Joined: 09 Apr 2002
Location: British Columbia Posts: 300
Posted:
Jan 30, 2003 7:56 pm
The Florida Panthers have traded all-star defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh and tough guy Lance Ward to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in exchange for forward Matt Cullen, defenceman Pavel Trnka and a fourth-round pick in this summer's NHL Entry Draft.
Florida has by far the youngest team in the NHL this season and they obviously traded Ozolinsh to give those young players more playing time, in particular 19-year-old defenceman Jay Bouwmeester, who has been one of the lone bright spots on the Panthers this season. They also pick up a decent forward and another relatively young defenceman in return. Also, Ozolinsh had been in coach Mike Keenan's doghouse for his absolutely horrible defensive play and Trnka will improve the defensive aspect of Florida's game.
The Ducks get an offensively gifted defenceman in Ozolinsh and some much needed toughness on the back end in Ward in return, so I'd say the trade works out rather well for both teams.
Joined: 09 Apr 2002
Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1836
Posted:
Jan 31, 2003 1:15 am
Side note - What a PR nightmare! In the All-Star game that takes place in Miamithis Sunday, Ozolinsh was the only Panther voted in, and now he may have to play for the West.
(Former) Teammate Olli Jokinen was added to the squad as an injury replacement a few days ago, but if Sundin and Lemieux hadn't declined due to injury, the host Panthers would be unrepresented in the All-Star game.
