SB Nation - Kyle Calder

Many Happy Returns?

Arthur from Anaheim Calling — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:20:30 -0000

ARTHUR:

The Ducks ran into trouble last night, and Coach Carlyle immediately shifted back to his big line of Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan. Among the things he discovered: Beleskey is just as effective a banger on the second line and Calder isn't bad when you put third line expectations on him. As with all things Carlyle, the depth chart appears to be good only until the next slump, but for once this season, the players are actually responding positively to his line shuffling.

Daniel, Selanne is skating and Carter will start next week. Will it be tough to insert them in the lineup, or can we expect the team to rally around Carlyle's juggling act, just as they did last night?

DANIEL:

I don't think Carter will be as big of a problem as Selanne. Until he went down, Ryan Carter looked like a great defensive center. I honestly believed he had what it took to resurrect a true stopper line in Anaheim. In his case, I don't think the team will be greatly disturbed if Nokelainen sits and Carter plays. I also think there is space to move Nokelainen up to the third line and sit Calder, but we'll see how everything plays out. The point is, Carter is very responsible in his own end, and having him anchor the 4th line will only make us better.

The real concern is Selanne. When he comes back, where does he go? If we stick with the formula of requiring a banger on each line, then we have two options: Selanne on the top line or Sexton on the top line. I say put Selanne on the top line, because Ryan, Koivu, and Sexton have proved that they can work together. While Selanne-Koivu-Sexton sounds like a wonderfully fast and frightening line, I think they would be too much of a defensive liability to be a feasible option, even if we take into consideration Koivu's phenomenal defensive skills.

No matter what, Beleskey will be knocked out of the Top 6, and that's where I think the trouble starts. . Beleskey has earned his third line spot. If anyone should be sent to the minor leagues, it's got to be Calder. However, the X factor in all of this is the amount of Crazy Juice that Murray drinks between now and the time he has to make a decision. Ultimately, that is going to determine what kind of adjustment the team actually makes. If Murray continues to think his rookies aren't as valuable as guys who have simply played a few more games in the league, then Calder will become the Chipchura to Beleskey's Macgregor Sharp. At that point, Murray is sending the message that job security is tied to games played, not performance. And you can only expect players to rally around the lineup changes if they believe that rallying and playing well will actually keep them in the lineup.

ARTHUR:

I agree that there ARE potential missteps here. This team isn't playing so well that it can ship or sit anyone without tanking the chemistry, even if they do it to reinsert two players that were playing exceptionally well before their respective injuries.

Carlyle told the players to get their noses dirty last night and to get into the house no matter how often they were shoved or boxed out of it. You saw Perry and Ryan doing that, but you also saw Beleskey pushing his way to the crease on Sexton's goal. And I think Carlyle should fight for the players that are doing exactly what he asks of them.

I'm not saying Murray is constantly overruling Carlyle. I have no evidence of that. But I sensed a bit of quiet dissent from the coaching staff when Murray acquired Chipchura. It's not often that you hear a coach admit he knows nothing about a new acquisition, even one that split time in the AHL. I mean, this wasn't like Eminger or Brown, where the guy came from one of Carlyle's former workplaces, but you still expect that the coach was consulted or sent a scouting report when the player is just hours away from joining the team.

I think Carlyle knows what he needs out there, and he knows who's delivering it. This team should be rewarding its Sextons and Beleskeys, not acquiring identical players to keep its options open, and certainly not sending them back to the minors in favor of keeping someone like Kyle Calder.

Ducks Gameday -- Kyle Calder, top line neutralizer

Earl Sleek — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:30:14 -0000

Anaheim Ducks (14-14-7, t-12th in west) at Colorado Avalanche (21-11-6, 3rd in west), 7 pm
We're going caroling! First stops are Anaheim Calling and Mile High Hockey.

Rudy Kelly, Oct. 2008:

The Kings are putting Kyle Calder on the top line in place of Matt Moulson Friday night.

