So, the long waited NHL trade deadline came and went. Lots of articles were written and anticipation was attracted to highest levels. Then the actual day went on and pretty much nothing happened. I followed on the path of the big boys and played with the thoughts of big names moving to new teams and changing the franchises' directions. Well, should have known better. I now believe this was one big hoax conjured by the viewer hungry sports media and not really based on any proper background work.
Rick Nash stayed put. No one really even tried to get him. Or at least the seller and buyers were totally on different pages. Well, he's not entering free agency so it should have been easier to predict that all the fuzz about him was bit unnecessary.
Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Alex Semin and other big names with big contracts that fill be free agents? No moves, nothing.
The kids with remarkably upbeat seasons, e.g. P.A. Parenteau and Michael Del Zotto? Nothing? New York teams must know something we don't to not make a move with these guys. Re-sign, that is.
Biggest of the actual trades took place before the deadline day. LA Kings putting their hope on fallen star Jeff Carter and New Jersey Devils coughing up a lot to take a chance with slick blueliner Marek Zidlicky were probably the biggest. Then there was some third line reshaping and grit adding moves by potential cup contenders. Added experience may well be worth a lot duning the long playoff run. Just as well it may be irrelevant.
It seems that the trend today is to trust in the team chemistry built in the first two thirds of the season instead of trying to pull a magical move in the last minute to get an edge. The mystifying part is that all the teams on the bubble or having already lost the season are also pretty content with what they have. One could think that the bubble teams would be willing to take the biggest risks at this time and the bottom dwellers would start dramatic reshaping by unloading the failed core of the team.
As a summary, I was disappointed with the deadline action and fooled by the buzz like everyone else. Mental note is to aim to be one step ahead of this media hype instead of following on the beaten path. We'll see..
Showing posts with label trade deadline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trade deadline. Show all posts
2012/02/17
Dare to gamble?
Okay, continuing to milk the trade deadline cow. Now I'm going through some thoughts on the potential free agents that might really spark up a team they land in. In addition I'll cover some of the ageless veterans that seem to just keep on firing on all cylinders no matter how old they get. These guys are mostly loyal to their long term teams, but there might be a chance to lure one or two out of their retirement houses by dangling the Stanley Cup in front of them. Finally I'll cover some of the ultimate risks, already proven to fail easily, but still having some hidden potential underneath.
Let's start with the impact players with somewhat inconsistent history. Number one is Washington's Alexander Semin. No matter how much the North American media hates this kid, I still believe he's up there with the best of them as far as hockey skills come. Semin is clearly unhappy as the number two primadonna in the team. OVechkin steals the spotlight and as both of these guys live for recognition as the artists they are, Semin is not going to hit his peak behind the bigger Alex. Semin has a shot like Steven Stamkos, hands like Patric Kane and skating skills to match. You just need to have the desperation level as a team to take the leap to unknown an build your offense around this young Russian. As the teams in the bottom of the standings, what can you lose? Montreal, Minnesota or something.
Another Capital is closing in on the free agency. Former league-leading defenceman, Mike Green, has the potential to be the ultimate game changer, especially on the powerplay. Just look at his stats from years 08-09 and 09-10. Green has been injured much of the past two seasons and his attitude has also been questioned. But you just don't rack up 70+ points per season as a blueliner in NHL unless you have exceptional talent day in and day out. On a team with highly skilled forward group on power play, Green could be the catalyst to just blow the PP goal column through the roof. Devils, Lightning and Ducks, just to name a few.
There's also a sneaky Swede, Kristian Huselius, who has dropped totally from the radar after injuries and other woes. This guy was producing almost a point per game in Calgary and Columbus while these teams were deep down in the bottom of the league. He managed even to crack it to the positive side of plus minus charts through 06-09. If he regains his health, this 33 year old playmaker is still very potential second line forward for any team needing secondary scoring.
