Anaheim Ducks Send Sbisa Down to AHL, Lilja Added to Active Roster

As of earlier today, Anaheim announced that Andreas Lilja has officially been added to their active roster, and as a result they have opted to send down 20-year-old Luca Sbisa to the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL.

Andreas Lilja, who played the previous five seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, adds more of a Veteran presence to the Anaheim blue line.  Last year he played in only 20 games with the Red Wings and tallied two points (1+1=2) and four penalty minutes. 

Anaheim signed Lilja to a single-year deal after Andy Sutton suffered a fractured thumb taking him off the ice for six to eight weeks.  With a clearly struggling defense, Anaheim GM Bob Murray is still trying to fill the gaping hole left by Niedermayer with as many solid defense men as possible, including Lilja.

Andreas faced some troubles with immigration procedures and just today received his Visa and therefore has officially been added to the Duck roster, and hopefully he will be playing in the contest against the Coyotes tomorrow evening.

Now that Lilja has been added to the lineup, Murray has decided to send young defender, Luca Sbisa down to the AHL team in Syracuse.

Sbisa has played only two games with the Ducks this season, and has been held at zero points scored, and two penalty minutes.  Many people are curious as to why Murray sent down the more experienced Sbisa, while keeping youngster Cam Fowler in the big league, but I have to say I agree with his decision. 

Fowler has proved that he is a force on to be reckoned with on the defense, and he has undeniable skills such as a fabulous hockey sense and ability to move the puck.  Sbisa shows potential, however he has not proved himself to the extent Cam Fowler has thus far in the season.