Ducks trade defenseman Bryan Allen to Candiens for forward Rene Bourque

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Bryan Allen to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Rene Bourque. Allen is in the last year of his contract, while Bourque is signed through next season.

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Bryan Allen to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Rene Bourque, the teams announced Thursday.

Allen, a 14-year pro, has played in just six games this season due to injuries, recording one point and averaging 18:13 of ice time. He was in his third year with the Ducks.

Bourque has played in 13 games for the Canadiens, recording two points and averaging 12:21 of ice time before he was assigned to AHL affiliate Hamilton earlier this month. Bourque scored eight goals in 17 playoff games for Montreal last season.

Allen is in the last year of his contract, while Bourque is signed through next year.

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Ducks general manager Bob Murray said the following about Bourque on a conference call:

"Bourque will be coming to Anaheim and will get a decent look at a spot. With some the things that have went on, I wasn't happy with our forwards. I like his size and skating. We're not moving well enough. [Bourque] has also proven he can score in the playoffs, if you get there. I liked that as well."

Earlier this month, the Canadiens made a similar move when they acquired defensemanSergei Gonchar from the Dallas Stars in exchange for forward Travis Moen.

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Both teams lead their respective conferences in points. The Ducks are first in the West with 27 points, while the Canadiens are first in the East with 29 points.

- Ben Estes