Sillinger, York Escape Their Grim Situation

Mike Sillinger and Jason York donned the teal and purple Mighty Duck crest for the first time Wednesday and liked the look.

Really, anything but Detroit Red Wing red and white would have suited either. Change was all that mattered. Both had been waiting a long time to escape the logjam of talent in Detroit.

“It’s like I’ve been drafted all over again,” said Sillinger, who was stuck behind such prolific scorers as Dino Ciccarelli, Sergei Fedorov and Steve Yzerman and had been scratched 15 consecutive games before Tuesday’s trade.

“I think every guy (who gets traded) wants to prove the team they were with before made a mistake,” said York, an offensive defenseman overshadowed by the considerable talents of Paul Coffey.

There’s little chance now either will languish in the press box, waiting for the rare opportunity to show their skills. All either wanted was a regular shift and a chance to shine. Certainly, they will get both in Anaheim where their talents are desperately needed.

“They’re going to play a lot,” Coach Ron Wilson said. “They’re supposed to be skilled players. They’ll play on the power play and we’ll see how they kill penalties.”

Sillinger played on a line with Paul Kariya and Stephan Lebeau in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime victory against Edmonton. York was paired with Bobby Dollas.

To be sure, the Ducks gave up a lot by sending enforcer and vocal team leader Stu Grimson to Detroit. But Sillinger, 23, and York, 24, have age, enthusiasm, incentive and skill going for them. Grimson, 29, had toughness and leadership on his side, but had one goal in 108 career games for the Ducks.

“Youth brings more enthusiasm and at this point we need as much as we can get,” Wilson said.

At this point the defensive-minded Ducks could use all the added skill they can acquire. Sillinger had 29 points (eight goals, 21 assists) in 62 games for Detroit last season and teamed with York and Dollas to help Adirondack win the American Hockey League championship in 1992. York had 66 points (10 goals, 56 assists) for Adirondack in 74 games last season.

But neither could move up the Red Wing depth chart this season.

“I just didn’t fit in with Detroit,” said Sillinger, who this season had two goals and six assists in 13 games and was scratched for 15 consecutive games. “Every time you get a chance you have to open some eyes with your play. It’s tough to open eyes when you’re in the press box and not on the ice.”

Said York, who had one goal and two assists in 10 games this year: “I was up at 6:30 a.m. I’m probably more anxious than anything and a little nervous, too.”