01-07-2010, 10:22 AM
CaptainHenreh Wrote:Skillwise, I sort of get it. Jurcina was a "gimme" since his contract was almost up, and he would have wanted mo' money (and he wasn't worth it). We cleared out some cap, and got some talent to boot.
What's alot harder to judge is the lockerroom leadership that Clark was able to offer. He wasn't very good on the ice, but the people loved Cap'n Clark. This is what people are upset about, and it was VERY clear that the team was upset about it immediately after. Their performance in the next game was godawful and every one knew it. With the caps latest win they might be over but honestly the game against the 'Canes was terrible. They were bent over in the first period.
So, I dunno. I think long term it was a good trade. We have some money to buy a new young defenseman, and maybe find someone who knows how to fight. My Boy Bradley, as much as I love him, can't fight worth a damn.
IMO moving Jurcina was less about getting his salary off the books and more about clearing out a dman. Washington/Hershey are full of NHL caliber dmen, and thats not even count John Carlson who is tearing up the AHL and most recently the World Junior Championships. Now, they have more flexibility with who they want to play.
If the caps do decide to bring in a Dman, it wont be a young one. With Alzner, Carlson, and Orlov in waiting they're fine at that position. If they bring in a Dman it will most likely be a vet stay at home defender for the playoff run. Someone along the lines of a Pronger, although I'm not sure if they want to pay the steep cost that would come along with that.
Bradley sure does know how to get bloodied :lol:
I wouldn't read to much into the Carolina loss at home either. Teams just hit ruts sometimes. I'm sure Clark's departure had a little to do with it, but they were due for something like that anyway. Hell, Carolina's ONLY other road win was against the defending champion Penguins, so it just happens sometimes.
2008 Mazda 3