No Big Deal?So we all know about the blockbuster signings that shaked the very core of hockey as we know it. It was all very exciting but as we were all pointing and laughing at The Islanders (sorry couldn't resist) there were some very nice deals that went under the free agent radar. They didn't make any headlines really, until now.
Jocelyn Thibault- I bet half of you guys didn't even know he was available on the open market. Well neither did I until I researched this article. Who signed him? The Buffalo Sabres. Why bring it up? Well for starters the Sabres can replace Biron as the reliable back up for their often injured starting goaltender. But it's interesting that the Pens would let Thibault go. I guess that really means Marc-Andre Fleury is prepared for full time duty. Or at least they hope so.
Kevin Weekes- Great signing by The New Jersey Devils aquiring a veteran back up for Martin Brodeur. It has been a long time coming (although Corey Schwab was damn good at backing up Marty) but finally we can see Brodeur take some rest during the regular season. Kevin Weekes a couple of years ago was competing for starting goaltending positions so we know he can perform. He is a solid pick up and the fact that he makes a pretty penny ensures that he will get his games in and Brodeur will be forced to sit. That's right, force him!
Mike Comrie- Call me crazy, but I am a huge fan of Mike Comrie. I think we all tend to forget how young he really is just because he's been around forever. He's 26 and just dying to put up some huge offensive numbers. I don't know if he can do it on Long Island with Billy Guerin, but why not take the risk? Put some talent on his wings, and this guy is at LEAST 30 30. Good deal.
Jeremy Roenick- So J.R retires, and nobody thinks it's a big deal? Come on, I know he wasn't the most liked guy in the NHL but he had something that 90% of the league doesn't have. A personality!! Like him or hate him, the former back to back 50 goal scorer was a quote machine and was good for the game. Every sport has the one big mouth who makes everybody laugh, Roenick was ours and we were better off for it.
Mike York- The Coyotes signed the former Ranger and I think it's a good move for the same reason Mike Comrie was a good move. It shouldn't hurt. It's a one year deal at a decent price that can have a high upside. He's had some rough years as of late, but remember the FLY line? In the right situation this guy can put up some nice numbers. Who knows, maybe this is the right situation again.
Dallas Drake- Around deadline day the same question always comes up. Who will the Detroit Red Wings sign to add some toughness? Well we didn't have to wait long to get the answer. Dallas Drake is nothing special at offense. He can chip in here and there but that's not his job. This move is strictly preperation for a playoff run. He loves to finish his checks, score crucial goals and is not a defensive liability. He is perfect for Detroit, especially with the loss of Bertuzzi's physicality.
So they weren't the biggest deals in history. Or the biggest deals this year. Or the biggest deals of the hour. But with the exception of J.R retiring, all these signings could be very big deals to the clubs that offered them.
1 comment:
Kevin Weekes was a really good signing. My one friend who is a Devils fan absolutely hates it, but I think he and every Devils fan will be presently suprised with Weekes.
Mike Comrie is very skilled, with his stick and his mouth. You can bet his ego and mouth will cause some problems on the Island and will surely clash with captain Bill Guerin. There's a reason why he's moved around so much. I bet he's dealt at some point this year.
Mike York...good player stuck on every horrible team (except some of his time in Edmonton). Played very well for a bad Rangers team, played solid for a mediocre Oilers team. Islanders. Enough said. Last year's Flyers. Ditto. Who knows what this year's Yotes have in store. Mike York should help them though.
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