June 25th, 2010

School's out for summer... if you didn't sing that to the Alice Cooper classic, you've got to wonder about yourself. GM's have been busy, and have entertained us already.

All the way back on June 17th, my team, the Montreal Canadiens traded away the goaltender that carried them to the Eastern Finals, for Lars Eller and Ian Shultz. A lot of initial reaction was that this was a ridiculous trade, however when you take a look at it, it may not seem all that bad. It was smart to trade him at his peak (I may have waited till Draft Day) but for the money I imagine he was going to ask for, and the risk of him dropping back into his backup role self, they timed it right. I love the style of Lars Eller, and am very excited to see him suit up in a Habs uniform, Ian Shultz also seems like a player that Montreal needs, a strong power forward that is able to put the puck in the net. Now it's just the hope of Carey Price being the goaltender he can be. It's a wait and see kind of trade.

2 days later, Nashville trades the rights of Dan Hamhuis to Eastern Conference Champs, the Philadelphia Flyers, for Ryan Parent and a 7th round pick. A good trade all in all if Philly is able to lock Hamhuis up. Nashville doesn't loose to much as they receive just as young talent Ryan Parent who won't cost them as much. No worries to the Preds fans, remember you still have Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.

Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell are now Bruins. They traded away there 15th overall pick, a 3rd rounder and soon-to-be-gone-anyways Dennis Wideman. A fantastic trade for Boston, and Florida did well given the situation. Horton wanted out, and Florida was able to get a great pick, and a defencemen that will add depth to that core. Rumour has it that Edmonton wants the 15th pick, so it'll be interesting to see what develops there.

Chicago is just distributing players for picks, picking up a first rounder, 2nd rounder and 6th rounder so far. They had to dump salaries and this way makes sense. They've also pick up a veteran in Marty Reasonor and sub par prospect Joey Crabb. Losing Dustin Byfuglien and prospect Akin Aliu are the biggest hits to them, but was necessary.

Draft Daaay.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis