The Anaheim Ducks added offensive depth today by acquiring forward Tomas Fleischmann from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Dany Heatly and a third-round pick in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft.
The Panthers had pretty much determined they would not re-sign Fleischmann in the offseason and preferred to trade him in order to recoup assets before losing him for nothing in free agency. While Fleischmann, 30, had a limited no trade clause in his contract, the Ducks were on his list of teams he’d agree to be traded to.
The move reunites Fleischmann with head coach Bruce Boudreau. The two were together in 2009-10, when the Czech winger put up 23 goals and 28 assists for the Capitals.
Heatly, a former 50-goal scorer, has seen a significant fall in his stock over the past several seasons. The 34-year-old winger signed a one-year deal with the Ducks last summer, but was waived by the Ducks in December after going pointless in six games. He’s spent most of the season with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.
A source told ESPN.com that Heatley and his $1 million salary was included in the deal to help alleviate Fleischmann’s $4.5-million salary. The Panthers said that Heatly is expected to Heatley report to their AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.