Ducks Send Karpov to Minors, Bring Up David Sacco

ANAHEIM —  The Mighty Ducks assigned disappointing rookie right wing Valeri Karpov to minor league affiliate San Diego on Monday and brought up rookie center David Sacco.

Karpov, 23, was the Ducks’ second-leading scorer in the exhibition season but has not been as effective since the regular season began. After 14 games, he has one goal and two assists and has a plus-minus of minus-10.

Coach Ron Wilson had been hoping Karpov would recover his confidence, but he was being squeezed out of the lineup by the return of Joe Sacco and Bob Corkum after injuries. “If Ron wasn’t going to play him, he can’t sit around,” General Manager Jack Ferreira said.

Sacco, 24, the younger brother of Duck winger Joe Sacco, had two points in six games with the Ducks this season and has 31 points in 35 games with San Diego. A versatile forward, he can play the point on the power play as well.

“He did a good job (when he was up before),” Ferreira said. “He’s also been the best player down in San Diego.”