NHL Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim Ducks Should Consider Trading Emerson Etem

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By @powerplaywithcj

Emerson Etem

Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports

When the Anaheim Ducks selected Long Beach, Cafli. native Emerson Etem in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft they envisioned an almost dreamlike scenario. The Ducks saw a future involving the Southern California native flying down the ice, bringing goals and glory to his hometown team. Four and half years later the Ducks have one of the best teams in hockey and Stanley Cup glory is realistic, however Etem has had little factor on the Ducks’ success. It might be time for the two parties to part ways for both of their benefit.

Etem has played in all 17 of the Ducks’ games this season, recording a single goal and often times seeing fourth-line minutes. Due to the team’s wave of injuries including all-world winger Corey Perry, Etem has played on the top line lately, but he has been unable to contribute offensively like the team wants him to. When the team starts getting healthy a ticket the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals could be coming for Etem, which no doubt stings for such a highly-touted player.

With the team needing to solidify a few other positions and Etem having shown amazing flashes in the past in junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers and in the AHL with the Admirals, he could be sought after. Teams looking for a 22-year-old reclamation project that have veteran players Anaheim covets would be wise to swing a deal for the speedy Etem.

I strongly believe Etem has the skills and the work ethic to not only play in the NHL full time, but also contribute regularly. Having said that, with Anaheim having aspirations of winning the Stanley Cup and therefore not having the time to wait for his development, it likely won’t happen in Orange County.

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