The Anaheim Ducks have traded forward Ryan Lasch and a seventh round 2014 draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in return for center David Steckel.

David Steckel

Center / Anaheim Ducks

Height: 6-5

Weight: 217

Born: Mar 15, 1982

According to Ducks GM Bob Murray, Steckel was acquired for his large frame and his faceoff skills (currently at 46.9%, last season he was 58.6%). He carries a cap hit of $1.1M and is in the final year of his contract. Only concern, health wise, is his repaired MCL. My guess is Nick Bonino is going to be out for a while and they needed someone to fill the void.

Lasch, an Orange County native, did not make the big club out of camp. He was shipped back and forth between the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL and the Ft. Wayne Kommets of the ECHL until requesting release to re-join is former team Vaxjo in the Swedish Elite League.

Side note, I was scared about the trade pipeline to Toronto being re-opened after Burkie was axed. This made me feel better:

#NHLDucks GM Bob Murray says C David Steckel comes "highly recommended" by Coach Bruce Boudreau, who had Steckel in Washington.

— Dan Wood (@Duckscolorman) March 15, 2013

UPDATE:

Patrick Maroon to Norfolk (AHL) a pretty good indication #NHLDucks expect to have newly acquired C David Steckel in lineup tomorrow vs. StL.

— Dan Wood (@Duckscolorman) March 15, 2013