Kerdiles passed away following a motorcycle accident Saturday, TSN reports. He was 29 years old.

EDGE Analysis

The Ducks released the following statement Saturday: "We're heartbroken to hear the news about Nic Kerdiles, who died in a motorcycle accident this morning. An Irvine native, Nic became the first player from Orange County to play for the Ducks, in 2017. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones."

Kerdiles was placed on waivers by the Jets on Friday for the purpose of reassignment, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kerdiles -- who joined the club in the offseason -- was a long shot for a spot on the 23-man roster, especially with the emergence of Kristian Vesalainen during training camp. The 24-year-old Kerdiles figures to spend the bulk of the year with the Moose, but could earn the occasional call-up.

Kerdiles signed a one-year, two-way deal worth $650,000 with the Jets on Tuesday, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kerdiles was a restricted free agent, but that doesn't mean much for a player who logged just three NHL games over the last two seasons. The 24-year-old received the league minimum and will likely spend a good chunk of the year with AHL Manitoba. Kerdiles played well in the minors last season, scoring 15 goals and adding 19 helpers in 49 games for AHL San Diego.

The Ducks traded Kerdiles to the Jets in exchange for Chase De Leo on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Kerdiles has yet to make an impact at the NHL level, going scoreless in the three games he's appeared in since being selected in the second round of the 2012 draft. It's hard to imagine a scenario in which Kerdiles carves out a prominent role with the Jets in 2018-19, as Winnipeg is stacked with talented, young forwards, so there's no reason for fantasy owners to have him on their radars at this point.

Kerdiles received a qualifying offer from the Ducks on Monday, NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that Kerdiles is well on his way to securing a stable NHL role after the Ducks took him in the second round (36th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He still must impress in training camp to make it happen, but the Texan flashed promise with AHL San Diego last season, registering 15 goals and 19 assists over 49 games. Keep an eye on his progress.

Kerdiles was returned to AHL San Diego on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Kerdiles wasn't afforded an opportunity to draw in this time around, returning to the minors after just two games. He's racked up an impressive 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) over 23 contests this season and will await his next opportunity at the top level.

Kerdiles was recalled by the Ducks on Tuesday, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kerdiles has impressed with the team's AHL San Diego affiliate this season, lighting up opposing nets to the tune of eight goals and 11 assists over 23 contests. The team has enough healthy bodies to compose a lineup that doesn't include him, but it wouldn't be surprising if the 24-year-old gets an opportunity to play before he's returned to the minors.

Kerdiles was sent down to AHL San Diego on Wednesday, Eric Stephens of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move to demote Kerdiles could be as simple as a cap-related, paper-only transaction or it could mean the team is preparing to active Ondrej Kase (head) off injured reserve ahead of Friday's clash with Montreal. Even if the 23-year-old Kerdiles is actually being reassigned to the Gulls, he figures to be the top of the Ducks' short list for call-ups throughout the season.

The Ducks recalled Kerdiles from AHL San Diego on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Nick Ritchie is still dealing with a lower-body injury ahead of Friday's matchup with Colorado, so Kerdiles will provide the Ducks with additional insurance up front in case Ritchie is unavailable against the Avalanche. The 23-year-old American racked up three points in his first game with AHL San Diego this season.

Kerdiles (groin) was placed on waivers Sunday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The former Wisconsin Badger had only returned to practice with the team Saturday, but will now be assigned to AHL San Diego should he clear waivers. Kerdiles is a talented offensive player who will need to continue to prove himself at the minor-league level before being afforded an NHL job.