You know that scene in The Happening where the blonde chick just stares forward while she slowly inserts a knitting needle into her neck? I'm pretty sure the Kings are doing that right now.

So now that Calder has become a top-line staple for the Ducks, I suppose Anaheim has become that fellow later on in the movie who lays down in front of a lawn mower. For the last five games, Calder has been inserted with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the top line, and while it has enabled Bobby Ryan to help kickstart the Sex Offender's career on the second line, Getzlaf and Perry's even-strength results have been pretty terrible in the meantime.

In the last five games, Getzlaf and Perry are a combined -7 and have 1 even-strength point. In the five games prior to that, before Calder was anywhere near Anaheim's top line, Getzlaf and Perry were a combined +4 and had 10 even-strength points.

Nothing like a holiday cartoon to drive the point home.

I don't think the Ducks can afford to wait until Joffrey Lupul or Teemu Selanne's return from injury to get even-strength production from their top two forwards -- either Calder's going to need to step up and be useful or Coach Carlyle will have to find another fill-in. I'm still partial to trying out either Nokelainen or Beleskey personally -- both seem fundamentally sound -- and Arthur and Daniel discuss more top-line possibilities at Anaheim Calling, topic of the day, I guess.

I should stress -- it's not that Calder is useless; the game that Rudy and I went to against Chicago he could have been a legitimate third star of the game playing on a line with Todd Marchant. But that seems the key -- Calder needs to be on a line where puck possession isn't terribly important, and Getzlaf and Perry need a linemate that can better handle the fundamentals of controlled cycling.

But I can't fully complain; the Ducks still only have one regulation loss in their last eight, and team success (especially this season) allows all players a bit more leeway -- at the very least, they still are drawing top defenders away from Koivu and Ryan. That's still a contribution, and I thought they generated better chances towards the end of the last Phoenix game.

* * *

The Ducks have beaten the Avalanche in 8 of their last 9 meetings, outscoring them 30-15, with the only flaw being a 1-0 Jose Theodore shutout. Let's hope the one-sidedness continues.

Prediction: Fat Santa Calder proves me wrong and contributes. Ducks 3, Avs 2. Goals by Santa and his reindeer.

Go Ducks.

Cald-Out

Arthur from Anaheim Calling — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:29:12 -0000

DANIEL:

The Ducks have gone on a pretty impressive 4-1-1 stretch. It isn't time to get happy or think playoffs, but it is time for the Ducks to make sure they have their lines worked out to keep the wins coming.

The Ducks top line, which was carrying the offensive load for long stretches (see Perry's 19 game point streak) has started to cool down in 5-on-5 play. In recent games, the vast majority of scoring done by Getzlaf and Perry has been done on the power play, and while scoring chances haven't dried up completely, the lack of production should be a concern. Additionally, Getzlaf, Perry, and Calder are -3, -4, and -3 respectively in their last 5 games.

It's not a far leap to say that the top line has greatly deteriorated since Calder took over for Lupul. However, as the Ducks other three line begin to solidify in play and chemistry, the options for shaking up the top line seem to be dwindling. Arthur, do the Ducks tough it out with Calder, or is it time to explore other options either through trade or within the organization?

ARTHUR:

Well, first, I should say that if someone scoring on the power play is a problem, we should've gotten rid of Teemu during the 2005-06 season. And second, I think it's dangerous to characterize this line in terms of +/- when they're playing against top lines, something that Kyle Calder probably has the most experience doing. By that criterion, Getzlaf is probably the weak link. I wouldn't call it 'toughing it out,' but if the question is can Kyle Calder learn to cycle the puck effectively enough to play as a passenger with Getzlaf and Perry, then yes, he can.

