After three seasons in the Anaheim Ducks organization, Brandon McMillan is on the move.
The 23-year-old from Tsawwassen and former South Delta Minor Hockey standout ended up being part of the NHL's Trading Deadline Day on Wednesday. McMillan was sent to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for veteran forward Matthew Lombardi.
The speedy two-way winger has spent the bulk of this season with the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate - the Norfolk Admirals. He was called up for six games last month and managed one assist. McMillan will report to the Coyotes' AHL affiliate - the Portland Pirates in Maine.
"At this point we want Brandon in Portland," said Phoenix assistant general manager Brad Treliving.
"We are going to make some decisions on who is coming up to join us shortly. He is a good young player who adds depth to our organization."
McMillan was originally selected by Anaheim in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He played four years in the Western Hockey League with the Kelowna Rockets - highlighted by a WHL championship and a runner-up finish at the Memorial Cup in 2009 when he spent much of the season playing on the blueline.
The former Greater Vancouver Canadian cracked Team Canada's roster for the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships.
He made his NHL debut on Nov. 21, 2010 against Edmonton and scored his first career goal six days later in a 6-4 Anaheim win at Phoenix. He finished the season with 21 points in 60 games, including 11 goals. He also suited up in six playoff games that year and had a goal and assist.
McMillan began the 2011-12 campaign in Anaheim before being re-assigned to the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. He is slated to be a restricted free agent this summer.
