Vancouver, (BC) - A week since General Manager Greg Byron took over the Vancouver Canucks and he had already made four trades. Well Byron has been at it again and in these last three days he has managed to get Brendan Shanahan from Detroit and he has sent grumpy Todd Bertuzzi down south to San Jose.
The first deal was a salary dump on Detroit's part because Shanahan has a hefty contract at over six million per year. The Canucks did not give up much that would hinder them right now, they dealt left winger Martin Rucinsky who was due to become a UFA at the season's end, a 1st, a 4th and a 8th round pick in the 2004 entry draft. The Canucks also acquired a young center named Jason Williams in the deal and he has some promising potential. Shanahan is expected to switch to right wing with the Canucks and play with the Sedins.
"This deal made sense for us in every way. We needed a top 6 right winger without having to give up a core player and we've done that. We took on some salary but Shanny's contract is good for 2 years and that'll keep him with us for a while which we like."said Byron.
The second deal took place last night and it is one of the biggest trades in the OTHL thus far. The best power forward in the league and designated team grump, Todd Bertuzzi will pack his bags with friendly giant Marek Malik, they will make their way to San Jose. Coming to Vancouver is a young sniper, Jonathan Cheechoo, another gritty defensemen like Colin White, Kyle McLaren, a young defenseman who is full of potential, Christian Ehrhoff and a 4th round pick in 2005.
"Well I think this helps our club a lot. Todd was always a pain in the locker room and I think the guys will be relieved now that grumpy pants won't be around. I am not sure about the guys we got back, all I know is that the Sedins can dress in the same room as the guys now, they were too afraid of Todd before." stated Head Coach Marc Crawford.
- The Province