Last Minute Deal

In a final hour move before the NFHL trade deadline, the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks announced a multi player deal involving Adam Creighton and Jim Paek joining the Ducks, while Brent Sutter and Alexei Kasatonov head to the playoff bound Canucks. It appeared Anaheim was done making trades when the Canucks’ GM inquired about Sutter and Kasatonov, paving the way for this last minute agreement.

The move gives Anaheim extra term and stability down the middle with Creighton, who is still owed $2.7 million over the next three seasons. While he is getting older, Creighton brings size, veteran presence, and a strong two way game to Anaheim’s young forward group. Defenseman Jim Paek, who has played only a couple of games this season, was included as a depth piece, and with this being the final year of his contract, chances are he won’t be back next season.

Heading to Vancouver with a chance at glory, Brent Sutter and Alexei Kasatonov bring solid experience to an already stacked team. They will not receive the same minutes they saw in Anaheim, but the opportunity to be part of a deep playoff run makes the transition worthwhile. With both Sutter and Kasatonov on expiring contracts, they represent ideal rental additions for Vancouver to bolster the bottom of the lineup.

With the deadline now behind them, Anaheim will look to finish the season strong and carry that momentum into next year.

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