Three more guys with high potential and solid careers enter the free agency unless new contracts come up soon. Brad Boyes, a lethal sniper and shootout specialist is having a horrible downswing in productivity after his high scoring years in St. Louis Blues. Install him in a proper line with a good setup man and he might well regain his level of 30+ goals per season. Olli Jokinen is playing on his best level in Calgary era. He seems to have found the groove with some true veteran leadership. Calgary is likely negotiating an extension with the Great Pumpkin Head, but Olli might be tempted to make one final attempt to be a big player in a big team. So far he has only been able to rise to high level of play while playing in mediocre teams. Edmonton's Ales Hemsky still has the speed to cause envy across the league and can pack a magnificent set of hands on top of that. The young Oilers will not make it to the playoffs yet this season. Hemsky might want to try a change of scenery for the extra notch to make it to the elite of forwards before hitting his thirties. Anyone with a gap in skill and speed should be interested. Dallas, Ottawa or even Detroit come to mind.
There are so many Hall of Fame -bound veterans still playing this season on a high level that it sometimes is hard to believe. Sweden's ironman Nicklas Lidström will likely postpone retirement and carry on for yet another season in Detroit. Even if the graying Wings run out of steam come playoff time. Martin Brodeur carries on and will want to increase his incredible numbers in a Devil uniform until retirement. I can't see Teemu Selänne migrating from warm and sunny Anaheim anywhere soon. Not even for a loan to dear neighbors San Jose or LA. He'll give the Ducks another chance and another solid year even if they miss the playoffs this season. You just cannot quit as the top scorer among this lineup while you're still skating like a 20 year old and love the game as much as Teemu.
Three more big names in the veteran corps might have a temptation play the remaining years in different teams. Jaromir Jagr might swap to another uniform for another year if he stays healthy and the Flyers mess it up early in the playoffs. Ray Whitney is absolutely killing it in Phoenix and he should be on the radar of any playoff bound team that believes that veteran leadership is critical in the postseason. Milan Hejduk is also headed for free agency and might be tempted to jump out of the Colorado train for a bit more mature team to finish off his career. Any of these guys can improve any team they land in. For some teams that rely heavily on young superstars, an elderly distinguished gentleman might be a perfect mentor. You just cannot be cocky while facing Jaromir Jagr and his merits. Take a note on this, Chicago Blackhawks.
Finally, the dark horses. Evgeni Nabokov went awol last season but humbly returned for a decent campaign in lowly NY Islanders. He might be of interest for any team with secure playoff spot but problems in the net. Chicago, Philly again. Then there are the ultimate gambles in Dustin Penner and Sean Avery. Both have proven to be valuable players to cause problems to the opponents and even score some points along with the rest of the hussle. Penner was solid big bruiser in Edmonton era, always in the face of opposing goalies. Avery was driving the opposition crazy while still amusing the home team and supporters in Rangers for a long period. Falling out of favor with the coaches has totally killed these guys' careers. For a team desperate enough and willing to gamble with the team chemistry on the line, these guys will join you on a bargain tab. Help them find their groove and give them the niche they fit in and you'll end up a winner. Penner to Washington to fill up Mike Knuble's big boots. Avery to any team that has an audience that appreciates some theatrics with their daily portion of hockey. Could the city of Chicago be ready for the Avery-show? And the young fun loving corps led by Patrick Kane might have a laugh with Sean. Captain Serious excluded of course.
Let's start with the impact players with somewhat inconsistent history. Number one is Washington's Alexander Semin. No matter how much the North American media hates this kid, I still believe he's up there with the best of them as far as hockey skills come. Semin is clearly unhappy as the number two primadonna in the team. OVechkin steals the spotlight and as both of these guys live for recognition as the artists they are, Semin is not going to hit his peak behind the bigger Alex. Semin has a shot like Steven Stamkos, hands like Patric Kane and skating skills to match. You just need to have the desperation level as a team to take the leap to unknown an build your offense around this young Russian. As the teams in the bottom of the standings, what can you lose? Montreal, Minnesota or something.
Another Capital is closing in on the free agency. Former league-leading defenceman, Mike Green, has the potential to be the ultimate game changer, especially on the powerplay. Just look at his stats from years 08-09 and 09-10. Green has been injured much of the past two seasons and his attitude has also been questioned. But you just don't rack up 70+ points per season as a blueliner in NHL unless you have exceptional talent day in and day out. On a team with highly skilled forward group on power play, Green could be the catalyst to just blow the PP goal column through the roof. Devils, Lightning and Ducks, just to name a few.
