Thrashers Acquire Schneider from Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have finally shed themselves of Mathieu Schneider's contract and dropped below the salary cap. On Friday, the Ducks traded Schneider to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Ken Klee and left wings Brad Larsen and Chad Painchaud. Schneider had become expendable to the Ducks over the last month, as the team wanted to trim salary in order to resign Teemu Selanne. Schneider was placed on waivers last week after the Ducks found no takers via trade. After clearing waivers, the Ducks were able to find a trade partner in the Thrashers. Ever since Schneider went on the trade block, the Los Angeles Kings were rumored to be interested in him. The St. Louis Blues also popped up in recent days as the rumored destination for the blueline after the injury to Erik Johnson. In 65 games last season with the Ducks, Schneider scored 12 goals and added 27 assists for 39 points. Klee scored one goal and added nine assists for 10 points in 72 games with the Thrashers, while Larsen scored one goal and added three assists for four points in 62 games with the Thrashers. Painchaud has no NHL experience thus far. The addition of Schneider is a good one for the Thrashers, as they were in need of an offensive defenseman and veteran experience. Klee gives the Ducks a solid, defensive blueline, while Larsen gives the team another physical forward. With the departure of Schneider, the Ducks are now below the salary cap. The addition of Klee, Larsen, and Painchaud's salaries equal $2.5 million. With $2.5-3 million to spare, the Ducks may have to make another trade to comfortably fit Selanne into their salary.