Veteran defenceman Dmitry Kulikov is being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Anaheim Ducks for forward Brock McGinn and a third-round draft pick, according to Sportsnet's Jeff Marek.
Anaheim will retain part of Kulikov's salary.
Kulikov, 32, brings experience and a defensive mindset to the Penguins but not much offence. In 61 games this season, he has three goals and 12 assists for 15 points to go along with 86 hits. Over his career, Kulikov had 45 goals and 168 assists for 213 points in 866 games with the Panthers, Sabres, Jets, Oilers, Devils, Wild and Ducks.
Kulikov provides a solid defensive presence on the blue line. Kulikov is Anaheim's leader in blocked shots and shorthanded ice time per game, and he isn't shy about getting physical. Kulikov logs more than 20 minutes a night, and will be a depth player for the playoffs.
Kulikov is a 14-year veteran who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. His 2022-23 salary cap hit is $2.25 million. The Russian had an eight-team no-trade list as part of his contract.
McGinn cleared waivers earlier this week and was re-assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.
The 29-year-old McGinn had 10 goals and six assists in 60 games with the Penguins this season.
The Carolina Hurricanes selected the Guelph Storm product in the second round (47th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
McGinn has 73 goals and 71 assists for 144 points in 469 career games for the Hurricanes and Penguins.
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