There's also a sneaky Swede, Kristian Huselius, who has dropped totally from the radar after injuries and other woes. This guy was producing almost a point per game in Calgary and Columbus while these teams were deep down in the bottom of the league. He managed even to crack it to the positive side of plus minus charts through 06-09. If he regains his health, this 33 year old playmaker is still very potential second line forward for any team needing secondary scoring.
Three more guys with high potential and solid careers enter the free agency unless new contracts come up soon. Brad Boyes, a lethal sniper and shootout specialist is having a horrible downswing in productivity after his high scoring years in St. Louis Blues. Install him in a proper line with a good setup man and he might well regain his level of 30+ goals per season. Olli Jokinen is playing on his best level in Calgary era. He seems to have found the groove with some true veteran leadership. Calgary is likely negotiating an extension with the Great Pumpkin Head, but Olli might be tempted to make one final attempt to be a big player in a big team. So far he has only been able to rise to high level of play while playing in mediocre teams. Edmonton's Ales Hemsky still has the speed to cause envy across the league and can pack a magnificent set of hands on top of that. The young Oilers will not make it to the playoffs yet this season. Hemsky might want to try a change of scenery for the extra notch to make it to the elite of forwards before hitting his thirties. Anyone with a gap in skill and speed should be interested. Dallas, Ottawa or even Detroit come to mind.
There are so many Hall of Fame -bound veterans still playing this season on a high level that it sometimes is hard to believe. Sweden's ironman Nicklas Lidström will likely postpone retirement and carry on for yet another season in Detroit. Even if the graying Wings run out of steam come playoff time. Martin Brodeur carries on and will want to increase his incredible numbers in a Devil uniform until retirement. I can't see Teemu Selänne migrating from warm and sunny Anaheim anywhere soon. Not even for a loan to dear neighbors San Jose or LA. He'll give the Ducks another chance and another solid year even if they miss the playoffs this season. You just cannot quit as the top scorer among this lineup while you're still skating like a 20 year old and love the game as much as Teemu.
Three more big names in the veteran corps might have a temptation play the remaining years in different teams. Jaromir Jagr might swap to another uniform for another year if he stays healthy and the Flyers mess it up early in the playoffs. Ray Whitney is absolutely killing it in Phoenix and he should be on the radar of any playoff bound team that believes that veteran leadership is critical in the postseason. Milan Hejduk is also headed for free agency and might be tempted to jump out of the Colorado train for a bit more mature team to finish off his career. Any of these guys can improve any team they land in. For some teams that rely heavily on young superstars, an elderly distinguished gentleman might be a perfect mentor. You just cannot be cocky while facing Jaromir Jagr and his merits. Take a note on this, Chicago Blackhawks.
Finally, the dark horses. Evgeni Nabokov went awol last season but humbly returned for a decent campaign in lowly NY Islanders. He might be of interest for any team with secure playoff spot but problems in the net. Chicago, Philly again. Then there are the ultimate gambles in Dustin Penner and Sean Avery. Both have proven to be valuable players to cause problems to the opponents and even score some points along with the rest of the hussle. Penner was solid big bruiser in Edmonton era, always in the face of opposing goalies. Avery was driving the opposition crazy while still amusing the home team and supporters in Rangers for a long period. Falling out of favor with the coaches has totally killed these guys' careers. For a team desperate enough and willing to gamble with the team chemistry on the line, these guys will join you on a bargain tab. Help them find their groove and give them the niche they fit in and you'll end up a winner. Penner to Washington to fill up Mike Knuble's big boots. Avery to any team that has an audience that appreciates some theatrics with their daily portion of hockey. Could the city of Chicago be ready for the Avery-show? And the young fun loving corps led by Patrick Kane might have a laugh with Sean. Captain Serious excluded of course.
2012/02/16
Top of the trade buzz
We're getting close to the trade deadline of February 27th and the buzz around the potential trades is increasing. I'll rank the obvious big names here and throw in a list of guys who are rocketing towards big contracts after tremendous seasons.
