The Anaheim Ducks are reportedly close to acquiring center Maxim Lapierre from the Montreal Canadiens. The trade, which has been reported by both David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times, is not yet official. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN reported that the trade is Lapierre for defenseman Brett Festerling and a fifth-round draft pick in 2012.
The 25-year-old Quebec native was drafted by the Canadiens in the second round of the 2003 draft. In 38 games this season, Lapierre has five goals and three assists. In 293 games in five seasons in Montreal, Lapierre has 40 goals and 40 assists. His 63 penalty minutes this season are the second most in his career, and with half a season remaining he figures to blow past his high of 76 penalty minutes in the 2008-2009 season.
The 24-year-old Festerling has appeared in one game this season for the Ducks, for a total of 15 minutes. Festerling appeared in 82 total games in the last two seasons.
The Ducks are 23rd in the NHL in scoring this season, averaging 2.55 goals per game. The Ducks just completed a seven-game road trip, and open a six-game homestand tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers at Honda Center.
For more Ducks news and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Anaheim Calling.