Mar. 31—GRAND FORKS — The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded the rights to UND forward Judd Caulfield to the Anaheim Ducks.

Caulfield, a senior from Grand Forks, was a fifth-round pick of the Penguins in 2019.

The trade could change Caulfield's status for next season.

The 6-foot-4 winger said last week he planned to return to UND for his fifth season. But if the Ducks offer a better deal than Pittsburgh, Caulfield may end up turning pro after all.

In exchange for Caulfield, the Penguins acquired the rights to defenseman Thimo Nickl, a former fourth-round pick.

Caulfield tallied 10 goals and 19 points in 39 games last season. For his career, Caulfield has 29 goals and 62 points in 133 games.

So far, UND has lost four forwards from last season's team.

Mark Senden and Gavin Hain were fifth-year seniors with expiring eligibility. Sophomores Nick Portz and Matteo Costantini entered the transfer portal.

UND is guaranteed to bring in rookies Jayden Perron and Michael Emerson of the United States Hockey League's Chicago Steel.