Welcome On Board: Andy Sutton traded to Senators for a 2nd round pick

As many people predicted, the Ottawa Senators acquired some blueline help in the name of Andy Sutton. Sutton was acquird from the New York Islanders (sound familiar?) for San Jose’s 2nd round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. At first when I read this trade, I was excited. Excited that headed into the playoffs we may have the most truculent (yes, ripping a page from Big-Heaed Burkie) defense in the whole Eastern Conference, or at least out of the teams that have a shot of makign the big ticket. Bryan Murray essentially got a guy that can pair up on the 3rd pairing with Matt Carkner and form a bad-boy tandem. It also relieves some of the weight on Carkner’s shoulders to provide that grit from the bottom up.

But yet, when I read it all over again, I’m becoming a bit more skeptic. I know that Sutton’s a huge guy and is second in blocked shots so far this year in the NHL, and logs big minutes, but a second round pick? I know some Islander fans across the web say it the return should have been even more, but it seems like NHL teams are treating second-rounder like waste. Do remember that the Senators drafted Patrick Wiercioch, Jakob Silfverberg, and Robin Lehner in the 2nd Round, so it does matter. Now that both second rounders for the Sens are gone, we have to hit the nail on the first-rounder to salvage that Draft.

I will say this though. Bryan Murray is done, and I will be very surprised if he makes any deals tomorrow. If he does, it will likely be trying to clear up some clogs up front on forward, where the return of Nick Foligno may make it an interesting situation.

Asa bit of a prediction, I think Deadline Day tomorrow will not be very busy at all. Here’s why. The bulk of teams in the East are in the playoff picture, and likely won’t be budgeting the future and trying to keep some chemistry going, such as in Tampa Bay. You may see some movement in the West as teams try to get in the playoffs, but don’t expect too much tomorrow.

Too much things going on that I forgot to mention the game tonight. I know, I know, it fells a bit weird after a long break. Supposedly Ryan Callahan and Marian Gaborik will not play for the New York Rangers, so that’s always an added bonus. Erik Karlsson will draw back in the lineup while Andy Sutton won’t play tonight.

GO SENS GO!!!