Rucchin to NYR

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=134361

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim traded longtime Ducks centre Steve Rucchin to the New York Rangers for enforcer Trevor Gillies and a conditional pick in the 2007 draft.

wow...I guess our cap situation is sorted out now.

so our second line center is? Rob Niedermayer? Andy McDonald? Ryan Getzlaf?

For another enforcer?

so our second line center is? Rob Niedermayer? Andy McDonald? Ryan Getzlaf?
I think we need Nieds as a winger on the first line. McDonald should not be in the top 6. I really wanted to see Getz start in Portland with Perry but I don't see how that happens now.

This is the first Burke move that I question. I mean, we probably could of gotten something for him. The best Gilles will do is be an enforcer for Portland.

trevor gillies???

even at his worst rooch was a 20 goal scorer last year, nobody on this team is fit to be a 2nd line center.

I think we need Nieds as a winger on the first line. McDonald should not be in the top 6. I really wanted to see Getz start in Portland with Perry but I don't see how that happens now.

This is the first Burke move that I question. I mean, we probably could of gotten something for him. The best Gilles will do is be an enforcer for Portland.

This will be the reality of the new CBA. If a team is in cap trouble no other GM will give up anything of value to bail that team out. Unfortunate but true. At least you guys won't go through the mess that the Devils will be experiencing soon.

This will be the reality of the new CBA. If a team is in cap trouble no other GM will give up anything of value to bail that team out. Unfortunate but true. At least you guys won't go through the mess that the Devils will be experiencing soon.
Yeah they're going to have to deal 2-3 guys.

bad trade for you

Does anyone else just want to turn off the lights in your house, get under the covers and hide. Rucchin for crap? ***

Well, the departure of Rucchin hurt because he was our captain, a great two-way center and a long time player of our franchise.

Best of luck Steve, you will be missed.

I don't know much of Gillies even if i like fights, I assume he's another tough guy who can't skate a shift.
I will search something on him.

trevor gillies???

even at his worst rooch was a 20 goal scorer last year, nobody on this team is fit to be a 2nd line center.

Ryan Getzlaf is ready, time for him to become our second line center.

Well, the departure of Rucchin hurt because he was our captain, a great two-way center and a long time player of our franchise.

Best of luck Steve, you will be missed.

I don't know much of Gillies even if i like fights, I assume he's another tough guy who can't skate a shift.
I will search something on him.

From what I have read he is a career minor league guy.

k... what the hell is Burke doing? He gets Selanne who MAY be done. He gives away 2 prooven assets in Rucchin and Leclerc. I understand he is making room for the kids (Perry, Getzlaff, Chistov, Lupul, Ryan) to come in, a few as soon as right now. But you don't want to award pressure filled scoring roles to guys who may not be ready just yet. Starting Getzlaff in a checking role as he gets use to the NHL pace may be wiser as he could have learned from veterans like Leclerc and Rucchin... oh well. He didn't make many mistakes in Vancouver so I guess he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Does anyone else just want to turn off the lights in your house, get under the covers and hide. Rucchin for crap? ***

yea bad trade ..... u guys shoulda asked for a higher draft pick.... like maybe a 2nd and gilles??. What does conditional mean anyways?

yea bad trade ..... u guys shoulda asked for a higher draft pick.... like maybe a 2nd and gilles??. What does conditional mean anyways?

I think it depends on what kind of production Rucchin has with the Rangers. If he does well they get a higher pick. If not then the Ducks get a 7th rounder.

I think it depends on what kind of production Rucchin has with the Rangers. If he does well they get a higher pick. If not then the Ducks get a 7th rounder.

ahhh... does anyone know where the excact formula is ??

If Rucchin and Leclerc leave via UFA next summer, the Rangers and Coyotes will get compensation. I'm sure the Ducks will want in on some of that.

While I expected us to probably cut bait on Carney if we couldnt find a deal for Sykora, this plain sucks. We now in one day salary cut our only two forwards worth a damn with any real size. Our great D will be put to great use when we can't put enough pucks in the net. What is Burke's plan to replace these guys? There is not much left in FA, so a trade is probably our only route to replenish the forward lines. Any ideas?

