The Carolina Hurricanes made the only moves during an
unusually quiet Thursday prior to the opening day of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
The club re-signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a four-year contract
worth $2.75 million per season, and acquired forward Darcy Hordichuk from the
Nashville Predators for a fifth round draft pick in 2009 and a conditional pick
in 2010.
Gleason, 25, joined the Hurricanes prior to the 2006-07
season from the LA Kings in the Jack Johnson swap, and showed significant signs
of improvement this past season, and barring the addition of other, more
talented blueliners he’s currently their second-best defenseman after Joe
Corvo.
He could move down the depth chart next season depending on
who the Hurricanes can bring in to bolster their blueline corps but he won’t
fall beyond the second defense pairing.
Hordichuk meanwhile is a well-travelled fourth liner who can
contribute in a checking capacity and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves. His
style of play however had led to injuries which the past two seasons has
limited him to 98 games.
The Predators get the fifth round pick in 2010 from the
Hurricanes if they’re unable to re-sign him. It was believed the Preds wanted
to re-sign him but they either could meet his salary demands or he was intent
on testing the market.
Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford must feel he can get a deal
done to trade for his rights.
Do teams that trade someone for a fifth round pick really expect to get anyone with that pick or is it just a roster or salary-clearing move? Perhaps one of you guys with a better memory than mine can fill me in on just how likely it is to get an NHL calibre player with a fifth round pick (unless you're Detroit who manages to scoop really fine players with some of their late picks). It seems that even second and third round picks are often destined for minor-league careers, isn't it?
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