Let's begin with the names that come up the most when talking about major moves. On offense, there's two names above others, Zach Parise and Rick Nash. Undeniably, both are superstars and still in their prime years. Nash is not a free agent yet, but since Columbus seems to be pulling the plug, they may go all the way and trade their franchise player. Good for Nash, though. Wherever he'll land (obviously the target is in a playoff bound team), he'll have a chance of proving everyone how good he really is. I've seen him play in international level with some high caliber Canadian linemates and he's on par with anyone out there. One of the best finishers in the game and a huge physical force. Get in line if you have cap room. I wouldn't be too surprised if Detroit would be the one to decide to build their future around Rick Nash.
Parise is another guy already up there in the talent ladder. He can be the first line winger in any team in the NHL. However, the team that goes after him should have that gap in the first line for a perfect fit. Since this season has been a major improvement for New Jersey Devils, Parise might actually be tempted to sign for a few more years setting up Kovalchuk's blasts or tapping in Elias' passes. They've been on a roll lately.
In defense, who hasn't heard the talks on the Nashville pair of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Both are free agents to be and will require a boatload of cash to sign. It's unlikely that Nashville will come up with 15 million to tie to these two. They'll flip a coin and try to sign one and just need to get the maximum value out of trading the other. My guess is that Weber stays and Suter goes. Takers are numerous. All the potential Cup contenders will need depth in the defense when playoff time comes and count of bruises increases. And if the guy boosts the solid defensive play with excellent offensive weapons, well, who wouldn't love that.
There's a couple of hometown legends entering free agency after this season in Shane Doan and Ryan Smyth. It's very likely that they'll sign a couple of more years in Phoenix and Edmonton, since they seem to be very much loyal to the teams. Doan's case might be a bit more difficult in the Coyotes are broke as always and can't match his salary requirements. Either of these two would be very valuable in the playoff run with the heart and experience they bring in. Maybe even as purely rental players for the Cup run. Shaky, but potential teams like Flyers and Blackhawks could definitely use some calm leadership. Even Washington might try for a final push to make the playoffs and possibly ignite the potential to go further.
Then there's Finland's favourite, Tuomo Ruutu. He's been healthy (until this week) and playing on top of his game the past two seasons. Ruutu is an absolute force on the ice, cheking, digging for the puck and driving to the net. Anyone who has seen him play can agree that this guy really gives it all out on the rink. The style he plays has demanded a lot on his body. Now it would be the moment for Ruutu to end up in a much better hockey club and really become a fan favorite and a clutch player for the playoff run. He would fit in well in hard working Rangers or Blues. Equally well he could bring in the much needed grit to some softer talent-driven teams like Red Wings or Sharks. I hope to see him land on another team for another gear in his career.
In the bracket of underpaid, highly successful players looking for big contracts we have a few interesting names. James Neal and Matt Duchene are already in the secondary level in their current contracts, but have proven to be worth even more.
The two guys that can expect the most upgrade in the league are both from New York. Islanders' PA Parenteau has been playing a point per game for one of the poorest teams in the league for one million. He seems to have potential up through the roof and all teams should have him on their radars. Rangers' Michael Del Zotto has become a dominant force in the defense and has been on the top of plus-minus charts all season. He's also playing for a million and a chance this year and can expect much more for a long term.
On the goalies department there are three distinct guys that have stellar numbers but will not have the ice time while sitting behind established franchise goaltenders. Boston's Tuukka Rask may want to wait out in Boston for Tim Thomas to retire. Vancouver's Cory Schneider will not wait for Roberto Luongo's retirement and the Canucks cannot keep such a good goalkeeper as a backup for peanuts. He'll be traded to try out for a number one goalie spot in a team like Tampa Bay or Chicago. Another potential starter is Minnesota's Josh Harding. He has challenged Niklas Bäckström this season, but might want to take the starting position for granted somewhere else. Also for Minnesota it might be better to rely on Bäckström and start raising a next generation keeper behind him.
