DUCKS REPORT : Hartsburg Likes Youngsters

The A team defeated the B team, 5-3, in the Mighty Ducks’ first training camp scrimmage Tuesday, a high-tempo game that pleased Coach Craig Hartsburg.

At first glance, the only significance of the victory for the A team members was that they were excused from a postgame workout on stationary bicycles.

A closer look revealed several noteworthy performances from young players on both teams, including steady play by rookie defenseman Niclas Havelid and determined efforts from minor league forwards Mike Leclerc and Bob Wren.

Hartsburg said those three, and several other youngsters, will get a lot of playing time in exhibition games Saturday at San Jose and Sunday against Colorado at the Arrowhead Pond.

“We’re going to give some people a chance to show what they can do against NHL players,” Hartsburg said. “I hope the people who come to Sunday’s game get excited about seeing some of our young players because they are our future.”

Much of the Ducks’ regular-season lineup is set, but there remain a few openings for players such as Havelid, Leclerc and Wren.

Havelid could earn a spot simply because veteran Kevin Haller is expected to be sidelined for a month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

“Leclerc and Wren should be fighting for a spot [on the third or fourth line],” Hartsburg said. “There is some competition for jobs. And there are some guys who, just because they played here last year, aren’t guaranteed jobs.”

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Antti Aalto, who spent last season at right wing, will move to center for the weekend exhibitions. Hartsburg said he will keep Aalto there if he excels as expected.

“He’s a big strong guy,” Hartsburg said. “I’m excited about seeing him at center.”