Ducks Acquire Beauchemin from Maple Leafs for Lupul, Gardiner

The Anaheim Ducks announced on Wednesday that they have acquired defenseman Francois Beauchemin from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for right wing Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Jake Gardiner, and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. Beauchemin has one more season left on his current contract, while Lupul still has two more years on his current deal. In 54 games so far this season, Beachemin has two goals and 10 assists for 12 points, while Lupul has five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 26 games. He missed 28 games earlier this season after having back surgery last April. In 30 games with the University of Wisconsin this season, Gardiner has seven goals and 23 assists for 30 points. This move works for both teams, as it addresses needs for both Anaheim and Toronto. Beachemin has good size, can log lots of minutes, and can play a physical game. He will bring lots of defensive experience to the team, where he previously played from 2005 to 2009. Lupul brings some much needed offensive and goal scoring experience to the Maple Leafs' roster. However, he has battled inconsistency and injury issues over the past couple of seasons, so Lupul could be a risky acquisition if he cannot stay healthy or improve his offensive game. Gardiner, though, is the prize for Toronto in this trade. He has lots of offensive talent, skates well, and has lots of upside on the blueline. Look for him to battle for a roster spot at training camp this September.