I'll soon post another story on the potential but dangerous investments in the trade deadline. Going to go through fragile superstars, ageless veterans and absolute gambles. Until then, let's keep our eyes on the trade trackers.
Let's begin with the names that come up the most when talking about major moves. On offense, there's two names above others, Zach Parise and Rick Nash. Undeniably, both are superstars and still in their prime years. Nash is not a free agent yet, but since Columbus seems to be pulling the plug, they may go all the way and trade their franchise player. Good for Nash, though. Wherever he'll land (obviously the target is in a playoff bound team), he'll have a chance of proving everyone how good he really is. I've seen him play in international level with some high caliber Canadian linemates and he's on par with anyone out there. One of the best finishers in the game and a huge physical force. Get in line if you have cap room. I wouldn't be too surprised if Detroit would be the one to decide to build their future around Rick Nash.
Parise is another guy already up there in the talent ladder. He can be the first line winger in any team in the NHL. However, the team that goes after him should have that gap in the first line for a perfect fit. Since this season has been a major improvement for New Jersey Devils, Parise might actually be tempted to sign for a few more years setting up Kovalchuk's blasts or tapping in Elias' passes. They've been on a roll lately.
In defense, who hasn't heard the talks on the Nashville pair of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. Both are free agents to be and will require a boatload of cash to sign. It's unlikely that Nashville will come up with 15 million to tie to these two. They'll flip a coin and try to sign one and just need to get the maximum value out of trading the other. My guess is that Weber stays and Suter goes. Takers are numerous. All the potential Cup contenders will need depth in the defense when playoff time comes and count of bruises increases. And if the guy boosts the solid defensive play with excellent offensive weapons, well, who wouldn't love that.
There's a couple of hometown legends entering free agency after this season in Shane Doan and Ryan Smyth. It's very likely that they'll sign a couple of more years in Phoenix and Edmonton, since they seem to be very much loyal to the teams. Doan's case might be a bit more difficult in the Coyotes are broke as always and can't match his salary requirements. Either of these two would be very valuable in the playoff run with the heart and experience they bring in. Maybe even as purely rental players for the Cup run. Shaky, but potential teams like Flyers and Blackhawks could definitely use some calm leadership. Even Washington might try for a final push to make the playoffs and possibly ignite the potential to go further.
Then there's Finland's favourite, Tuomo Ruutu. He's been healthy (until this week) and playing on top of his game the past two seasons. Ruutu is an absolute force on the ice, cheking, digging for the puck and driving to the net. Anyone who has seen him play can agree that this guy really gives it all out on the rink. The style he plays has demanded a lot on his body. Now it would be the moment for Ruutu to end up in a much better hockey club and really become a fan favorite and a clutch player for the playoff run. He would fit in well in hard working Rangers or Blues. Equally well he could bring in the much needed grit to some softer talent-driven teams like Red Wings or Sharks. I hope to see him land on another team for another gear in his career.
In the bracket of underpaid, highly successful players looking for big contracts we have a few interesting names. James Neal and Matt Duchene are already in the secondary level in their current contracts, but have proven to be worth even more.
The two guys that can expect the most upgrade in the league are both from New York. Islanders' PA Parenteau has been playing a point per game for one of the poorest teams in the league for one million. He seems to have potential up through the roof and all teams should have him on their radars. Rangers' Michael Del Zotto has become a dominant force in the defense and has been on the top of plus-minus charts all season. He's also playing for a million and a chance this year and can expect much more for a long term.
On the goalies department there are three distinct guys that have stellar numbers but will not have the ice time while sitting behind established franchise goaltenders. Boston's Tuukka Rask may want to wait out in Boston for Tim Thomas to retire. Vancouver's Cory Schneider will not wait for Roberto Luongo's retirement and the Canucks cannot keep such a good goalkeeper as a backup for peanuts. He'll be traded to try out for a number one goalie spot in a team like Tampa Bay or Chicago. Another potential starter is Minnesota's Josh Harding. He has challenged Niklas Bäckström this season, but might want to take the starting position for granted somewhere else. Also for Minnesota it might be better to rely on Bäckström and start raising a next generation keeper behind him.
