Shea Theodore has the routine down. He gets word from Ducks General Manager Bob Murray or a hockey operations staffer and gets into his GMC Yukon for the drive to San Diego.
Or back to Anaheim.
From Jan.1 to Feb. 2, Theodore was reassigned to the minor league San Diego Gulls and called back seven times, including four times in five days. The 21-year-old defenseman did the same dance numerous times in October and November, largely because the Ducks needed to become salary-cap compliant.
If Theodore knows he’s coming right back to Anaheim, he’ll just go to the Del Mar residence he shares with teammates and plug in a playlist for the ride.