Trades!
There has been quite a bit of movement around the hockey world this week. Here are some of the more noteworthy transactions.
To New York I: Thomas Vanek
To Buffalo: Matt Moulson, 1st-round pick (2014 or 2015), 2nd-round pick (2015)
Trade Analysis: I'd have to admire Garth Snow for going out and pulling the trigger on this trade. It is a steep price for Vanek (especially since his contract ends after the season), but with the Metro Division sucking so far now is the time to go out and make a push. As for Buffalo, they are starting off the rebuild with the high draft picks. Moulson is a good player, but probably won't be as productive since he won't be playing with Tavares anymore. He is also on an expiring contract and could possible be playing out the string in Buffalo (or get traded again) before signing back on the Island.
To Jail: Semyon Varlamov
To Colorado: Future Considerations
Trade Analysis: Well, this is ugly. Wednesday night Varlamov turned himself into police, and was charged with second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault. So far Varlamov stayed the night in jail, posted bail, and has re-joined the team. I'm going to take a page out of the Avalanche's book and say no comment, but will add that what Varlamov (allegedly) did is despicable and should serve time if proven guilty (and to give it up Russian conspiracist [sp.?], we all know Barulin is starting in Sochi because he's the KHL guy).
To Philadelphia: Steve Downie
To Colorado: Max Talbot
Trade Analysis: This (and probably with any other Avalanche move this year) smells like Roy wanted to get rid of someone, in this case it's Downie. I don't get this move for the Avs, Downie has been good this year playing with Duchene while Talbot has been dismal on a bad Philly team. Talbot does add experience and does upgrade the penalty kill, but that's about it.
To KHL: Jokerit Helsinki
To SM-liiga: Weakness
Trade Analysis: It was officially announced on Wednesday that Jokerit Helsinki, one of the most historic Finnish clubs, is moving to the KHL. I don't like this move since it weakens the SM-liiga and gives the KHL another team from another league. It would be fine if they expanded to Finland and not steal a team from the top league.
Suspension of the Week
We had two contenders this week (John Scott's infraction happened last week, so it doesn't count). Martin Hanzal got 2 games for a hit to the head of Jeff Petry, and Carter Ashton got 2 games by boarding Derek Smith. This weeks winner is...
Carter Ashton
A boarding call with the guy a couple feet from the boards probably has more damaging results than an elbow to the head along the boards. Hanzal does get points for the run-up beforehand and for being a repeat offender, but in the end it was a normal hit that was high. Ashton sees all back and just gives Smith a good push into the boards. Being a first-timer probably gives Ashton a break on the suspension length. Overall, Ashton committed the worst of the two fouls, and ends up being our inaugural winner of the Suspension of the Week.
Side Note: Have we ever seen a suspension being reduced/not given in for a player that "minimized contact"? I'm starting to think every time they make a video they just throw out the "minimized contact" line to make the offense seem worst.
Fun fact: both victims this week are defensemen playing in Alberta.
Lineup Notables
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets
Chicago: Michal Handzus (upper body) and Michael Kostka (lower body) are out. Corey Crawford is in net.
Winnipeg: Jim Slater (lower body), Jacob Trouba (upper body), Mark Stuart (hip), and Paul Postma (blood clot) are out. Ondrej Pavelec starts this afternoon.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vancouver Canucks
Rob Ford: Tyler Bozek (lower body) and Mark Fraser (knee) are out while Nikolai Kulemin (ankle) is probable. Carter Ashton is suspended. Jonathan Bernier is expected to start.
Twin Powers: David Booth (lower body), Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Colorado Avalanche
Montreal: Max Pacioretty (hamstring), Daniel Briere (concussion), Brandon Prust (shoulder), Travis Moen (face), Alexei Emelin (knee), and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Peter Budaj gets the start in goal.
Colorado: Jamie McGinn (knee) is questionable. Jean-Sebastien Giguere might start.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Detroit: Jonathan Ericsson (upper body) and Jonas Gustavsson (neck) are out while Darren Helm (lower back) is questionable. Jimmy Howard should be in net.
Edmonton: David Perron (neck), Jesse Joensuu (back), and Steve MacIntyre (knee) are out while Taylor Hall (knee), Ryan Smyth (groin), Ryan Hamilton (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs/I don't want to know why those are the two injuries) and Devan Dubnyk (ankle) are all questionable. Devan Dubnyk might start tonight.
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