One of the biggest trades, if not the biggest, was completed late last night and confirmed by the league today. The Bruins having not lived up to there play from last season, decided to make some changes, so they traded Joe Thornton, Trevor Letowski and Hal Gill to the Florida Panthers. The Bruins decision not only to trade Joe Thornton, but also to another team in the eastern conference, caught some general managers by surprise.
"I am somewhat surprised that the Bruins decided to move Joe Thornton. But the big surprise to me, is the fact that he was traded to Florida. The Panthers are a team the Bruins might have to meet in the playoffs, and then to have to play against Joe Thornton will be tough. On the other hand, trading a guy like Joe Thornton is never easy, the Panthers could very well be the only team that where willing to meet the Bruins price tag." - Said a anonymous OTHL Gm. "But the Bruins made a good trade, the players they recived will help them as they try and solify a playoff position. Getting two solid forwards and two solid defenders is not going to hurt them. The Bruins defense is scary good now."
In return for Joe Thornton, Hal Gill and Trevor Letowski the Bruins recived Olli Jokinen, Jere Lehtinen, Brendan Witt and Brad Stuart. The two teams also exchanged a couple of draft picks.
PLAYER OF THE NIGHT: Ed Belfour (Toronto), Eddie the eagle showed that he can still stop some pucks has he shutout the Buffalo Sabres with 28 saves.