from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail,

In a clear sign that they are trying to win it all this year, the Anaheim Ducks dealt a pair of players from the fringes of their roster – popular but controversial winger Dustin Penner and goaltender Viktor Fasth – to clear up the salary cap space to grab veteran defenceman Stephane Robidas from the Dallas Stars.

The Ducks received a fourth-rounder from the Washington Capitals for Penner and then turned around and flipped the puck to the Stars to acquire Robidas. Essentially, the Ducks traded from a position of strength – a deep collection of forwards – to add experience to their blueline.

They have managed to put up the NHL’s best overall record despite a relatively inexperienced defence group that includes rookie Hampus Lindholm and second-year player Sami Vatanen, in part because one of last year’s defensive mainstays, Sheldon Souray, has missed the entire season because of injury.

continued including a look at the other trades today...