GP

edit: ^^^ There is no more compensation for UFAs that get signed away in the new CBA, as far as i know.

While I expected us to probably cut bait on Carney if we couldnt find a deal for Sykora, this plain sucks. We now in one day salary cut our only two forwards worth a damn with any real size. Our great D will be put to great use when we can't put enough pucks in the net. What is Burke's plan to replace these guys? There is not much left in FA, so a trade is probably our only route to replenish the forward lines. Any ideas?

GP

edit: ^^^ There is no more compensation for UFAs that get signed away in the new CBA, as far as i know.
For any sizable scoring threats, you're going to have to deal some of your defenseman or prospects....

Tomorrow edition of the OC Register, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim will take out a half page ad with the following quote. I kidd you not.

"HIT THE ROAD JACK!

Mike Leclerc and Steve Rucchin"

If Rucchin and Leclerc leave via UFA next summer, the Rangers and Coyotes will get compensation. I'm sure the Ducks will want in on some of that.

The new CBA will not have compensatory picks for teams losing free agents

Will Compensatory draft picks still exist?

Yes. Clubs that lost a Group 3 free agent to another club between July 1 and September 15, 2004 will be eligible to receive a compensatory draft choice in the 2005 Entry Draft slotted on the same basis as under the expired CBA. Going forward, clubs will no longer receive compensatory draft choices for the loss of unrestricted free agents but will receive such choices for the loss of unsigned first-round draft picks

http://www.nhl.com/nhlhq/cba/index.html

If the Rangers re-sign Rucchin,the Ducks will probably get a pick.If the Rangers don't,the Ducks will probably not get much

The other shoe has finally dropped. We're plenty under the cap now!

Cripes.

I'm glad I was sitting down when I read this.

Does anyone else just want to turn off the lights in your house, get under the covers and hide. Rucchin for crap? ***
Me. :help:

I knew that Rooch being traded was a possibility but I never actually thought it would happen...especially not like this.

While I expected us to probably cut bait on Carney if we couldnt find a deal for Sykora, this plain sucks. We now in one day salary cut our only two forwards worth a damn with any real size. Our great D will be put to great use when we can't put enough pucks in the net. What is Burke's plan to replace these guys? There is not much left in FA, so a trade is probably our only route to replenish the forward lines. Any ideas?

GP

edit: ^^^ There is no more compensation for UFAs that get signed away in the new CBA, as far as i know.
Leclerc was replaced long ago. One of the scrubs or the rookies will have to replace Rucchin.

My condolences. It's gotta hurt, losing a guy like Rucchin....

I always thought though, that McDonald could be a decent 2nd line centre if given the chance. And Pahlsson is a decent #3 centre. What do you guys think of these lines:

Sykora Feds Selanne
Nieds McDonald Lupul
Kunitz Pahlsson Fedoruk
Gillies Konopka Moen


??

Rucchin was ripped here relentlessly last year, now we act like it's a huge loss.

it was either him or sykora i guess, perhaps burke will sign a center or go with ryan?

Rucchin was the one face you counted on seeing year in and year out. My loyalty is to the team not players but this one came out of left field, almost crashed my car when I heard it on the radio.

Leclerc wasn't around much with his injuries anyway. I wrote him off 3 years ago.

The only thing that may hurt is both were in contract years which means they would have been out to make a huge impact.

Could be, but I remember that Rucchin typically struggles in contract years.

Rooch was ripped quite a bit for missing out on alot of open nets and other situations. Great leader, great two-way player, and an all-around great guy, and while he'll be dearly missed, if Getzlaf can step in and have a good rookie year, keeping Selanne and Sykora is worth it.

Lupul-Fedorov-Selanne
Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Sykora
McDonald-Pahlsson-Hedstrom
Fedoruk-Konopka-Kunitz
Moen


I'd still say that's a very good top six, and a decent bottom six, either. It hurts to lose those pieces, but would trading a bona-fide sniper in Sykora be any better?


As for captaincy, I'm guessing Carney will get it. Fedorov, Niedermayer and Selanne will probably be Alternates.

