Grant Traded To Philadelphia; Claim Agozzino

Photo: USA Today

By Michael Walters

As expected the Anaheim Ducks traded Derek Grant today. He was sent to the Philadelphia Flyers for Kyle Criscuolo and a fourth-round pick. The Ducks also claimed Andrew Agozzino off waivers from Pittsburgh.

Grant played 49 games for the Ducks this season registering 20 points(14 goals + 4 assists) and had a -1 on ice rating. Grant played on the fourth line for Anaheim giving the team a scoring spark and was also a net-front presence on the power play.

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Criscuolo has played in nine NHL games with Buffalo and did not record a point. He played in 40 AHL games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He has scored a total of 24 points(8 G + 16 A) with a +12 on ice rating. He is a good two-way center that can create chances on offense and can be pest defensively. He can create turnovers and will go into the corners. The downside to him is his size at 5’8, 181 pounds, which makes him more likely a permanent AHL player.

Agozzino played 17 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and had two assists this season. He has 33 total points(14 G + 17 A) with the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He has good offensive skills and a solid hockey IQ. He has been a consistent scorer at the junior and AHL levels, but it hasn’t translated to the NHL. He also brings some grit to his game.

Analysis:

Anaheim could have possibly got a 3rd round draft pick for Grant, but instead, they ended up getting a 4th round draft pick and a minor league player. Overall it’s not a bad deal for Anaheim. The Ducks are still adding draft picks and depth to the San Diego Gulls. The key to this trade is if Bob Murray can bring Grant back in the summer.

As far as Agozzino goes, he could play on the fourth line for Anaheim this season. If he doesn’t stay up in Anaheim, then he will likely finish the season in San Diego. Agozzino is a depth addition for Anaheim, nothing more.

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February 24th, 2020