J.P. Hoornstra had a good article today about whether or not the Ducks have become a 'fastbreak' team. And I think they have; the success of Dan Sexton speaks to that. Despite their dumping and grinding of late, this team is creating its opportunities with speed. In that sense, the top line has become a last bastion of the old Ducks, the Big, Bad Ducks, who thrived on the cycle and the swarm. It seems strange to say it, but the top line, which plays against the opposing top line and dumps and grinds the puck into the corners, is morphing into the team's new shutdown line. And that's not bad hockey. If they can learn to get the other team's top players off the ice tired, then the other lines can open up the game without fear of being beat in transition.

That doesn't mean the top line won't score. They've always cycled the puck, and they can certainly score while doing it, even against more dangerous competition. But we can't expect the same offensive production, especially when they are learning to be defensively conscious of the opposing line. We certainly can't expect that putting someone more offensively skilled in place of Calder will turn them into plus players against the best lines in the NHL.

We can probably put a better checker in place of Calder to create some marginal improvement, but nothing we do, including putting Lupul or Selanne on the top line is guaranteed to turn Marleau-Thornton-Heatley into minus players.

DANIEL:

I see the transition in offense and I also see how the top line isn't built for that style. However, I think there is a great concern in terms of how the top line is producing in even strength situations. I know that Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan were an effective stopper line last year.

ARTHUR:

I don't think they were any more effective than this trio. I mean, if you factor in the Detroit series, where Marchant spent most of his time with Datsyuk's line, then Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan were 18 P, 14 P and 7 P, +3, +2 and Even respectively. That seems just as much of a defensive liability as this -3, -4, -3 group, and that first trio had Chris Pronger. Maybe Ryan could re-create their OFFENSIVE dominance, but that's where he played to open the season and he was snakebit.

DANIEL:

Well, I think that's what we're losing. We're losing the possibility for this line to score enough to make up for the defensive liability. The fact is, the Ducks top line is only effective when it has control of the puck. It's not like the original stopper line that was just as effective in the defensive zone as it was in the offensive zone. Once the puck gets turned over the top line usually relies on the D to generate the turnover or for a clutch save. I'm not saying they are completely irresponsible in their own end, or that they are ever shy to go into the corners, rather they just aren't as good at waiting out the opposition and denying quality chances. The only value of putting the top line against other teams' top lines is the hope that Getzlaf and Perry will find a way to spend more time in the other team's zone than their own, as you've already said.

I know that they are still getting it done on the power play, and no one will say that's a waste, nor did I mean to imply that. I'm just saying that if this line isn't being productive at even strength, chances are, they are not fulfilling their stopper role appropriately.

On that note, I DO think it's time to explore other options. Maybe it's my imagination, but I just don't think Calder is contributing to the chemistry of the line. We've had a lot of success with our prospects this year, so far, and it might be time to go back to the well. I know Logan MacMillan needs a chance at the NHL level before we give up on him, and he could certainly play defensive hockey on that line. But if we don't do something, then our top line's even strength play is going to be a problem against the great lines in the league, not unless Calder shows the improvement that you think he will.

Retreat! Retreat! Ducks Beat Canucks 3-2

Sean Zandberg — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:50:35 -0000

That was a tough game to watch. Do the Canucks fear the Ducks? It's hard to say. Anaheim skated circles around Vancouver for most of the night, including out-shooting an entranced Nucks 13-2 in the first period. Had it not been for the play of Roberto Luongo the Ducks would have buried the Canucks 7-2 all over again.

Vancouver couldn't establish much of a forecheck for the first half of the game. They lost battles for the puck at both ends of the ice over and over again. They turned the puck over continually. Way too many odd-man rushes against. When Vancouver finally established some pressure in the Ducks' zone and generated quality chances, especially in the 3rd, Jonas Hiller stoned them. By then not only was it too late, but they hardly deserved to be in the game, period.

The Ducks' new red-hot second line scored 5 points. Sexton-Koivu-Calder (?). That dirty little Fin scores the winning goal with under 5:00 to play in the 3rd period. A power play goal. Kevin Bieksa, who I thought was atrocious tonight, was sitting in the box for that one. Actually, I am not sure if words can describe my disdain for Bieksa.

