Newark, NJ
Who dares wear the 'C' in New Jersey next? It was confirmed late Friday evening that the New Jersey Devils traded away their captain, Patrick Marleau (shown above) as well as a good chunk of their future in Kyle Chipchura and Guillaume Latendresse, as well as future bluechip blueline prospect, Luca Sbisa.
It seems that anyone who wears the 'C' in New Jersey is destined to eventually board the bus out of town to another zip code. NJ GM Dean Eastman was reached for comment on the Devils' recent departures and acquisitions. "I owe it to our fans to ice the best product possible. Patrick was brought in here to add some much needed offensive production, but after six games was 0-fer. This just isn't acceptible in my eyes. I have wheeled and dealed to bring a group of hard-nosed skaters and prospects into the Devils' organization to entertain our fans for years to come. I am quite proud of the depth in our prospect pool, however, am greatly disappointed with the lack of goal scoring production on our pro team. An average of two goals per game will not see us winning many games this season. Prior to this evening's contest, our team was only 6 points out of the simHL basement."
GM Eastman definitely had alot to say. "I am ecstatic that our most recent trading partner, GM Marc Gallant of the Anaheim organization was willing to part with young up-and-comers, sophomore Ryan Kesler and faceoff mastermind, Antoine Vermette. In true Eastman-like fashion, I have also brought in yet another power forward in David Steckel. David will compliment Blake Wheeler next season on the wing. Two young gentlemen who each stand 6'5"--I would hate to have to faceoff against two giants like David and Blake--ouch!"
"While we lost great leadership in Patrick, who can argue with what a leader like Markus Naslund will bring to a young and relatively inexperienced group like our own? Markus has been in this league for years and was brought on board to bring the needed offensive production that Patrick couldn't seem to provide. I look like a genius. Markus flies in from Anaheim, goes out and scores two goals against our division rivals, the New York Islanders for an impressive start to hopefully a long and prosperous career in a Devil's uniform".
GM Eastman concluded his impromptu interview by stating that he truly felt this latest deal had brought some much needed enthusiasm and strength up the middle to accompany our wingers that will provide needed goal scoring his team has sorely missed for some time. Recently acquired Sam Gagner should also benefit from the addition of Kesler and Vermette.
GM Eastman believed that NJ Coach Pat Quinn would set his lines in the following fashion: 1st - Naslund-Krejci-Murray - Barker-Sekera 2nd - Gagner-Vermette-Lupul - Schenn-Edler 3rd - Steckel-Kesler-Kennedy - Greene-Ward
So, the age-old question still remains...Is Eastman done making moves? The answer plain and simple--NO. It is believed that Eastman is still looking for a couple of natural left wingers for his pro squad.
Stay tuned...
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