We all know that there will be a large cap problem come game one of the next season. The three players picked up this week all have expiring contracts. So they, unless signing on for a longer tour of duty, they will not increase that existing problem.
Let's start with Dejardins. He has been a face off leader having a better than 58% record at the dot the past three seasons. This years he is at 49.8% to date. Still not to shabby. But Ben Smith, who was traded in his place, has been a consistent 50%er himself. So no gain there. Andrew is 6' 1" and 195. Ben Smith is 5' 11" 207 pounds. So really not too much there. I have heard that Dejardins brings a little more energy and feistyness to his game. But I also expect that from Smith as we get closer to the playoffs. Points-wise there is really no difference between the two this season. So put these guys about even. But herein lies the rub. Andrew's contract expires at the end of the season where Ben would carry $1.5M into next year. So Scotty just reduced his cap problem for next year. This is his first salary cap reduction trade.
As for Vermette and Timonen we lose nothing short term. I'll address that in a minute.
Vermette has a 56% or better face off record for 5 seasons! The Hawks can certainly use some help in that area, especially on the PK, if Vermette plays there. Vermette also has 24 goals and 21 assists this season . Not too shabby. He could be a big help.
As for Timonen, he is a tough cookie. While he has not played this year he has been cleared and could add some depth to our struggling defense. Imagine the pairs being Timonen(L)-van Riemsdyk(R), Keith-Seabs and Oduya-Hammer. Those would be 3 damn good pairings. I would put Rundblad and Cumisky as the odd men in. Roszival needs to retire.
We did give up a few picks over the next few years. So what? Let's take a look at the system.
Start with forwards:
Peter Regin – Probably on his way out
Dennis Rasmussen – Good potential, needs to learn to play in
the states
Ryan Hartman – We saw him, we loved him, he will develop
And then there are the rest of the forward that have
potential. Any of these players could be on the Hawks next year. Each of them has potential to develop.
Drew LeBlanc
Cody Bass
Phillip Danault
Dane Walters
Pierre-Cedric Labrie
Garret Ross
Matt Carey
Brandon Mashinter
As for Defense:
Trevor van Riemsdyk - If he recovers well, he returns this season
Kyle Cumiskey - Another guy we saw and we loved.
Stephen Johns - This is another strong defenseman
Viktor Svedberg- Viktor need to be a bit more consistent.
Ville Pokka - This is the guy we got in the Leddy trade. I've seen him play and think he has good potential. He is young and learning.
We also have two goalies that I think could take us to the cup in Crawford and Raanta. I'm not 100% convinced about Darling yet. As for any worries about Raanta, he just needs more ice time which is why he is back in Rockford. This way we will have our top 2 goalies working on a regular basis in preparation for the playoffs.
