CANES AND KINGS SWAP ASSETS
Carolina
In a mid season deal, the Carolina Hurricanes sent young potential sniper Michael Woodford, top prospect Brian Boyle and an undisclosed amount of cash to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for power forward Matt Bradley, speedy defenceman Jason Crain and a first round draft pick.
In Bradley the Canes received a familiar face. The former Hurricane has been struggling in Los Angeles this season after a solid season last year. Bradley, a strong right winger, has the special blend of aggression, power and soft hands and could easily find himself on one of the top two lines.
"I'm looking forward to a change of scenery," said Bradley. "I have enjoyed my time in L.A. but after a while, you get stale and things just working out there this season for me personally. I think both teams are off to great years, but I am hoping I can contribute more in Carolina. The move helps."
Jason Crain, a slick, swift skating defenceman, will likely find himself on the sidelines initially, until the Canes find a role for the blueliner. Crain, 26, has some potential to be a contributor in the Carolina lineup, but will be in tough against a solid group of 7 currently playing. Joel Quenneville, coach of the Hurricanes, has struggled ot keep any one of the 7 out of the lineup and often plays all 7.
The final piece was a first rounder, the 8th acquired by the Canes for this upcoming draft. With the option of having all 8, the Canes felt that they now have some freedom to make moves in order to further bolster their farm system.
"The Canes have a great youth movement in the works," said a scout, who wished to remain nameless. "They have great depth at all positions and with the graduation set for the end of this season, it is quite appropriate that all these picks are acquired to ultimately restock the cupboard. I think they have a solid foundation for years to come."
The Canes, with the acquisition of Bradley, now have 4 fully capable right wings at their disposal. The question is will these 4 all be around by the end of the season with players such as Brian Gionta, Joffrey Lupul, Ryan Getzlaf and Junior Lessard all nipping at their heels? Time will tell.
In a mid season deal, the Carolina Hurricanes sent young potential sniper Michael Woodford, top prospect Brian Boyle and an undisclosed amount of cash to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for power forward Matt Bradley, speedy defenceman Jason Crain and a first round draft pick.
In Bradley the Canes received a familiar face. The former Hurricane has been struggling in Los Angeles this season after a solid season last year. Bradley, a strong right winger, has the special blend of aggression, power and soft hands and could easily find himself on one of the top two lines."I'm looking forward to a change of scenery," said Bradley. "I have enjoyed my time in L.A. but after a while, you get stale and things just working out there this season for me personally. I think both teams are off to great years, but I am hoping I can contribute more in Carolina. The move helps."
Jason Crain, a slick, swift skating defenceman, will likely find himself on the sidelines initially, until the Canes find a role for the blueliner. Crain, 26, has some potential to be a contributor in the Carolina lineup, but will be in tough against a solid group of 7 currently playing. Joel Quenneville, coach of the Hurricanes, has struggled ot keep any one of the 7 out of the lineup and often plays all 7.
The final piece was a first rounder, the 8th acquired by the Canes for this upcoming draft. With the option of having all 8, the Canes felt that they now have some freedom to make moves in order to further bolster their farm system.
"The Canes have a great youth movement in the works," said a scout, who wished to remain nameless. "They have great depth at all positions and with the graduation set for the end of this season, it is quite appropriate that all these picks are acquired to ultimately restock the cupboard. I think they have a solid foundation for years to come."
The Canes, with the acquisition of Bradley, now have 4 fully capable right wings at their disposal. The question is will these 4 all be around by the end of the season with players such as Brian Gionta, Joffrey Lupul, Ryan Getzlaf and Junior Lessard all nipping at their heels? Time will tell.
posted by Lohaus at 10:48 AM
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