along with 24 penalty minutes. In addition, his most extensive NHL campaign came last season with San Jose, where he suited up for 59 games, the highest total of his career in a single season. Before that, his previous high was 32 games with Buffalo in 2016-17.
Furthermore, in the current season, Bailey has contributed 7 goals and 7 assists in 33 games for the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 214 pounds, his physical presence is expected to bolster the Gulls’ offensive lineup.
Pavol Regenda
On the other side of the trade, Pavol Regenda, 25, departs the Ducks after recording 1 goal and 2 assists over 19 NHL games. This season, he has also tallied 4 goals and 12 assists in 36 games with San Diego. Additionally, the Slovakian native boasts international experience, having helped Slovakia secure a bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
What It Means
Ultimately, this transaction reflects the Ducks ongoing efforts to enhance their organizational depth. In addition, the trade provides promising players with opportunities to develop within their system.
For the Sharks, they take a flier on someone who could impact in their lineup in the future. It is a low-risk, high-reward trade for the Sharks, which is an ideal situation for a team in a rebuild.
Main Photo by David Gonzales- Imagn Images
