Eddie Lack kicked off what was a series goaltending trades on Day 2 of the NHL Draft.
After acquiring Lack from the Vancouver Canucks Saturday morning, the Carolina Hurricanes dealt goaltender Anton Khudobin to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenceman James Wisniewski.
“James is a veteran defenceman who has proven his ability to produce offensively,” Carolina GM Ron Francis said in a statement. “He has a big, right-handed shot, and he will be an important part of our blueline and power play moving forward.”
The 29-year-old Khudobin has one season remaining on a two-year, $4.5-million deal that carries a $2.25-million salary cap hit, making him the highest-paid goalie on the Ducks’ roster.
In 2014-15, he posted a 8-17-6 record, with a 2.72 goal-against average and .900 save percentage.
With the Ducks holding three NHL netminders — Khudobin, John Gibson, Frederik Andersen — some speculated that Anaheim will make another goaltending trade this off-season, though general manager Bob Murray denied that was the plan.
“This was done to make sure we were stable,” Murray told the NHL Network. “This was not done to trade anybody.”
Wisniewski was acquired by Anaheim at the trade deadline but was not used during the Ducks’ playoff run.
An offensive-minded blueliner, the 31-year-old Wisniewski scored eight goals and 26 assists in 69 games this season.
The move helps Anaheim’s cap situation as Wisniewski carries a $5.5-million hit through 2016-17.
