Grimson Returning to Ducks

The Mighty Ducks acquired a fan favorite and a potential contract headache all in one Tuesday, bringing back popular enforcer Stu Grimson in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes.

In exchange for Grimson and defenseman Kevin Haller, the Ducks traded away defenseman David Karpa and a fourth-round pick in the 2000 entry draft.

Grimson, 33, an original Mighty Duck, was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1995. The Ducks expect Grimson and Jim McKenzie, acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes in June, to provide the protection lacking last season for superstars Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne.

“We’ve always missed him a little bit since he left,” Duck General Manager Pierre Gauthier said.

Said Grimson: “It’s an organization I know quite well. I was very happy when I was there.”

Grimson wanted out of Carolina after the Hurricanes rejected Grimson’s demand to renegotiate his contract. Grimson has two years remaining--at $500,000 per season--on a five-year contract originally signed with Detroit.

“I recognize the fact it was my own actions that led me to commit myself to a five-year deal,” Grimson told the Raleigh News & Observer, “but the bulk of the players in my role are making almost twice what I’m making. I wasn’t content to sit on the sidelines and let that happen.”

Gauthier said he was aware of Grimson’s demand but declined to say whether the Ducks would consider renegotiating.

Haller, 27, has played nine seasons in the NHL. With rules changes that include opening more space behind the net, Gauthier said Haller’s speed will serve the Ducks well.

“He’s an excellent skater for a defenseman,” Gauthier said.

Karpa, 27, joined the Ducks in 1995 and left as the team’s all-time leader in penalty minutes. He declined to comment when reached at home Tuesday.

“You’ve got to give up something to get something,” Gauthier said. “He was a solid performer here for a number of years. I thanked him for it when I told him about the trade. But we’re happy with the guys we obtained.”

In making the deal, Gauthier said he did not consider Karpa’s recent criticism of the organization. When the Ducks fired Coach Pierre Page in June, before Gauthier rejoined the organization, Karpa said, “The biggest thing is, it didn’t matter who we had for a coach. The bottom line is, we need more players. We’ve got to go out and sign some free agents.”

The Ducks still have not signed a top free agent, and most already have signed elsewhere. Gauthier said he remains interested in signing defenseman Fredrik Olausson, a former Duck, but would be happy to open training camp next month with the current cast of players.

“That would be fine,” Gauthier said. “I’m looking forward to finding out about the guys we have.”