Defense Gets a Big Boost

As expected, the Ducks picked up a defenseman in the waiver draft, selecting Pascal Trepanier from the Colorado Avalanche.

But they also traded with the expansion Nashville Predators for veteran goaltender Dominic Roussel. Goaltender Chris Mason and defenseman Marc Moro, slated to begin the season with the Ducks’ minor league affiliate at Cincinnati, were sent to Nashville.

Trepanier and Roussel are expected to be in uniform when the Ducks play their final exhibition tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes at America West Arena.

Trepanier, 25, played 15 games for Colorado last season, recording one assist. Roussel, 28, hasn’t played in the NHL since 1995-96 with the Philadelphia Flyers. He played for the Canadian national team last season.

Taking Trepanier in the waiver draft was no surprise. The Ducks were hoping to bolster their defense before Saturday’s regular-season opener against the Washington Capitals at the MCI Center.

Acquiring Roussel was unexpected and it indicates the Ducks’ concern over their goaltending.

Guy Hebert injured his shoulder in Saturday’s exhibition victory over Nashville and his status for Saturday is uncertain. Patrick Lalime, acquired from Pittsburgh last March, hasn’t shined as hoped.

“We’ve got to make sure Guy is healthy,” Coach Craig Hartsburg said. “It’s a long year. You need two guys. You can’t rely on only one guy.”