Well, the really big dealing has begun!
I'm certainly not surprised that the Hurricanes have started to deal a few commodities away, but I'll admit, I never thought the Regina Pats would be in the mix. It's clear the Pats believe they have something going in the Queen City and are going to make some noise this season. No question that club just got a lot better and when you factor in the quality of their forwards, they should have a deadly scoring now for sure.
Let's face it, the Hurricanes had to start the building process and this trade certainly does that. This is what many fans in Lethbridge expected and felt needed to happen and it's clear management viewed it the same way. The Canes' get a real good prospect in Balog and a hard working guy in Hood. The team is also stockpiling draft picks. They currently sit with 3 picks in the second round of the draft in 2010 with the acquisition of a second rounder from the Pats in this deal, not to mention an extra pick in the first round in 2011. I'd have to say the pressure now lies on the Hurricanes scouting staff to put their collective heads together at draft time this coming spring. With this many high picks in 2010, this Bantam draft may be the most important in years for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
It's always tough to see players come and go, especially those that gave their all and wore the colours and jersey proud. Ashton and Orfino were both original Hurricanes and played a big role on this Lethbridge team the past 3 seasons. They will be missed, but in hockey to get something good back you have to give up something good. That was the case here too.
I think for many people, myself included the question now is, is this the first of more big trades to come involving this team? Perhaps it is. And is this the trade that essentially sets the price for other deals around the WHL leading up to the January 10th deadline? Perhaps it is.
Interesting to note that Orfino and Ashton won't be gone from Lethbridge long either. They'll be back on Saturday night when the Hurricanes host Regina.
Thanks,
Pat
The views expressed on this blog are those of the moderator and contributors and are not endorsed by 94.1 CJOC or the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Draft process is a hard thing to project. You are taking chances on kids who at 14 look good and what happens in the next 2 years is anyone's guess. There are players who were drafted in the 1st or 2nd round and have been duds and others who weren't picked until in the later rounds have become true gems. Not just in Lethbridge but around the league in general. I think the scouting staff has a big job and a huge responsibility on their shoulders - something I dont envy of them. GoodLuck Rob and Richie, here is waiting for next year!!
ReplyDeleteYour right regarding those 1st and 2nd round duds. This club has treated later round picks like dirt. They have been so high on their first thru 5. What about the US kids we had? All traded or given away, IMO they were never really given the chance. Why draft or invite them if club doesn't want them in the first place.
ReplyDeletePlay those that want to play for team and get rid of those primadonnas that just want to get drafted and sign autographs.
Trade all the primadonnas, start over
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Why do we select brothers or sons of NHL players? Are they suppost to be good because of their name. Tarnasky is the perfect example, That selection has me wondering.
ReplyDelete