I'll soon post another story on the potential but dangerous investments in the trade deadline. Going to go through fragile superstars, ageless veterans and absolute gambles. Until then, let's keep our eyes on the trade trackers.
2011/03/02
Another trade deadline
So, the end of February has passed and teams are set up for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs. Or are they? Judging by the lack of significant trades, the teams were pretty much complete already in the beginning of the regular season. Well, at least some trades made the news. I think LA's aquisition of Dustin Penner may be the best move here. Penner was great in Anaheim, got a deal way over his level in Edmonton, and ended up in the teeth of media and management. Recently he's gotten over it and actually has become an impact player in the lowly Oilers. In LA, he's bound to participate in a great cup contender. Maybe not this year, but in the ones to come.
Washington may actually have pulled off pretty good deals too to provide some secondary offence behind the obvious superstars. Arnott, Sturm and Wideman are definitely not the best of the breed, but still the top of what was available now. It'd be great to see Washington go far in the playoffs, but it seems that this season there's way better overall teams in Boston, Philly and maybe even Tampa.
Everyone has been asking why Dallas didn't deal Brad Richards. Only time will tell how committed he is in the end to this team, if and when the big offers start coming in next summer. Too bad for Dallas if they lose this guy. Richards has been the catalyst in a fantastic season for the new Stars. It would be fair for them to make the playoffs now and maybe pull an upset or two. Might even keep ol' Brad in the team for the future. It's not that he's running out of money anyway.
The biggest moves were pulled before the deadline by St. Louis and Colorado swapping some great young talent and by Boston reaching out and grabbing Tomas Kaberle to run the power play in the blueline. Biggest forwards stayed where they were, unless Alexei Kovalev drinks from the fountain of youth and carries the injury ridden Penguins far enough for Sid the Kid to take over and push for the cup. Might be a good chapter for the Crosby hockey fairytale that seems to have the ultimate momentum. Hopefully we get him back soon.
From Finnish perspective it was silent. It's good to see if Sami Lepistö gets even more role in Columbus. He seemed to start doing well in Phoenix already and there's definitely room for a offencive d-man in the Blue Jackets.
Washington may actually have pulled off pretty good deals too to provide some secondary offence behind the obvious superstars. Arnott, Sturm and Wideman are definitely not the best of the breed, but still the top of what was available now. It'd be great to see Washington go far in the playoffs, but it seems that this season there's way better overall teams in Boston, Philly and maybe even Tampa.
Everyone has been asking why Dallas didn't deal Brad Richards. Only time will tell how committed he is in the end to this team, if and when the big offers start coming in next summer. Too bad for Dallas if they lose this guy. Richards has been the catalyst in a fantastic season for the new Stars. It would be fair for them to make the playoffs now and maybe pull an upset or two. Might even keep ol' Brad in the team for the future. It's not that he's running out of money anyway.
The biggest moves were pulled before the deadline by St. Louis and Colorado swapping some great young talent and by Boston reaching out and grabbing Tomas Kaberle to run the power play in the blueline. Biggest forwards stayed where they were, unless Alexei Kovalev drinks from the fountain of youth and carries the injury ridden Penguins far enough for Sid the Kid to take over and push for the cup. Might be a good chapter for the Crosby hockey fairytale that seems to have the ultimate momentum. Hopefully we get him back soon.
From Finnish perspective it was silent. It's good to see if Sami Lepistö gets even more role in Columbus. He seemed to start doing well in Phoenix already and there's definitely room for a offencive d-man in the Blue Jackets.
2010/03/04
NHL Trade deadline 2010
All of the hockey enthusiasts were holding their breath in anticipation. Where would the major moves take place? Would my favourite team lose or gain a star? Which team would give up and cash out their biggest names for draft pics and prospects? Which would take the risk and get some overpriced "veteran leadership" to make it to the playoffs?
At the end of the day, one big disappointed sigh. Hardly any remarkable trades were made. And all the biggest by far, already before the Olympics break. The teams clearly in decided to play it safe and not shake the roster. The teams clearly out didn't have anything to sell. The teams on the playoff bubble were too scared to mix it up or couldn't find a partner to make major trades. Well, at least we'll have very tightly integrated teams fighting for playoff spots this time. That might even be better for the fans.
