Ducks demote Emerson Etem, William Karlsson down to AHL

Last week’s trade for veteran winger Rene Bourque left the Ducks struggling to find playing time for their 15 forwards, a problem the team rectified Monday by reassigning left wing Emerson Etem and center William Karlsson to the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Neither player suited up for Sunday’s win over the Arizona Coyotes. Etem, who hasn’t played since Nov. 20, appeared in 21 NHL games and registered two goals and two assists. Karlsson, who last played Nov. 16, had two goals and an assist in 16 games.

And that may not be the end of the Ducks’ roster shuffling.

Coach Bruce Boudreau said defenseman Clayton Stoner is sidelined indefinitely by what Boudreau called “mumps-like symptoms.” Boudreau said it was possible that Stoner could be available for Tuesday night’s game against Calgary, although that appeared unlikely, leaving the Ducks with just six healthy defenseman.

Earlier this month, the Ducks lost forward Corey Perry and defenseman Francois Beauchemin to mumps for five games each. Boudreau said Stoner’s case doesn’t appear to be as serious, but the veteran left Saturday’s practice early, missed Sunday’s game, then worked out away from the team Monday.