Ducks Send down Lacouture (this is early)
Dan Lacouture got sent out by Anaheim yesterday. He signed in July (18th) and spent only 6 games in the NHL last season (with NJD) but this is early to be sending down guys who have spent some time in the NHL.
He got 10 minutes in a loss against LA to start the pre-season, scoring a goal and ending +2. He played just 6 minutes in a game on Sunday (had a minor and fighting major), and has been sent down to the AHL.
There was no job for him. Despite losing Dustin Penner, the Ducks LW depth chart boasts Chris Kunitz (25 goals last year), Rob Niedermayer, Travis Moen (11 goals), Andrew Miller (who has had some tc success). A player who might make this team is Jason King (Mirtle has an item on early pre-season scoring leaders and mentions King on his site).
Brad May probably has the job Lacouture would be qualified for on the Ducks.
Still, it’s an early demotion. These usually happen when the guy is hurt.
Or lousy.
I think you could justify giving a guy like Lacouture a longer look before, but the guy’s 30 years old now. He’s an AHLer, he knows it — and especially so with a team as good as Anaheim.
They’ve got a few youngsters like Miller and Carter to bring up, anyway.
Maybe he broke something in his hand similiar to Ryan Flinn.
I don’t know if it’s that early. Remember, the Ducks and Kings are on an accelerated preseason, thanks to the early season start in London (now 9 days away).
Anaheim has but 2 preseason games left before they start counting again–I’d think they’d want to get a realistic roster together before their intercontinental flight.