The Minnesota Wild took steps to add more depth to their
defense corps by acquiring veteran blueliner Marc-Andre Bergeron from the
Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a third round pick in the 2008 entry draft.
Bergeron has terrific offensive skills, a smooth skater with
a tremendous slapshot that ranks amongst the hardest in the league. However,
his defensive skills are average at best and tend to leave something to be
desired.
The Wild are Bergeron’s fourth team in two seasons. He was
dealt to the New York Islanders mid-way through the 2006-07 season. After
clashing at times with the Isles coaching staff Bergeron was dealt to the
Anaheim Ducks at the 2008 trade deadline but saw limited regular season action
with the Ducks and no playoff time.
Bergeron’s offensive skills will make him a welcome addition
to the Wild’s powerplay but it’ll be interesting to see how he responds to the
demands of head coach Jacques Lemaire, who preaches a defense-first style.
Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke has added yet another significant defenseman to his already deep blueline corps, acquiring Marc-Andre Bergeron from the New York Islanders for a third round pick.
Bergeron had butted heads a couple of times this season with the Islanders coaching staff, leading to speculation he could be moved by today.
The Ducks already have a scary-deep defense in Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Mathieu Schneider, Francois Beachemin and Sean O’Donnell. Bergeron adds another offensive piece to the Ducks blueline, with his heavy shot from the blueline.
Bergeron’s defensive skills can be considered average at best, but if paired with a seasoned all-around defenseman on the Ducks defense corps (take your pick) he should make a terrific fit, particularly on the power play.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
