Canucks Acquire McIver from Ducks

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Wednesday that they have acquired defenseman Nathan McIver from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for right wing Mike Brown. This is the second trade for the Ducks in the last two days, having acquired defenseman Sheldon Brookbank from the Devils late Tuesday night. In 18 games so far this season, McIver has one assists and 36 penalty minutes. McIver, who was claimed off waivers by the Ducks this past October, will be assigned to the Canucks AHL affiliate in Manitoba. Brown, who has played in 20 games so far this season, has one assist and 85 penalty minutes. This is kind of a puzzling trade for the Ducks to make, as McIver has way more potential than recent acquisition Sheldon Brookbank. Brown gives the Ducks more toughness on offense and gain a third enforcer back to the team since trading Brad May to Toronto. With George Parros and Travis Moen already holding enforcer roles with the team, it make little sense for the Ducks to acquire a third enforcer when they need to boost their offense with a scoring forward. However, Moen is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and by acquiring Brown, the Ducks' management may be showing that they have no intention of resigning Moen. As for McIver, he brings plenty of defensive potential and toughness to the Canucks blueline. He could get a chance at a roster spot next season if the Canucks fail to resign Mattias Ohlund or Rob Davison this summer, as both are unrestricted free agents in July.