Blackhawks trade deadline day (Chicago, Ottawa: salary, live, moving)

[Steve-o]

Just in case anyone wonders/cares.... Lapointe to Ottawa for 6th round pick, and Ruutu to Carolina for Andrew Ladd. 2 good moves by the Hawks! As much as I like Lapointe's leadership and heart, we can acquire some younger/cheaper talent. I believe we were paying Lapointe 2.5 million this year. The Ruutu for Ladd trade is good, and I hope Ladd is as good on the forecheck as Ruutu, and Im positive he'll be a higher point producer.

[jdiddy]

The LaPointe trade isn't a big surprise, but I didn't expect the Ruutu/Ladd trade. Even though Ruutu didn't really reach his expectations, I liked watching him play. He was like a poor man's Jeremy Roenick, only he couldn't score and was dumb. Despite that, I liked him.

However, it looks like the Hawks might be gettign the stronger player overall in Ladd. Hopefully the Hawks stay out of the injury trouble they found themselves in this year, because next year looks like it will be fun.

[HockeyFan]

Ruttu was said to be the next Peter Forsberg when he was drafted. I commented at the time I hoped they didn't mean injury-wise... turns out they did.

He never lived up to potential because of injuries, and that looks like it will follow him throughout his career.

Ladd is a former #4 overall pick with a huge upside, although people are starting to wonder how soon that will come through.

I like that deal from both teams' point of view, but especially for Chicago. The team is no longer based around the future of Ruttu, but instead, the future of Toews and Kane.

Lapointe is a good character guy, but since he signed with Boston seven years ago, he's seemed overpaid compared to other heart and soul, grinder-types. Moving him out will help in the salary cap department.

[Steve-o]

Speaking of Forsberg, Im sure you all heard he's back with the Avs again. And what is with the Habs getting rid of Huet?!?!?!

Back to Ruutu, he played well with the Canes last night, even getting hi-sticked and gushing blood all over the place. And Samsonov continues to be brilliant in Carolina, go figure. Anyways, we'll see how Ladd works out, he should be laced up tonight Im assuming against the Phoedix Coyotes.

[HockeyFan]

Good to see Forsberg back with the Avs -- the Colorado reunion tour, with Sakic, Forsberg, Foote, etc. reunited.

I do think Samsonov is right -- he's a player who needs to be a top-six forward, or he isn't effective. He's not a checker, so the checking line is out. He's not a grinder, so he's not a good fourth liner. Still, I would never have dreamed he'd do this well in Carolina.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

Good to see Forsberg back with the Avs -- the Colorado reunion tour, with Sakic, Forsberg, Foote, etc. reunited

Arent there two Footes on Colorado now? I know that Jeff Finger plays for the Avs already. Too bad theyre not all on the same line, that'd be funny. I wonder what theyd call that line, the "anatomy line"?

[HockeyFan]

There's only one Foote, but there is a Finger. They're both defensemen, so they could be the anatomy unit.

Kind of like the Happy Hour defensive pairing in Edmonton when Beers and Martini played together!!

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

There's only one Foote, but there is a Finger. They're both defensemen, so they could be the anatomy unit.

Kind of like the Happy Hour defensive pairing in Edmonton when Beers and Martini played together!!

LMBO

Forgot about that line. hahaha