New number, new role for Ducks Bonino

Can you trust this kind of role to a sixth-round pick that has even been considered a can't-miss prospect? Bobby Ryan thinks so.

"I really think so," Ryan said. "I loved playing with him at the end of last year when we got the small opportunity together. I think he's poised to have one of those breakout years. Because I think he's severely underrated in a lot of areas."

In Bonino's eyes, the change in jersey number represents the transition from a prospect to an everyday player.

"You don't really have a choice when they give you a high one," he said. "I don't know, I don't read into it too much. You kind of pick your own number and it feels good."

NOTE: The Ducks assigned backup goalie Viktor Fasth to Norfolk of the American Hockey League so that he would see some game action with the Admirals, who play tonight.