I tip my hat to Luongo's performance, and I also feel bad for him. No help from his mates tonight. Terrible outcome.

A blown chance. A fail. Right there, you want to get it to overtime to at least get that point....

Something tells me the Ducks are going to start rolling now. That is too good a team to be rotting in the Western basement.

BOXSCORE

HIGHLIGHTS

Coach Vigneault post game (video)

MY 3 STARS:

1. Roberto Luongo

2. Jonas Hiller

3. Saku "I hate you" Koivu

Game 32 Preview: Ducks in Columbus

Mike MacLean — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:59:05 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

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Sure, it sucked losing to the Preds, again. Tonight however the Ducks come to town. They are not playing to their level whatsoever, and the Jackets need to take advantage of that. That being said, so far this season the Jackets have failed for the most part in capitalizing on other team's woes. The Ducks always play the Jackets tough, so it will no doubt be a rough, physical affair.

The Jackets see the return of Freddy tonight, this will be his first game of the season. I am excited to see what he and Sammy can do together. Their chemistry on the international scene will hopefully translate to the Jackets. Murr-dog will sit tonight. There aren't any other major lineup changes from the last few games. Mase will get the start against Hiller.

Here's hoping that Nasher can keep putting the puck in the net, it was so good to see him score last game and he needs to continue to do that. If his line can produce, it will allow the other lines to get things going without having to face top checkers. I wouldn't put it past Boller to have a go with either Brown or Parros tonight, regardless of the coach's putting the leash on him.

Should be a good one!

Fearless Prediction: The Ducks aren't playing very well, the Jackets get a much-needed win. Will be a very physical game. Modin and Pahlsson show instant chemistry.

Game Time: 7:00pm ET

Opponent's Blog: Anaheim Calling

Game Page: Ducks vs Blue Jackets Coverage

TSN Preview: Ducks vs Blue Jackets Preview

TV: FSN Ohio

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump...

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Hitchcock, tongue in cheek, on Anaheim C Ryan Getzlaf: "I think we've done really well against Getzlaf. We've only allowed him five points in two games. We have to keep up that pace. If we keep it up, we'll only allow him 20 points."

Jackets Links:

Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Kristian Huselius	Antoine Vermette	Rick Nash
Jason Chimera	R.J. Umberger	Jakub Voracek
Fredrik Modin	Samuel Pahlsson	Jared Boll
Raffi Torres	Derick Brassard	Derek Dorsett

Fedor Tyutin	Anton Stralman
Mike Commodore	Jan Hejda
Kris Russell	Marc Methot

Mathieu Garon

Steve Mason

EXTRA: Michael Blunden, Mathieu Roy, Andrew Murray

INJURED: Rostislav Klesla

Anaheim Ducks

Kyle Calder	Ryan Getzlaf	Corey Perry
Bobby Ryan	Saku Koivu	Dan Sexton
Matt Beleskey	Todd Marchant	Petteri Nokelainen
Mike Brown	Kyle Chipchura	George Parros

Scott Niedermayer	Brett Festerling
Ryan Whitney	Nick Boynton
James Wisniewski	Sheldon Brookbank

Jonas Hiller

J.S. Giguere

Chipping In

Arthur from Anaheim Calling — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:39:11 -0000

Chipchura scores. No, seriously.

DANIEL:

This is Anaheim Calling to the hockey world. Well Arthur, it looks like I was right, although in a sad technicality sort of way. Bob Murray decided he needed to make a move now in order to improve his club and acquired the "heart and soul player" that is Kyle Chipchura.

We will, of course, take a second to admire the awesomeness of Chipchura's name, and I personally hope that he skates around the ice saying his name like a Pokémon.

All jokes aside, Chipchura has a little size and is supposed to be a defensive forward. But after a 4-2-1 homestand that ended with two losses to division opponents, will Chipchura have any observable effect on the Ducks turning their game around, or is this just a sign that we'll be moving more impressive assets later and filling in with unwanted former First Rounders?

