Although it's early on in the season, Sergei Gonchar was an early candidate for the Norris trophy. Maybe he'll win it, but not with the St Louis Blues. Although traded to a divisional rival in Detroit, GM Gareth Evans couldn't pass on the trade.
"We been looking to trade one of our defensemen, even though Gonchar has been our star thus far, we felt that acquiring Derek Roy and Brent Burns would make a positive impact for seasons to come."
The trade also gives Evans and the Blues one thing that they've been lacking this season, a true playmaking forward. Although Burns has been playing defense for the Wings, sources report he'll be skating at right wing on the second line for the Blues. This allows the Blues to return to 6 pro roster defensemen and gives them a few more options up front.
The coaching staff has been quiet on line combinations but all that's certain is that no line will remain the same.
Burns tried to play down the trade rumors and not let it effect his game, but he was relieve to be finally dealt last night.
Trading Burns and Roy may be a mistake, but in the end we feel it is worth it. Antropov might be the right fit next season inbetween Vanek and Kane on the top line, or will center the 2nd line with Alfredsson.
Gonchar is one of the top defensemen in the game today. We know we have struggled this season, but our goal is to survive this season and win the cup next season. Gonchar brings the top defensive presence we have been lacking since we traded Pronger to Montreal. We also get Matt Hunwick, who is having a great season in Boston. We believe that between him and Goligolski, we wont miss Burn's production on the back line.
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"Theres also talk of creating more room at the end of the rink by making the nets more shallow, which would be accomplished by encouraging them to spend all their time listening to pop music and reading Twilight books."
