Ducks assign 11 players to San Diego Gulls training camp

Over the last two days, the Anaheim Ducks have reassigned 11 players to the San Diego Gulls, who began their training camp today at Great Park Ice in Irvine.

Among those reassigned are center Chase De Leo and Andrew Poturalski, who cleared waivers on Saturday. The six other players who cleared waivers — David Backes, Andrew Agozzino, Sam Carrick, Vinni Lettieri, Andy Welinski and Anthony Stolarz — have not yet been re-assigned to either the Gulls or the Ducks’ taxi squad. Backes is expected to make the opening night roster for the Ducks, being put on waivers as a cap management move.

These are all of the players reassigned by the Ducks today:

Forwards

Benoit-Olivier Groulx
Jack Kopacka
Antoine Morand
Jacob Perreault
Brayden Tracey
Chase De Leo
Andrew Poturalski

Defenders

Simon Benoit
Jamie Drysdale
Josh Mahura

Goaltenders

Lukas Dostal

It seemed like a bit of a long shot, but 2020 first-round pick Jamie Drysdale will not be making the Ducks’ opening night roster. His OHL rights are held by the Erie Otters, but until the OHL seasons return (the last expected start date was February 4, 2021, but it has since been indefinitely delayed), Drysdale doesn’t have to return to his juniors team. Instead, he’ll get to join the Gulls in the AHL for the start of their season. This will apply to Perreault (Sarnia Sting, OHL) and Tracey (Victoria Royals, WHL), as well.

Also of note, goaltender Lukas Dostal will be making his North American debut with the Gulls. Anthony Stolarz is expected to be named to the Ducks’ taxi squad as a third-string behind Ryan Miller.

Opening Night rosters are due by tomorrow at 5 p.m. Eastern.