ARTHUR:

I want to say that this forecasts a Marchant trade, because Sharp has played so well in the circle and because I've been clamoring for a size upgrade on the third line. But at the end of the day, this feels like a roster shakeup that boils down to Murray being uncomfortable with the NHL GP stat on his roster. He'd rather have a guy who's played (regardless of how well he's played), rather than cast his lot with a Sbisa or a Beleskey.

Two seasons ago, Chipchura was a 12-minute guy, and if Nokelainen picks up Marchant's PK minutes or if we promote a healthy Ryan Carter to the third line, then this could still spell the end of Todd Marchant. But Chipchura just doesn't feel like the player that can make the front office more comfortable with that move, unless, as I said, they're feeling really good about Nokelainen or Carter.

For now, I think he'll come in, play for Beleskey and the Ducks will wait a few games to see what they have. This isn't a move that seems to replace anyone on the team, however. Not anyone but Beleskey or Sharp, who haven't exactly struggled in their limited roles.

DANIEL:

If Matt Beleskey hadn't just had his best game of the season I'd say that Chipchura could make an immediate impact the way Kyle Calder had, meaning he can stand in front of the net and get lucky a couple of times. I agree that this signals the end for somebody. The homestand did not end on a positive note and, now we will be away from the Ponda Center for the next 21 of 30.

I think the most telling part of this trade is how difficult this question is to answer. Chipchura gives no indication that he will be an impact player. However, the fact that he has some size, something we need, and more experience than the likes of Beleskey and Sharp gives the impression that Murray is trying to do something to keep us playing well and get us into the playoffs. Murray is engaging in a massive misdirection campaign and has been since last year's trade deadline.

I've already said that Murray has been simply acquiring a variety of players and then asking Carlyle to make them fit into his system rather than making smart pick-ups and getting players that can make smooth transitions to Carlyle's system. In the end, Chipchura is another weak attempt by Murray to fill holes that he himself created with his mini fire sale at the deadline last year. As a result, our young players aren't getting the NHL experience they've earned through hard play, and our veterans are going to be sold off for younger players that other organizations have given up on.

Ducks Acquire Kyle Chipchura

Daniel AC — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:12:35 -0000

More photos » by John Ulan - AP

2 months ago: Edmonton Oilers' Steve Staios, top, and Gilbert Brule, bottom, defend against Montreal Canadiens' Kyle Chipchura during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Edmonton on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Ulan)

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DANIEL:

Bob Murray continued his inexplicable obsession with former first round picks who nobody else seems to want. The Canadian Press is reporting that the Ducks picked up Canadiens center Kyle Chipchura for a 4th round pick in 2011. Chipchura, besides having a pretty awesome name, has zero points in 19 games this season, and only 4 goals and 14 points in 68 NHL games. To be fair, Chipchura is considered a bottom 6 forward who will be good on the PK. Chipchura was selected 18th overall by the Canadiens in the 2004 draft. The guys at Hockey's future seem to think his main assets are his size, 6'2" 205 lbs. and his ability to be good, but not great at a little bit of everything. You can read his player profile from the last time they examined Montreal's prospects here. This is probably a move to either make Artyukhin expendable, or cover for the loss of Calder. We'll get a better idea of what Chipchura's role will be when the Ducks play the Stars on Thursday.

Restraint Of Trade

Arthur from Anaheim Calling — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:27:35 -0000

ARTHUR:

The Pond hosted 15 of the league's pro scouts at the start of the Ducks' seven game homestand, a contingent that caused LA Times writer Helene Elliott to predict a vastly revamped roster before the team left for Dallas this week. Yet, one game before their departure, the roster remains the same, or at least, unaffected by trade.

Daniel, it's tough to get a deal done in November, but assuming a trade fell through or Murray's finger eased off the trigger, do you think the Ducks GM should still spend the month of December trying to make a move?

