CANES PULL TRIGGER ON BLOCKBUSTER
Carolina
After months of speculation and a recent slide in the standings, the Carolina Hurricanes finally did what many expected for some time. The former conference leaders sent superstar winger Alexei Kovalev, Scott Walker and prospect Nathan McIver to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for offensive winger Marian Cisar, young defensive stalwart Derek Meech, super prospect Lauri Tukonen and Vancouver's first round draft choice in this years draft.
"Dealing Kovalev will likely hurt this team offensively," said head coach Joel Quenneville, "but the team and Alex had really parted ways and it was not a good situation for anyone. I am truly hoping that by adding some new blood, things will be different. Cisar brings a lot of creativity and hopefully he will gel with Fisher and Stillman. Meech is an excellent option for us on the backend. He is smart in his own end and he makes an incredible first pass."
Also dealt was Scott Walker. Unfortunately for the veteran winger he was never able to find a spot in the lineup due to chemistry issues.
"Scott was a great addition for us in the room but he could never seem to click with anyone on the ice. Ultimately, that is why we were able to deal him. We maintain our other 2 lines and give options for Cisar and Woodford to earn regular spots. I am hoping it all works itself out."
Carolina is also excited about the acquisition of young Tukonen, the Finnish sniper. Tukonen, 18, has been highly touted since his strong performance at the 2005 World Junior Championship. Tukonen has excellent speed and is known as a 2 way competitor who should fit in nicely in the Canes youth movement. The first rounder from Vancouver will also give the club more options to help fill out their junior squad this spring in the draft.
After months of speculation and a recent slide in the standings, the Carolina Hurricanes finally did what many expected for some time. The former conference leaders sent superstar winger Alexei Kovalev, Scott Walker and prospect Nathan McIver to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for offensive winger Marian Cisar, young defensive stalwart Derek Meech, super prospect Lauri Tukonen and Vancouver's first round draft choice in this years draft.
"Dealing Kovalev will likely hurt this team offensively," said head coach Joel Quenneville, "but the team and Alex had really parted ways and it was not a good situation for anyone. I am truly hoping that by adding some new blood, things will be different. Cisar brings a lot of creativity and hopefully he will gel with Fisher and Stillman. Meech is an excellent option for us on the backend. He is smart in his own end and he makes an incredible first pass."
Also dealt was Scott Walker. Unfortunately for the veteran winger he was never able to find a spot in the lineup due to chemistry issues.
"Scott was a great addition for us in the room but he could never seem to click with anyone on the ice. Ultimately, that is why we were able to deal him. We maintain our other 2 lines and give options for Cisar and Woodford to earn regular spots. I am hoping it all works itself out."
Carolina is also excited about the acquisition of young Tukonen, the Finnish sniper. Tukonen, 18, has been highly touted since his strong performance at the 2005 World Junior Championship. Tukonen has excellent speed and is known as a 2 way competitor who should fit in nicely in the Canes youth movement. The first rounder from Vancouver will also give the club more options to help fill out their junior squad this spring in the draft.
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