Ducks Acquire Volkov For Morand & A 2023 Conditional 7th Round Pick

By Michael Walters

Earlier tonight TSN’s Elliotte Friedman announced that Alex Volkov was being traded from the Tamp Bay Lightning to the Anaheim Ducks. The Athletic’s Eric Stephens then confirmed the Ducks would trading Antoine Morand and a conditional 2023 7th round draft pick.

If the 7th round draft pick is unavailable due to a previous trade, then the Lightning will receive Anaheim’s 7th round draft pick in 2024.

Here's the Ducks-Lightning trade breakdown: Anaheim gets Alexander Volkov from Tampa Bay for Antoine Morand and a conditional 2023 seventh-round selection. Morand just got through playing in San Diego's AHL win over Ontario.

— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) March 25, 2021

Alex Volkov

Volkov was the 2nd round pick, 48th overall by Tampa Bay in the 2017 NHL entry draft. He has played 28 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the last two seasons. He has three goals and three assists and a on ice rating of -4.

He averaged just under 10 minutes a game with Tampa Bay so it’s difficult to know how much of an impact he will have with Anaheim. His puck possession numbers during even strength are sub par at 43.6 CF% and a 42.3 FF%.

He is more a depth scorer and play maker at a bottom six role. He has been good on the penalty kill and likes to shoot the puck on the power play. The Ducks may try to utilize him on the struggling special teams to give them a boost. He has potential to be a top six forward, but his inconsistent play may prevent that.

Antoine Morand

He was drafted by Anaheim as their 2nd round pick, 60th overall, in the 2017 draft. He spent the last two seasons with the San Diego Gulls registering 22 total points(6G + 16A) and had an on ice rating of -6.

Morand hasn’t been able to provide much of an offensive upside, but he has been solid defensively and can be used on the penalty kill. He is more of a passer, than shooter. He will throw his body around when he needs too, but he is more likely going to be an AHL player or at best a fourth line forward in the NHL.

Analysis

Volkov could provide a boost to Anaheim now as opposed to Morand wasn’t going to crack the Ducks lineup anytime in the near future. Volkov does have to clear waivers so this isn’t a minor league deal as some thought. He is also a Restricted Free Agent(RFA) at the end of season, so if he does produce for Anaheim, the Ducks do own his rights. Overall this appears to be a win for Anaheim, but exactly how much of a win is yet to be determined.

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March 24th, 2021