Ducks acquire Stewart from Atlanta

The Anaheim Ducks, parent club of the AHL’s Portland Pirates, have acquired the rights to center Karl Stewart, along with a 2007 second-round draft pick and a conditional draft pick, from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski.

Stewart, 23, spent the majority of the 2005-06 season with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, collecting 22 goals and 18 assists for 40 points along with 184 penalty minutes in 71 games. He also appeared in eight NHL games with Atlanta, going scoreless with 15 PIM.

The Aurora, Ontario, native played three seasons in Chicago, totaling 48 goals and 58 assists for 106 points, along with 596 PIM, in 220 games. He has collected six goals and five assists in 22 career Calder Cup Playoff games as well.

Stewart has appeared in 13 career NHL contests with the Thrashers, registering one assist.

Vishnevski, 26, made his pro debut with the AHL’s Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in 1999-2000, and went on to appear in 416 NHL contests with Anaheim.