The Anaheim Ducks have been one of (if not the) hottest teams in the NHL over the past couple of months and as they head towards the playoffs, they’ve added another piece to drive their postseason push.
Late on deadline day, the Ducks have added Brandon Pirri from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2016 sixth-round pick.
#FlaPanthers have traded Brandon Pirri to Anaheim in exchange for a 6th round pick.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 29, 2016
The Ducks were reportedly interested in adding another forward to the mix. By acquiring Pirri, Anaheim’s added depth at the forward position and found a young player who’s shown the ability to score in his short NHL career.
Pirri, who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round in 2009, has spent parts of the last three seasons in Florida where he notched 40 goals and 62 points in 122 games. After coming off a career-high 22 goals in 2014-15 (in just 49 games), Pirri’s had a tougher time putting the puck in the net this season scoring just 11 goals over 52 games.
Panthers wanted a 2nd rounder for Pirri. Settled for 6th. Definitely not a sellers market this year. #TSN690
— Sean Coleman (@SColemanUFA) February 29, 2016
According to Travis Yost, it was simply a case of Pirri being the odd man out when the Panthers lineup was healthy and the club wanting to capitalize on moving him prior to his contract expiring – knowing what he might receive in arbitration.
At just 24, Pirri has a lot of hockey ahead of him and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Having moved just a sixth-round pick for the former Panther, this could be a great steal for the Anaheim Ducks.
Stay up to date on all the trades happening through the deadline at The Hockey Writers.