The Ducks have traded defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2025 second-round draft pick and prospect winger Herman Träff, both teams announced Thursday, a day before the NHL’s trade deadline.
The Ducks retained 50% of Dumoulin’s remaining salary for the season (he made $3.15 million against the cap this season) in the deal. The second-round pick they acquired will be the higher between that of the Edmonton Oilers or Winnipeg Jets, per the conditions of the swap.
Dumoulin, 33, was acquired over the summer from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a fourth-rounder. Not only did he reward the Ducks with a deadline flip for a profit, but he delivered sound play and veteran leadership across 61 games as a Duck. He was largely moved for circumstantial reasons: his expiring contract, his value at the trade deadline when defensemen tend to command a premium and a trio of talented young players on the left side of the Ducks’ blue line (Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger).
“Brian was good for us both on and off the ice, and we wish him well in New Jersey,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a statement. “This wasn’t an easy decision for us. We do feel this allows more opportunity for our young defensemen, who have proven they can play and succeed at the NHL level.”
Träff was originally a third-round selection of New Jersey in the draft this past summer. He’s only 19 but already has NHL size, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing well over 200 pounds. He’s also fleet of foot with a reputation as an intense forechecker, qualities that could elevate his game even if his offense doesn’t materialize.