DANIEL:

Yes, I think the Ducks need to make a move in December in order to completely right the ship and start thinking about the playoffs. A quick glance at the standings places the Ducks at 13th in the conference, but only 7 points out of 8th. That's only 4 wins. Yes, there are a few teams still to jump, but if we've endured our worst stretch of the season, some of those teams haven't seen theirs yet, and therefore, can be overtaken in the standings.

I think the game last night exposed the Ducks two key needs: secondary scoring and a solid defensive defenseman. I've really enjoyed the dynamic play of The Incredibles, but that line just isn't producing. After some 7 games together, the trio has generated just one goal. Selanne's numbers are inflated from power play scoring. Maybe Lupul solves this problem by providing a dangerous third line with March and Noks, so a trade might not be necessary for scoring.

However, last night the Ducks gave up a rebound goal and then Boynton deflected in the game winner. The Ducks don't have a legitimate shut down defender. Sadly, there aren't a lot of options out there. If he was healthy and the Coyotes weren't playing so well, I think my top choice would be the very affordable Kurt Sauer. Otherwise, reports have surfaced that the Canes are shopping Aaron Ward. Ward has been known to be a little injury prone, but a change of scenery could improve his play, and he'll come at a lower price. Also the Islanders have been given the go-ahead to add talent, so maybe we could get Brendan Witt for a veteran forward like Marchant or swing a bigger deal involving Lupul.

Although I think the real rewards can be reaped in Washington. The impending raises due for the likes of Semin, Fleischmann, and Backstrom this summer, and Varlamov the summer after that means that paying Pothier, Poti, and Greene will be almost impossible. In that case, maybe a swap involving Wisniewski for Poti or Pothier might actually help both clubs. No matter what, one of these two needs has to be addressed soon if the Ducks want to compete this year. Otherwise, let's start examining picks 10-15, because we'll only be good enough to miss the playoffs.

ARTHUR:

You know, with long term injuries to Ryan Carter, Joffrey Lupul and now Kyle Calder, I don't know if December is the time for Anaheim to be shipping off healthy bodies. Yes, we would be getting healthy bodies in return, but that definitely takes us into a 'devil we don't know' discussion. I don't know if Murray is as comfortable losing Marchant today as he was two weeks ago, and with two rookies in the Bottom 6, maybe he shouldn't be.

That doesn't mean that I think the Ducks GM is, or should be, content with the way his team played on this homestand. They took three potential wins to overtime and have definitely shown flashes of the same checkered effort and affinity for implosion that dropped this squad to the dregs of the Western Conference in the first place. This is a team that can still benefit from the infusion of new blood, or even just the extraction of one of their own. Until there's a consistent 60-minute effort on the ice, no one should be safe.

But maybe Murray can get through this long December on the road without pulling the trigger. That would give Carter and Lupul some time to heal, maybe give Jiggy and Hiller some more time to pose for the scouts, but most of all, it would put Murray back in the driver's seat for trade negotiations. Two weeks ago, the scouts attended a feeding frenzy, but the closer we get to March, the more Murray is just fishing.

Calder Out, Beleskey In

Arthur from Anaheim Calling — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:48:01 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

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THE TELETYPE:
Kyle Calder will be out two to four weeks with an eye injury incurred during practice, and the Ducks have called up Matt Beleskey from Toronto to take his place in the lineup.

After injuries on their last road trip, Beleskey was unavailable due to flu like symptoms, while Calder was unavailable while Bakersfield played a series in Alaska. Since then, Beleskey was moved to the Toronto Marlies, and the Ducks made an additional call up from Bakersfield in MacGregor Sharp.

Out Of The Loop

Arthur from Anaheim Calling — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:04:30 -0000

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ARTHUR:

Anaheim calling to the hockey world...Happy Thanksgiving!

For the first time this season the Ducks showed serious scoring potential with pretty goals from their second and third lines. The new second line combination, temporarily dubbed The Incredibles, stretched the ice for the insurance marker after the third line cycled the puck in the slot for the go-ahead goal.

