NHL Review

Well the NHL Draft was nothing less than exciting Friday in regards to trading, as two major trades were made by Calgary, Anaheim, Philadelphia and Florida.


It was no surprise to most that star defenceman Jay Bouwmeester's rights were traded. The Panthers have been looking to unload this guy ever since they were eliminated from the postseason, keeping him at the deadline with the belief that they would be a playoff competitor. Shipping JayBo off to Calgary paid dividends in the name of Jordan Leopold (UFA) and a 2009 third-round draft pick. Though both Leopold and Bouwmeester are free agents in a few days, they both must want to sign with these teams. Well, not necessarily, but they are good homes for both of them.


Also on the trade front, was another prime defenceman by the name of Chris Pronger. He was given to the Flyers in exchange for (former and now current) Duck Joffery Lupul, rookie defenceman Luca Sbisa, and two first round picks (2009 and 2010). This is HUGE for the Anaheim Ducks, they (in my humble opinion) stole many assets from the Flyers in order to unload a salary cap hindrance as well as an aging veteran who isn't as good as he once was. Adding Lupul ignites their offense, who may click again with former cup winning teammates. I'm not sure if the Flyers took him because they knew Bouwmeester was already taken (Pronger deal came before Bouwmeester deal), or because Scott Niedermayer decided to strap up the laces next season... or maybe both? Either way, the Ducks really stole this trade. Good thing too, because they really got hosed after trading Chris Kunitz and top prospect Eric Tangradi to Pittsburgh for Ryan Whitney. Whatever makes 'em happy right?