I think everyone here is seriously undervaluing Mike Leclerc... him and Nieds were the closest thing we had to a power forwards.... at this price, i thought he was a bargain... i'm more upset at that than the ruchin trade...

why not dump sykora for the same nuts?

i know you guys are upset for rucchin go for seemingly nothing, but he is a 34 ufa to next season...how much was he worth? oneill, who would have seemingly got us a good prospect or good player last season got us a conditional draft pick. runoured to be a third rounder at best. this for the guy on sundins wing this season. not that im comparing these two as much as saying....there is no value for guys right now. unless your hossa or pronger, i mean.

My condolences. It's gotta hurt, losing a guy like Rucchin....

I always thought though, that McDonald could be a decent 2nd line centre if given the chance. And Pahlsson is a decent #3 centre. What do you guys think of these lines:

Sykora Feds Selanne
Nieds McDonald Lupul
Kunitz Pahlsson Fedoruk
Gillies Konopka Moen


??

Hmmm..... good post Toe. I like McDonald at #2 centre, however I like this lineup better:


Sykora Feds Lupul
Nieds McDonald Selanne
Kunitz Pahlsson Fedoruk
Moen Getzlaf Hedstrom

I think everyone here is seriously undervaluing Mike Leclerc... him and Nieds were the closest thing we had to a power forwards.... at this price, i thought he was a bargain... i'm more upset at that than the ruchin trade...

why not dump sykora for the same nuts?
A twist on something I've said before:

In a bad season, Sykora scores 20 goals instead of 30. In a bad season, Mike Leclerc will score 2 goals and play 18 games. Sykora's a better offensive player by any measure. Now that our defense is solid our offense is our greatest pressing need.

Signing Selanne and trading Sykora is only at absolute best a lateral move. Signing Selanne, keeping Sykora and dumping Leclerc makes us a better, cheaper team. Even if Selanne only has a mediocre scoring year he's still done more than Leclerc does almost every year.

Losing Rucchin hurts us, more or less depending on his replacement. All of our centers are great faceoff men, so no loss there. We stand to suffer in two-way play and in second line offense. Maybe Getzlaf or McDonald can provide at least one of those things and rely on some kind of response-by-committee for the other thing. Or maybe the replacement will be able to do both things. You never know. We haven't seen a team without Rucchin since 1993.

wow, honestly I'm in shock right now... I didn't expect Rooch to be traded at all honestly.

However, if no one is signed to take his spot, then I think the ducks are counting on getzlaf to be in the lineup.

Toe.. Getzlaf will not be on the 4th line. Would be a waste.

I wonder if Burke informed Selanne he was gonna move Ruccin? Ruccin was the perfect center for Selanne. Even with Sakic, and Forsberg here in Colorado, he never seemed to click with them. He may have been a big reason why Teemu came back, and if he was, and Burke didn't tell him, he's probably pretty bummed right now. Just a thought.

Great trade for the Rangers.. Sad day for Duck fans

Great trade for the Rangers.. Sad day for Duck fans

sad note on that we lost a fan favorite. But happy that we get to keep Sykora.

Rooch was ripped quite a bit for missing out on alot of open nets and other situations. Great leader, great two-way player, and an all-around great guy, and while he'll be dearly missed, if Getzlaf can step in and have a good rookie year, keeping Selanne and Sykora is worth it.

Lupul-Fedorov-Selanne
Niedermayer-Getzlaf-Sykora
McDonald-Pahlsson-Hedstrom
Fedoruk-Konopka-Kunitz
Moen


I'd still say that's a very good top six, and a decent bottom six, either. It hurts to lose those pieces, but would trading a bona-fide sniper in Sykora be any better?


As for captaincy, I'm guessing Carney will get it. Fedorov, Niedermayer and Selanne will probably be Alternates.
Thats putting way to much pressure on getzlaf imo.

Thats putting way to much pressure on getzlaf imo.

Yeah. Putting a rookie as a 2nd line center and expecting him to score a lot is putting a ton of pressure on him. Heck, putting Lupul on the 1st line in his 2nd NHL season and expecting him to score a lot is putting a ton of pressure on him. I don't think Burke does that to Getzlaf. As it is, there are a lot of ifs in the top 6. They need Selanne, Sykora, and Fedorov to all return to form and Lupul to step up.

