The WHL's Trade Deadline came and went with nary a whimper this season considering the amount and magnitude of deals in years gone by and, as predicted, here at home the Kootenay Ice decided to stay on the sidelines for the most part and let the kids play.
That was accentuated with the deal that the Ice made/announced right at the deadline that sent 18-year-old forward Brendan Hurley to Medicine Hat to a 3rd round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.
Hurley, playing on the fourth line of late, wanted more ice-time. The former first round Bantam pick never seemed to get into the role of goal-scorer, defensive forward or power forward with the Ice and it was becoming clear that the rookies were passing him on the depth chart. The trade does two things; replacing the 3rd round pick lost to Swift Current in the Eakin deal last season - as mentioned by GM Chynoweth in the release - and coupled with the fact that F Eric Benoit - a training camp invite/list player who made the team - had more upside. It also gives the likes of Jaedon Descheneau, Jon Martin and Levi Cable the chance to stay in the line-up full-time in a fourth-line role. The young D-men; Wand, Hubic and Simpson - once Paulsen is healthy - could rotate through the line-up. The fact Hurley was sent to a divisional rival further demonstrates the commitment the club is making to the young players.
Around the league however - especially the Eastern Conference - there were teams who upped the anti with deals that make they'll hope make their clubs better.
Edmonton had already done their damage with the acquisition of Maxwell for a prospect and two picks as well as the addition of Samuelsson (son of former NHLer Ulf) and D Cody Corbett, 18, from Minnesota for nothing as both players were on the club's list. The Oil Kings are on a big roll and could run away with the top seed in the East.
Red Deer added F Charles Inglis, 19, for the relatively low price of F Daulton Siwak, 18, and a 3rd pick, which should help the club compete for a playoff spot.
Regina threw down the gloves and decided to add a big-name D-man as Martin Marancin, a 19-year-old import D who is a draft pick of the NHL's Oilers was dealt from PG to Regina for import D Ricard Bildstrand and the Pats' 1st and 2nd round picks in 2012 and a 5th in 2013. Going with Marancin are 4th and 7th picks in 2012 and a 4th in 2013.
Brandon, who most thought would upgrade on the goaltender position decided to go with the offensive upgrade with the addition of F Kevin Sundher from Victoria in exchange for D Jordan Fransoo, F Dakota Conroy and a 1st round pick in 2012.
Moose Jaw added two 20-year-old forwards to their line-up that will give them a ton of depth on offense as they got Cam Braes from Lethbridge for a 1st round pick in 2012 and a 2nd round pick next year. Then they added Vancouver Giant captain James Henry for a 2nd round pick in 2012 and a 3rd round pick in 2013.
So as the deadline comes to a close, it's clear that Edmonton and Moose Jaw clearly tried to load up for a long spring while Brandon - who fit into that underachiever role so far this season - along with Regina made deals that they feel will vault them into contenders this season.
In the West Bob Tory took a flyer on the chance F Brett Connolly will be returned by the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightnight and sent a conditional 1st round pick in 2013 and conditional 2nd round pick in 2014 and a 5th round pick in 2013. That's a small price to pay in the off-chance the Lightning send him back. If they do, the Ams become even more of a loaded juggernaut than they already are - in my opinion they're the best team that have visited the Rec Plex this season - and if not, it's a 5th round pick that the club could get back later in other deals.
Saskatoon, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Kootenay, save for the Muth/Rossignol deal and the Hurley deal is more a depth deal than a big splash, all look to be staying the course.
Swift Current, Lethbridge and PA, while not throwing in the towel by any stretch, are looking at nextyearland.
All the deals leading up to the deadline are here.
Should make for an interesting run down the stretch.
10 comments:
I have to agree, not sure how that trade make us better now or in the future.
Both 16 yr old forwards are better than what we gave up so with them playing more the Ice will be better. So I disagree.
Stop bad mouthing the kid. Like the GM, I would like to thank him for his services. Now, everyone move on.
I don't think anybody is bad-mouthing Hurley, just analysing the deal and what is and what might have been.
Jeffy, calm down. We get it, you wern't a huge fan.
Wasn't bad mouthing Hurley and feel for all players delt. It's strictly business and they all know that going in.
Is not our biggest challenge going to be next year? With only two 19 year olds we have a very young team. Most likely one of the youngest in the league. I realize our young guys play a big game but is that not a tall order for next year?
It is a tall order for next year, and changes will have to be made. And also a comment to the anonymous poster: to my knowledge and what I have read in the press releases; BOTH Hurley and Rossignol asked for trades, and were not dealt without their knowledge or against their will. Do you really think Jeff would trade two of his three 1993 forwards? Hurley and Rossignol wanted more opportunity and good luck to them both.
did dirk get traded to red deer?
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