Ducks send Emerson Etem to minors; Saku Koivu could return Friday

The Ducks demoted young wings Emerson Etem and Devante Smith-Pelly to minor league Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday.

Coach Bruce Boudreau said that though each of the 21-year-olds will benefit from increased playing time, the move is also a reminder of the first-place team’s demand for consistency.

Etem scored his sixth goal Tuesday, but also let Dallas’ Cody Eakin skate past him to score a third-period goal that started the Stars’ three-goal blitz in 53 seconds as the Ducks lost, 6-3.

Smith-Pelly has a goal and seven assists in 16 games.

“We want them to play a little more,” Boudreau said. “They play good games and bad games and a good game, then a bad game.

“We need them to play on a consistent basis. This league is too tough. We don’t know if it’s going to be long-term or short-term, but the last time we sent Emerson down he came back a much better player and we’re thinking that’s going to happen again.”

One of the roster spots could be filled by veteran center Saku Koivu, who was cleared for contact at Wednesday practice.

Koivu said that barring any unexpected symptoms from the Oct. 27 concussion he suffered in Columbus, he expects to play in the Ducks’ 1 p.m. Friday home game against the Calgary Flames.

“It’s a step closer,” said Koivu, who will also practice with the Ducks on Thursday before players participate in a Thanksgiving event at Honda Center. “We’ll see how it goes and make a decision probably after tomorrow’s practice.”

Koivu said a doctor will likely be involved in the final decision to clear him to play. “I’m having no problems,” Koivu said.

The Ducks are laboring through a 2-4-2 stretch, and could use the veteran presence. Koivu skated with Andrew Cogliano and Daniel Winnik in Wednesday’s practice.

“It’s very hard to watch the games, you want to be out there,” Koivu said. “You’re going to have some ups and downs, you’re going to have some adversity.

“When you’re missing some guys, it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up. We played some great hockey the first two weeks I was out. You’re always going to go through some stretches when you’re not playing your best. Right now, we’re just looking forward to getting a win on Friday, getting back to the way we know we can play.”

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