Ducks sign SHL MVP Kodie Curran

The Anaheim Ducks bolstered their blue line by signing reigning Swedish Hockey League MVP Kodie Curran to a two-year contact. The deal has an AAV of $1 million, per Cap Friendly.

The 30-year-old played the last two seasons with Rogle BK in the SHL, winning MVP and defenseman of the year in 2019-20. Curran led all blueliners with 49 points last year.

Curran is originally from Calgary, Canada, he played in North America through the 2015-16 season, before making the jump overseas.

This is a depth signing for the Ducks, who will be up against the salary cap ceiling. With a depleted defense, Curran could be decent third-pairing option as the franchise focuses on a rebuild. Anaheim has focused on adding to its back-end since the coronavirus pandemic shut the season down in mid-March. The Curran transaction is the ninth involving a defenseman since the hiatus began.

We know the Ducks’ 2019-20 regular season is done, since the team will not be participating in the NHL’s approved 24-team return-to-play format.

The next big event on Anaheim’s calendar is the NHL Draft Lottery, which is scheduled to take place on June 26. The Ducks will have the fifth-best chances to win the lottery at 8.5%.

Do you think Curran has a shot to be in the top-six next season? Or do you think he will end up starting the season in the AHL?