8.29.2008

Meszaros to Tampa

What an interesting trade.....the Ottawa Senators have sent defenseman Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defensemen Alex Picard and Filip Kuba.

Now, I know Tampa was just trying to strengthen their 'D' corps, but they may have actually weakened them. Kuba was set to be the veteran leader of the team, while Picard has the potential to follow in the steps of young defenders like Brent Burns and Mark Streit. Meszaros received heavy criticism for not being able to keep up his strong play from his rookie season after Zdeno Chara left for Boston.

Maybe it'll work out, but I doubt it....

More Short Events

It's been a little while since my last blog, with school starting and all that. But here are some more short stories out of the NHL world as of the 29th:

- Stu Barnes has officially retired, but, in the pattern of former Star Brett Hull (and in my opinion, to be followed by Mike Modano in the next 2-3 seasons), he has joined the staff of the Dallas Stars. Barnes announced his retirement yesterday, and was hired to join Dave Tippett's coaching staff as an Assistant Coach. He replaces the popular Ulf Dahlen, who was also a former North Stars and Stars winger. Dahlen left the team to take up a head coaching opportunity in his homeland, Sweden.

- Perhaps the biggest news comes from a subject I covered in my last blog; Joe Sakic has finally made a decision. The superstar center, who has spent his whole career with the Colorado Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques organization, signed a one-year deal, most likely his last. A lock-in for the Hall of Fame, Sakic has remained productive throughout his entire NHL career. Although his 07-08 campaign was cut in half by injury, he still managed 40 points in 44 games. In 06-07, he became one of the oldest players to score 100 points, done in 82 games. Although he may not churn out the points near the century mark this season, there's no question that 'Burnaby Joe' will be a leader by example to give the Avs plenty of morale.

- A rumor has floated around the hockey world, that will most likely turn out true, and cause controversy regardless. Reportedly, Andrej Meszaros, defenseman for the Ottawa Senators, has agreed to an offer sheet contract with another NHL team. The team has not yet been revealed due to the unconfirmed status of the rumor, but the sheet is apparently worth $5 million a year, which is seen by many as pretty hefty for a defender who's NHL performance so far has been nothing too special. Others say that Meszaros is worth the money, but would be unwise to leave the Sens. I, for one, am none too judgmental on his skill level yet, but see this as a potential problem for the Ottawa organization. If a player who would essentially be guaranteed a roster spot next season decides to sign with another team, other UFA's and RFA's may see this as a lack of confidence in the team's strength and likelihood to make the playoffs, and depart as well.


That's all I'll say for now, I'll post as soon as I possibly can! Which might not be for a while!
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