We knew it was just a matter of time before one of the Ducks was shipping out with Scott Niedermayer announcing his return but few expected it would be speedy centerman, Andy McDonald. McDonald posted 78 points last year and was integral to Anaheim’s Stanley Cup run. However, the 30-year old has only 16 points (4-12-16) so far this season, hit hard by the absence of linemate Teemu Selanne and Niedermayer. Fast players need others with speed to play alongside and although Todd Bertuzzi has the talent, he’s no Finnish Flash.

McDonald was in the middle of a 3-year, $10m contract.

In return, the Ducks receive veteran forward Doug Weight, who has 11 points in 29 games this season. Weight is to receive $3.5m this season but is a UFA next year. The Ducks have the cap space for Niedermayer to return this year so this move is to free up salary cap space in order to re-sign RFA Corey Perry as well. The Ducks also receive prospect Michal Birner and a seventh round pick in the 2008 entry draft.

McDonald is the one who benefits most from this trade as he may regain some of his scoring form with new teammates in St. Louis, especially if he plays with equally speedy Paul Kariya. I wouldn’t expect much from 39-year old Weight, as this is probably one of his last seasons in the NHL.

This also ensures that Brian Burke retains the deepest blueline in the NHL, featuring Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Matthieu Schnieder, Francois Beauchemin and Sean O’Donnell. That is a lot of firepower on the back end. With Niedermayer’s return, expect Schnieder to move to the second unit power play, although we did see a three-defenseman setup last year as well.