Penguins trade Judd Caulfield's rights to Anaheim

111922 S GFH UNDMHKYP10018.jpg — UND forward Judd Caulfield (28) greets young fans following the Fighting Hawks' pregame warmups before taking on the Miami Redhawks in a home hockey matchup at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks on Friday, November 18, 2022.

By Brad Elliott Schlossman

March 31, 2023 at 12:32 PM

GRAND FORKS — The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to UND forward Judd Caulfield to the Anaheim Ducks.

Caulfield, a senior from Grand Forks, was a fifth-round pick of the Penguins in 2019.

The trade could change Caulfield's status for next season.

The 6-foot-4 winger said last week he planned to return to UND for his fifth season. But if the Ducks offer a better deal than Pittsburgh, Caulfield may end up turning pro after all.

In exchange for Caulfield, the Penguins acquired the rights to defenseman Thimo Nickl, a former fourth-round pick.

Caulfield tallied 10 goals and 19 points in 39 games last season. For his career, Caulfield has 29 goals and 62 points in 133 games.

So far, UND has lost four forwards from last season's team.

Mark Senden and Gavin Hain were fifth-year seniors with expiring eligibility. Sophomores Nick Portz and Matteo Costantini entered the transfer portal.

UND is guaranteed to bring in rookies Jayden Perron and Michael Emerson of the United States Hockey League's Chicago Steel.

By Brad Elliott Schlossman

Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald's circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year once. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.

Penguins trade Judd Caulfield's rights to Anaheim

The UND senior forward was drafted in the fifth round in 2019.