Trading Places

There were two trades in the NHL yesterday, which heralds the initiation of the three-week speculative frenzy the accompanies the onset of the trading deadline - happening this year an absurdly early February 27th:

Carolina (re) acquires Josef Vasicek from Nashville in exchange for Eric Belanger.

The funny thing about these third-generation Eurpoean players is, it's still all about where they feel comfortable on and off the ice. Vasicek threw his weight around for five years, including one Stanley Cup, with the Hurricanes, then was the trade bait to pry Scott Walker from the Predators. All he did was blend into the scenery in Nashville during whatever playing time came his way, and he's much better off back "home" as it were, where Peter Laviolette locked him into a role (2nd-3rd line hard-hitting winger) where he could use his size and skill. Since the changes from last year's Carolina squad to this year's are minimal, it shouldn't take too long for Joe to fit right in.

On the other hand, this must be a nightmare for Belanger - plucked from a young, energetic core in Los Angeles to the defending Cup champions, only to be shuttled to yet another team in less than one season. My guess is, Carolina went with too many players with only a skill upside this year (Trevor Letowski, Scott Walker, Belanger) and since Belanger was the weakest statistically, a more even deal could be made. Since Nashville is already so deep at forward, Belanger might just fill the space Vasicek did, ready to play in case of injury or if Barry Trotz wants to set a different tone depending on the game down the stretch. Even at this point, it's rare for two top clubs to make a one-for-one, or two-for-two deal without cash or draft picks - but this one will ultimately benefit Carolina more.

NY Rangers ship Adam Hall to Minnesota for Pascal Dupuis.

Just from reading the names involved, Dupuis was either in head coach Jacques Lemaire's doghouse, or his physical play was not up to par with the Wild's game plan. Recently, I've expounded the fact that offensive power will be the difference in the Northwest Division, not defense/goaltending/gritty play, and it will hurt Minnesota to lose a skilled player like the Quebec native (10 goals, 13 points in 48 games shifting between 2nd and 3rd lines). If there's one thing the Rangers don't need, it's another strictly offensive-zone player, and if there's something New York does need, it is someone who can play with toughness and heart without being reckless. This may end up being a set-up deal for either club, because as it stands now, it's a complete wash for both sides.

Update: The Predators have traded Eric Belanger to Atlanta for defenseman Vitali Vishnevski.

Make that four teams in less than two seasons for "Suitcase" Belanger. I didn't have any indication that Hartley and the Thrashers were displeased with the Russian backliner, and Atlanta, perennially hamstrung by their defensive woes, aren't deep on defense again this season. This is a depth move for both sides, but the Thrashers will come out on the wrong end of this one, losing a solid defenseman with offensive capabilities while Nashville just gets one more good player to throw out when they need it.

Double Update: Boston sends Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart to Calgary for Chuck Kobasew and Andrew Ference.

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, in a statement regarding the deal, is sending a message that his team "is not throwing in the towel." Apparently, he, the rest of the front office, the coaching staff and the players are the only ones who think the B's can make the playoffs with some different cast members. This was a deal between two very desperate general managers. The Flames net Primeau, who fills the defensive stopper role that the injured Darren McCarty vacated, and Stuart, in need of a change of scenery after the Bruins decided "his time" was up. The Bruins get a forward who is no more than a middling second-line winger (who happens to have a broken elbow) and a defenseman who is a younger, less awkward looking, more assertive version of Stuart. For Calgary, the move might not make any difference in the standings, but that's OK as long as they don't slip. For Boston, however, they're just swapping the same players in the same roles - something which is guaranteed only to give a boost in the short-term, and is a harbinger of tough times and failed expectations in the long run when faced with an uphill climb towards the postseason.