So much for the Anaheim Ducks merely making Patrick Eaves a rental.
The NHL’s free agent pool got that much shallower on Friday as the Ducks announced a three-year deal for Eaves (during the 2017 NHL Draft, by the way).
Eaves, 33, carried over strong work with Dallas (21 goals, 37 points in 59 games) to Anaheim after being traded, managing 11 goals and 14 points in 20 regular-season contests. He also managed two goals and two assists in seven postseason games.
One must also note his bodacious beard.
The Los Angeles Times’ Curtis Zupke reports that it’s worth $9.4 million overall ($3.15M per year) and the OC Register’s Eric Stephens back that up, detailing the salary breakdown as such:
Eaves' three-year deal breaks down to $3.3M, $3.1M and $3. Best pre-trade deadline pickup in the NHL last season. Made $1M at the time.
— Curtis Zupke (@curtiszupke) June 23, 2017