While it was obvious the Ducks were going to have to make at least 1 trade, I'll admit I was surprised it was Rucchin being traded instead of Sykora although I got the feeling Rucchin or Carney would be moved instead when they moved Leclerc. I said yesterday though that Burke was going to want to put his stamp on the team and now Carlyle can pick his captain.

Yeah. Putting a rookie as a 2nd line center and expecting him to score a lot is putting a ton of pressure on him. Heck, putting Lupul on the 1st line in his 2nd NHL season and expecting him to score a lot is putting a ton of pressure on him. I don't think Burke does that to Getzlaf. As it is, there are a lot of ifs in the top 6. They need Selanne, Sykora, and Fedorov to all return to form and Lupul to step up.

While it was obvious the Ducks were going to have to make at least 1 trade, I'll admit I was surprised it was Rucchin being traded instead of Sykora although I got the feeling Rucchin or Carney would be moved instead when they moved Leclerc. I said yesterday though that Burke was going to want to put his stamp on the team and now Carlyle can pick his captain.
Better losing rucchin than sykora, who has alot more upside at this point. I guess Rucchin doesn't have alot of value around the league due to his age, plus the cap trouble...I can live with it though.

Lupul can handle being in the top 6, I think another center is coming I just don't know who it is.

I always thought though, that McDonald could be a decent 2nd line centre if given the chance. And Pahlsson is a decent #3 centre. What do you guys think of these lines:

Sykora Feds Selanne
Nieds McDonald Lupul
Kunitz Pahlsson Fedoruk
Gillies Konopka Moen


I think that will be the worst set of centers the NHL sees on one team.

what a strange trade but there is another trade coming for a center and Getzlaf on the 2nd line is now his to lose.

...and we're stuck with AndyMac as the 2nd line C.. I'd hate to start the season with that if we're playoff-bound..

After seeing Selanne sign, I expected Rucchin to be traded to relieve some cap space. Rucchin will be a loss to the organization, however, it is interesting the PR spin that is going on.

From the Mighty Ducks press release:

“The Mighty Ducks would like to thank Steve Rucchin for his efforts and dedication over the last 10 years in Anaheim,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Burke. “We wish him the very best of luck with the New York Rangers.”

Do you remember when Selanne was traded to San Jose and he came back to play at the Pond, the Mighty Ducks gave him a video tribute. It made Selanne feel warm and fuzzy and he scored a couple of goals to beat us. Well I think they're doing the same thing for Rucchin by releasing that statement.

Hopefully Rucchin will come back after his contract is up with the Rangers, sign less, and play as a 3rd line center. I guess we will have to wait and see, but it doesn't seem Rucch is bitter about the trade.

From the L.A. Times 08/24/05:

"There's no question I knew something had to be done with the team," said Rucchin, who averaged 43 points in 10 seasons and is the team's all-time leader in games played with 616. "Guys were signing, and the salaries were moving up against the cap. By no means did it come as a surprise to me.

"No question I was excited about Teemu coming back. There was the potential of playing together with a great player and a great friend, but it didn't work out. It's unfortunate, but it's also part of the business."

"The hockey was great here," he said. "Orange County will always be home to me, and I wish the organization nothing but success."

Does anyone else just want to turn off the lights in your house, get under the covers and hide. Rucchin for crap? ***

Jerky once again you describe my feelings perfectly.

A friends of mine on myspace.com fowarded a link where it said the ducks are interested in Vincent Damphouse, he's a center and with the new cap space, any chance he maybe signed?

If we go after a vet for a center more then likely someone else is cut, who do you think would be next in line for a trade?

GOOD LUCK STEVE U WILL BE MISSED!!!!!!

Honestly, why the hell we didn't trade Salei instead of Rooch??

Selanne-Rooch would have been the perfect pairing for the 2nd line with Feds-Sykora carrying the 1st line.

This is one move I don't understand and I hate it.

Atleast he's gonna be a UFA next summer and Ducks should really go after him and bring him back.

It's obvious what Burke is doing aside from pairing the payroll he is also attempting to make the Ducks a dynamic skating club by casting off the 2 guys in the top 6 who hinder that ability. With Nieds and Ozo on the backline pushing the puck, everyone else will have to pick up their skating and Rucchin/LeClerc were incapable of that. With guys like Feds, Sykora, (assuming healthy knee) Selanne, R.Nieds, etc on the top lines we will look very Euro and fast in the process I imagine.

