Trade for Comrie in Works

The Mighty Ducks are working on a deal that would land them Edmonton’s Mike Comrie, a hockey source said Monday. The trade hinges in part on the Ducks’ being able to sign the 23-year-old forward, who has not played for the Oilers this season.

Comrie, who had 20 goals and 51 points last season, rejected the Oilers’ qualifying offer that would have paid him $1.13 million this season. He also recently ruled out returning to Edmonton.

The two sides talked into the evening Monday, with the Ducks considering a proposal that would send two forwards to Edmonton. The Oilers are believed to be seeking Andy McDonald, Joffrey Lupul and/or Corey Perry, a Duck first-round pick in June who is playing junior hockey this season.

Duck officials declined to comment, but General Manager Bryan Murray has said previously that he has had interest in Comrie since the Oilers began shopping him.

Comrie, who is 5 feet 9 and 175 pounds, scored 33 goals in 2001-02, his rookie season. The Ducks have scored two or fewer goals in 16 of 28 games this season.

If the Ducks land Comrie, they will explore another move that would bolster their defense, the source said.

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The Ducks, trying to beef up their lineup, recalled center Michael Holmqvist, a 6-foot-3, 212-pound center, from minor league Cincinnati on Monday. Tony Martensson, recalled last week, was sent down.

Murray is hoping that Holmqvist’s size could help the Ducks, who are missing physical forwards Rob Niedermayer and Mike Leclerc. Niedermayer has missed four games because of a groin injury, and Leclerc, who is rehabilitating from off-season knee surgery, is not expected back for at least six weeks.

“[Holmqvist] has a big body,” Murray said. “He bangs people, checks, and he can score on the minor league level. We need to see if he can score at this level. We got to give him a chance.”

Holmqvist, 24, started the season with the Ducks but was sent to the minors after playing two games. He had seven goals and 14 points in 22 games with Cincinnati. He probably will skate on the Ducks’ fourth line.

Niedermayer skated for the first time Monday, before the team’s practice. He said he would skate again before practice today and didn’t rule out working out with the team afterward.

Coach Mike Babcock said he wasn’t expecting Niedermayer nor defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, out with rib and back injuries, to play against San Jose on Wednesday.

The hope is that Holmqvist can provide some of Niedermayer’s physical play.

“We don’t know if he can, but that’s what we’re betting on,” Babcock said. “If Michael can help us win games, he is going to be in there.”

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Martin Gerber, who blanked Dallas for his third career shutout Sunday, is one victory shy of matching his victory total from his rookie season a year ago, when he went 6-11-3 despite a 1.95 goals-against average.

“The big difference between him this year and last year is last year he would play well and lose, this year he has 12 points,” Babcock said.