Carlyle seems to have found the stable line combinations he'd been looking for, with only the noticeable absence of Ryan Carter. Daniel, in the last two games, have the Ducks proven that they don't need Joffrey Lupul to create three scoring lines? Or worse, that they need to scratch Joffrey Lupul to create three scoring lines?

DANIEL:

I know I'm the one who advocates trading Lupul for a stay-at-home defender, but there isn't a stripper on the planet who can convince me that Kyle Calder is a better option than Joffrey Lupul. When I look at the goal from last night's game, I can't help but think that the third line got a little lucky. Calder slides a backhanded pass to a decently covered Nokelainen, and he takes a two-handed slap at the puck which finds the open net on Legace's blocker side. I know you need someone who's good along the boards to complete a line, see Artyukhin's work with the Wonder Finns, but Calder has looked like a bit of a mess at times. Getting lucky on a bad play doesn't mean he's going to provide better scoring than Lupul. Not to mention that Lupul has been better on the defensive side of the puck lately. I still think that Calder offers little more than a screen in front of the net, marginal passing skills aside.

All of that is me not even taking into consideration that we pay Lupul 4.25 million for an additional 3 seasons. That means if we can't move him for the defense we need in order to win this season, we'll need him to provide us with scoring next season. I talk about moving Lupul a lot, but that's because he is a quality asset, one that Murray was wrong to acquire. Lupul is a finisher, and he'll bring that element to the third line. However, Lupul is also a bona fide Top 6 talent who can give you 30 goals a season if you let him shoot the puck and skate with play makers. He can't create his own offense, but the kid can finish. Problem is, we have too many finishers and Lupul isn't getting his shots. I like Lupul as a player, he just hasn't fit in during his return stint. It's hard not to like a guy who improves on almost everything that was deficient in his game when he was first on the team. Lupul has done everything that's been asked of him, except gel with Teemu and Koivu. But in the end, he has to play, either to keep him happy and dedicated for next year, or to make sure we get good value for him in a trade.

ARTHUR:

Lupul is Selanne's heir apparent and could prove pivotal in the transition to the post-Finnish Flash era, but if the question is 'does he fit into THIS lineup, today,' then the answer is 'no.' He can't play on the second line. Artyukhin, who often doesn't know where he should be on a given play, has proven more effective in just a handful of shifts. And Lupul can't play on the first line because that would mean bumping Bobby down to the third, a level of desperation I doubt that contract negotiations have reached . . . yet.

So, in our Nintendo Ice Hockey line-building, that leaves us with the question of whether or not we can put the skinny guy on a line with two medium-sized guys. Unfortunately, between the two medium-sized guys in question, neither can keep the play alive reliably. And I know you like to minimize the value of a guy who can play the boards and keep the puck in the offensive zone, but Lupul has already proved that, like Selanne, he needs a long attack sequence to be effective. He needs to be given an actual PLAY in order to finish it. And I don't think it's fair to Lupul that we set him up to fail in yet another line combination.

I think that takes us back to a trade discussion of Todd Marchant. Nokelainen may be ready to take over at center, or maybe we can get a bigger pivot in there, but with a very minor trade, we can find someone that properly complements Lupul on the third line-- maybe someone with the size to defend a Jarome Iginla (sorry, Todd, but we all miss Sammy). Until then, Lupul will have to struggle, and maybe learn to create his own offense from the Bottom 6.

SB Nation - Kyle Calder

Many Happy Returns?

Ducks Gameday -- Kyle Calder, top line neutralizer

Cald-Out

Retreat! Retreat! Ducks Beat Canucks 3-2

Game 32 Preview: Ducks in Columbus

Chipping In

Ducks Acquire Kyle Chipchura

Restraint Of Trade

***Calder Out, Beleskey In***

Out Of The Loop

Calder Out, Beleskey In