The arrival of Jiri Sekac before the trade deadline served notice to the rest of the Ducks roster.
After spending half the season as one of the heaviest-hitting teams in the league, Ducks Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray acquired a player more known for his speed – and playmaking ability – than a physical presence. Gone was Devante Smith-Pelly, a key part of the previous year’s playoff run, for the speedy Sekac.
“We felt we needed to get a little faster, and a little more skill in our lineup,” Murray said after the trade.