11. Nashville Predators...C-
a. This team didn't do anything. While they seem like they can sneak into the playoffs again, there were a few players (Greg Zanon, Ville Koistenen) who should have been show the door in return for some prospects and picks.
12. Phoenix Coyotes...B+
a. After looking great around the All-Star Break, this team hit a wall in a major way. Jokinen went to Calgary for forwards Matthew Lombardi and Brandon Prust, along with a first round pick. Lombardi has plenty of speed, and may be able to find a place on a young Phoenix team. Prust is primarily an enforcer. I'm sure they'll put that pick to good use, though.
b. Backup goalie Mikael Tellqvist was sent to Buffalo for a pick. This team was in a selling mode, and while Tellqvist hasn't been particularly bad, this team is setting itself up for the future.
c. Scottie Upshall came into Phoenix along with a second round pick from Philadelphia in return for Daniel Carcillo. Upshall is a fast, annoying, and hard-working high energy forward. He's yet another nice addition to the youth movement, and has some offensive skill.
d. In return for Derek Morris, the Coyotes received Dimitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha, and Nigel Dawes back from the Rangers. Kalinin is a pylon, and it's likely his stay will be short. Meanwhile, Prucha is an effective energy player with decent offensive skills. A change in scenery may help him out. Dawes is a decent 2nd or 3rd line winger, but he still has some upside.
13. San Jose Sharks...B-
a. Sent veteran defenseman Kyle McLaren to Philadelphia for a 6th round pick. At least they got something for him.
b. Acquired Travis Moen and Kent Huskins from the Ducks. Moen is a quality checking forward, and Huskins gives them some defensive depth.
14. St. Louis Blues...D+
a. The Blues didn't do too much. Perhaps the glaring problem is what they didn't do. Keith Tkachuk stayed put, and the Blues were unable to get something in return for the aging power forward. A playoff spot isn't out of reach, but it's not too likely. This is a rebuilding team. Tkachuk should've been moved for some picks and prospects.
15. Vancouver Canucks...B-
a. The Canucks didn't do anything. However, they managed to extend agitator Alex Burrows for another 4 years. Regardless, the most important move occured a while ago, when they signed Mats Sundin. This team has been on a tear since, and while an addition would have been nice, there isn't anybody out there who can make enough of an impact to be worth it.
Eastern teams coming shortly!
-brett
what is an 'energy player,' exactly?
ReplyDeletegood question. let's say you're a coach, and your team has come out to a slow start/is the New York Rangers. the players look lethargic and disinterested. therefore, you send out your energy line, who will inevitably start to liven the game up, whether it's through hitting, fighting, or an ugly goal.
ReplyDeleteenergy lines are usually big, but some of the better ones bring good speed as well.
got it.
ReplyDelete