Montreal Canadiens Trade Dustin Tokarski to Anaheim Ducks

Montreal Canadiens Trade Dustin Tokarski to Anaheim Ducks in Exchange for Max Friberg

After a busy Wednesday on the NHL trade market, a minor deal took place Thursday. The Montreal Canadiens trade goaltender Dustin Tokarski to Anaheim, in exchange for winger Max Friberg.

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via NHL.com,Tokarski, 26, has split the season between the Canadiens and St. John’s of the American Hockey League. In six NHL games this season he is 1-3-0 with a 3.19 goals-against average and .878 save percentage.He was the backup to Carey Price last season but Mike Condon beat him out for that job during training camp and he started the season in the AHL.It’s unclear when Price, who last played Nov. 25 because of a lower-body injury, will return. The Canadiens also acquired goaltender Ben Scrivens from the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 28.In parts of three seasons with the Canadiens, Tokarski went 9-13-4 with a 2.71 goals-against average and .910 save percentage in 26 regular season games. He also played five games during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, going 2-3-0 with a 2.60 GAA and .916 save percentage.

Breaking Down the Deal

Ducks Perspective

There is some speculation about this deal, with questions that should soon be answered to make clear the thought process from Anaheim’s point of view.

The move was made for one of two reasons:

1) Anaheim either knows John Gibson suffered a long-term injury, or strong suspicions he could miss extensive time. This seems unlikely as the injury is being deemed day-to-day right now. We’ve seen day-to-day turn into week-to-week before, so the possibility is there.

2) It’s not that Anaheim is necessarily interested in moving one of their young goaltenders, so much as them being forced in that direction. They’ve got aging vets signed long-term (Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Ryan Kesler), and the window to win with those players gets smaller each year.

Anaheim loves John Gibson. That was made evident when Buffalo inquired to his availability. It was made publicly known that he’s virtually untouchable. Frederik Andersen is only 26-years-old, coming off 35 wins in 2014-15. His record this season is ugly, but it’s worth noting he’s receiving the least amount of goal-support for NHL goaltenders. His numbers are steady and consistent. Andersen is good enough to fetch a significant return piece that could help Anaheim down the stretch.

Next: Mike Richards Signs 1-Year Deal With Washington Capitals

Canadiens Perspective

This is a win for Montreal. Tokarski’s numbers in 2014-15 suggested he played better than actuality. His large number of shaky outings far overshadowed the few solid games in the crease. He was beat out by Mike Condon in 2015-16 (not surprisingly), but, has seen some time in Montreal with Carey Price sidelined. There’s no point in taking away starts from Zach Fucale down in the AHL, making this trade a win-win for the Canadiens.

If you’re wondering, “who’s Max Friberg, and what can fans expect?“. He’s 5’10 201lbs. A speedy two-way winger that plays a big body game. He’s not very aggressive, but he’s a quick, strong skater, that’s tough to knock off the puck. He doesn’t shy away from the corners or physical play. Known as a fierce forechecker, Friberg also possesses quality leadership skills. He’s only in his third year of pro hockey, showing improvement each season. Hopefully the increased productivity he’s experienced in the minors, translates to NHL action.

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