Post by Sharky on Nov 11, 2011 3:03:25 GMT -5
The San Jose Sharks called for a surprise press conference Thursday afternoon to announce a major trade. Former Panther players Ales Hemsky and Josh Bailey were traded back to Florida in exchange for all-star Jarome Iginla.
Sharks coach Steve Yzerman had this to say during the conference:
"Our scouting staff agreed that the team had no one that could replace Martin St. Louis going forward. Our goal is always to be one of the top teams in the league and, despite a good start, it was obvious that we were second best in our division, and well outside contention for the conference. Jarome is still an elite talent and an all-time great player. He is already fitting in well. We hope he will find instant chemistry with Steve Stamkos so we can keep NHL hockey in San Jose for as long as possible this season."
Despite the coaches comments, analysts believe this move was directed more at making a playoff run next season, in 2012-13. Iginla started the season ice cold in Florida so the Sharks are definitely taking a risk due to Iginla's huge 30 million dollar/3 year contract. If Jarome turns his season around this move could pay off big time for the Sharks. If he doesn't, the contract could be an anchor holding the team down for several years.
The Sharks GM chimed in briefly after the media were done with Yzerman.
"Florida had just signed Iginla to a long term deal. Unfortunately, that didn't work out for either of them, so Florida was in a position to get some valuable assets in exchange for a player they gave nothing for. Really, I think I'm the one getting ripped off here! (joking)."
When asked if Hemsky had tried to veto the trade since it brings him closer to Robyn Regehr, the Sharks GM responded "no comment".
Sharks coach Steve Yzerman had this to say during the conference:
"Our scouting staff agreed that the team had no one that could replace Martin St. Louis going forward. Our goal is always to be one of the top teams in the league and, despite a good start, it was obvious that we were second best in our division, and well outside contention for the conference. Jarome is still an elite talent and an all-time great player. He is already fitting in well. We hope he will find instant chemistry with Steve Stamkos so we can keep NHL hockey in San Jose for as long as possible this season."
Despite the coaches comments, analysts believe this move was directed more at making a playoff run next season, in 2012-13. Iginla started the season ice cold in Florida so the Sharks are definitely taking a risk due to Iginla's huge 30 million dollar/3 year contract. If Jarome turns his season around this move could pay off big time for the Sharks. If he doesn't, the contract could be an anchor holding the team down for several years.
The Sharks GM chimed in briefly after the media were done with Yzerman.
"Florida had just signed Iginla to a long term deal. Unfortunately, that didn't work out for either of them, so Florida was in a position to get some valuable assets in exchange for a player they gave nothing for. Really, I think I'm the one getting ripped off here! (joking)."
When asked if Hemsky had tried to veto the trade since it brings him closer to Robyn Regehr, the Sharks GM responded "no comment".