It's obvious what Burke is doing aside from pairing the payroll he is also attempting to make the Ducks a dynamic skating club by casting off the 2 guys in the top 6 who hinder that ability.

Fancy skating doesn't win playoffs games. Guys like Rucchin and Leclerc win playoff games from the corners and in front of the net.

Fancy skating doesn't win playoffs games. Guys like Rucchin and Leclerc win playoff games from the corners and in front of the net.

That would involve them getting to the playoffs and also getting to the playoffs healthy, neither of which I am willing to wager Sykora on.

Fancy skating doesn't win playoffs games. Guys like Rucchin and Leclerc win playoff games from the corners and in front of the net.
Playoffs are a crapshoot, but I would like some more north americans on the team.

I think when Burke gets a better handle on what he has by actually watching them play he'll adjust...he traded those two so he has flexibility to add something later.

but I am very uncomfortable with having niedermayer/mcdonald as 2nd line C's.

That would involve them getting to the playoffs and also getting to the playoffs healthy, neither of which I am willing to wager Sykora on.

Burke over spent on the defense. Did we need both Ozolinsh and Niedermayer? I would gladly do without Ozo to keep Rucchin on the team. Or Carney. Or Salei.

Burke over spent on the defense. Did we need both Ozolinsh and Niedermayer? I would gladly do without Ozo to keep Rucchin on the team. Or Carney. Or Salei.

Dealing Salei leaves us without a physical player on the blueline. I am not sure if Burke attempted to move Carney instead or not, which I would not argue with would have been better than moving Rucchin. However Rucchin probably garners more interest than Carney because his skill set is a bit different than what is available currently via the UFA market. That being said, while I liked Rucchin, I think his contributions are overrated by Ducks fans in general because he's been wearing this uniform for so long. He's basically a 40pt per year (50 on a 1st line with talent I suppose) defensive center with long term injury concerns.

while I liked Rucchin, ... He's basically a 40pt per year (50 on a 1st line with talent I suppose) defensive center with long term injury concerns.

And the alternative on the 2nd line is? A 20 point guy like McDonald?

The only injury concern I see is that he might get hit in the face with a puck again now that Teemu is back.

Burke over spent on the defense. Did we need both Ozolinsh and Niedermayer?
Yes we do. I would question wether we need Carney, Salei and Vish more so than Ozo and Nieds. This year our D might actually help produce offense, it sounds crazy but it's true. With either Ozo or Nieds on the ice for the majority of the game, it will help our offense more than you might think.

The defense is a little confusing for me. If vish is our 5th d-man he might take a step back in development which sucks after last season. However if he pairs with Ozo then we are paying our 5th d-man 2m (either carney or salei). Regardless our D is looking pretty strong.

Yes we do. I would question wether we need Carney, Salei and Vish more so than Ozo and Nieds. This year our D might actually help produce offense, it sounds crazy but it's true. With either Ozo or Nieds on the ice for the majority of the game, it will help our offense more than you might think.

The defense is a little confusing for me. If vish is our 5th d-man he might take a step back in development which sucks after last season. However if he pairs with Ozo then we are paying our 5th d-man 2m (either carney or salei). Regardless our D is looking pretty strong.

agreed. Also I share the same thoughts with you on the Vish comment. I personally would like to see him on the 2nd pairing with ozo. Fill in the blanks how ever you want.

____-Nieds
Vish-Ozo
____-popovich

And the alternative on the 2nd line is? A 20 point guy like McDonald?

The only injury concern I see is that he might get hit in the face with a puck again now that Teemu is back.

Again, if it was between Rooch and Sykora...I'm taking Sykora in this new league.

Thats putting way to much pressure on getzlaf imo.

And Philly isn't with Jeff Carter? Same with New Jersey and Parise, Buffalo with Vanek, San Jose with Michalek, etc. Hell, we've had a rook in our top six the last two years. Not the greatest examples, but in their rookie years, they did fairly good. With Sykora and Selanne, he'll do fine.