Some random picks from me here. Case Vesa Toskala. A somewhat fairytaleish rise from San Jose backup to the number one goalie in the biggst hockey town in the planet in Toronto followed by a sad story of being traded a couple of times under trade deadline and landing as the backup of Miikka Kiprusoff. One of the few guys that will keep on playing 75 games a season. A fellow Finn with merits to share. A guy from the same home town in Finland. Vesa will unfortunately (from a Finnish fan point of view) end up sitting off the back of his shorts in Calgary.
Defencemen Lubomir Visnovsky and Ryan Whitney changed teams EDM-ANA. I can't see any point in Anaheim making this move. Players have similar attributes, but Whitney is a young horse where Visnovsky already a veteran. I guess this is the old merits talking. Anyway, I'd say this is good for Edmonton's rebuilding plans.
Colorado dumped Vojtek Volski. Can't wrap my mind around that either. The guy has been great for a few seasons, supercool in shootouts, one of the leading scorers in the team, still young and improving and whatnot. That one slipped off pretty cheap. Peter Mueller quite likely has talent and a decent future in NHL ahead of him, but still..
Pre-olympics trades were interesting, Toronto getting Phaneuf and putting all on this one card. Rangers swapping underachievers with Calgary. And last but not the least, New Jersey trying to integrate a superstar, bigger-than-the-team sniper artist Ilya Kovalchuck to a very tight, system-first team with dicipline above all. Kovalchuck could do it all, skate, hit, score, defend if he finds the right motivation. With that sort of package, New Jersey could well be off for a long cup run this year.
In conclusion, the trades were nothing special this year. The big guns of Washington, Pittsburgh, San Jose, New Jersey and Chicago will prevail and wrestle for the cup in a "league of their own". Surprises may come by Vancouver and Philly. Others can't take the heat this season.
At the end of the day, one big disappointed sigh. Hardly any remarkable trades were made. And all the biggest by far, already before the Olympics break. The teams clearly in decided to play it safe and not shake the roster. The teams clearly out didn't have anything to sell. The teams on the playoff bubble were too scared to mix it up or couldn't find a partner to make major trades. Well, at least we'll have very tightly integrated teams fighting for playoff spots this time. That might even be better for the fans.
Some random picks from me here. Case Vesa Toskala. A somewhat fairytaleish rise from San Jose backup to the number one goalie in the biggst hockey town in the planet in Toronto followed by a sad story of being traded a couple of times under trade deadline and landing as the backup of Miikka Kiprusoff. One of the few guys that will keep on playing 75 games a season. A fellow Finn with merits to share. A guy from the same home town in Finland. Vesa will unfortunately (from a Finnish fan point of view) end up sitting off the back of his shorts in Calgary.
Defencemen Lubomir Visnovsky and Ryan Whitney changed teams EDM-ANA. I can't see any point in Anaheim making this move. Players have similar attributes, but Whitney is a young horse where Visnovsky already a veteran. I guess this is the old merits talking. Anyway, I'd say this is good for Edmonton's rebuilding plans.
Colorado dumped Vojtek Volski. Can't wrap my mind around that either. The guy has been great for a few seasons, supercool in shootouts, one of the leading scorers in the team, still young and improving and whatnot. That one slipped off pretty cheap. Peter Mueller quite likely has talent and a decent future in NHL ahead of him, but still..
Pre-olympics trades were interesting, Toronto getting Phaneuf and putting all on this one card. Rangers swapping underachievers with Calgary. And last but not the least, New Jersey trying to integrate a superstar, bigger-than-the-team sniper artist Ilya Kovalchuck to a very tight, system-first team with dicipline above all. Kovalchuck could do it all, skate, hit, score, defend if he finds the right motivation. With that sort of package, New Jersey could well be off for a long cup run this year.
In conclusion, the trades were nothing special this year. The big guns of Washington, Pittsburgh, San Jose, New Jersey and Chicago will prevail and wrestle for the cup in a "league of their own". Surprises may come by Vancouver and Philly. Others can't take the heat this season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
