July 9, 2011 /
By Andrew Chong, editor /
From Jagr to Smyth to two guys named Richards, the NHL off-season has had its fair share of noteworthy trades and signings…
MOST IMPROVED LOWER-HALF TEAM?
AC: The Columbus Blue Jackets finally got Rick Nash some high-end support in Jeff Carter. The trade only cost Columbus one roster player in Jakub Voracek (along with a first-rounder and third-rounder) so the payoff should be immediate. It will be very interesting to see what the two former 40-plus goal-scorers are capable of as a duo.
DB: Although teams like Dallas and Florida stocked-up on depth and serviceable players, albeit overpaying in most cases, I really like what Edmonton did: kept their first round picks with R.N-H and Klefbom and added what they needed—tough, hard-nosed, experienced forwards in Hordichuck and Eager. Also, love the Barker signing—he’ll thrive in Edmonton.
MOST IMPROVED UPPER-HALF TEAM?
AC: Was there a problem in the dressing room with Mike Richards in Philadelphia? The LA Kings don’t seem to care as the Richards and Simon Gagne additions should help a close-to-contending team that already has some nice pieces in Anze Kopitar, Dustin Penner, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, Drew Doughty, and Jonathan Quick.
DB: Washington addressed some real needs in Brouwer, Hamrlik, Halpern and Ward, not to mention keeping Laich. Adding Vokoun and letting him mentor Neuvirth is massive—this could finally be their year.
BIGGEST SURPRISE?
AC: The Canucks didn’t get tougher on July 1. But if I’m Mike Gillis and I knew I already had a top-end team, I would certainly be tempted to wait all the way until the trade deadline to pickup some rental help at a pro-rated cap hit.
DB: No question, Philly. Talk about a right-hand, no, a 270-degree turn on a dime—yikes. Out goes Richards, Carter, Leino, Carcillo, O’Donnell and Boucher. In comes, what!? Picks, Voracek, Jagr (ugh, not your prototypical Flyer), Bryzgalov, Simmonds, Schenn, Talbot, Lilja….WOW!
BEST INDIVIDUAL ACQUISITION?
AC: Ville Leino of the Buffalo Sabres is a very nice pickup as Leino has proven he can get it done in the playoffs (7-14-21 in 19 GP in 2009/10, including a plus-10 rating and two game-winners). He’s exactly the kind of clutch playoff help Buffalo needs more of to help them get out of the first round—they haven’t done that since 2006/07.
DB: Leino, Ehrhoff, Wisniewski were all good (although pricey)—it’s hard to argue against Brad Richards. Didn’t over-pay, can finally put Dubinsky on the second line, Cup winner, not a prima donna, etc, etc. Rangers will be way more solid in all zones just due to shifting of responsibilities and playing time. |
NHL Off-Season Provides Plenty Of Drama
