Ducks Get Dirk for ’95 Choice

The Mighty Ducks gained some muscle Tuesday, acquiring defenseman Robert Dirk from the Chicago Blackhawks for a fourth-round draft choice in 1995.

Dirk, 27, strong in front of the net and in the corners, was plus-18 in 71 games last season. Plus-minus ratings reflect the difference between goals scored and allowed while the player was on the ice at full-strength. “Dirk is a real defensive-minded defenseman who will give our club a large, physical presence on defense,” said Duck Coach Ron Wilson, who worked with Dirk in Vancouver. “He also likes to play an aggressive ‘stay at home’ style of hockey and should be a good asset to our team.”

A 6-foot-4, 210-pounder from White Rock, British Columbia, Dirk has played in 317 NHL games in eight seasons with Chicago, Vancouver and St. Louis, where he was the 53rd player taken in the 1984 entry draft. He has scored 35 career points (11 goals). Last season he had five points and 131 penalty minutes.