Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2006 12:25:29 GMT -5
Total Revamp in Columbus
Associated Press
12/08/2006 12:25:21
COLUMBUS(CP) - After riding a losing streak for six games, Mielniczek certainly wasn't pleased with this team's performance as he pulled off six trades and two waiver claims.
Being under the radar for a while after the season began, his team, the Blue Jackets started the season with a horrible start, then being steady for a bit, before falling into the slumps once again, GM Mielniczek decided it was time to rip apart this organization.
"I've certainly taken notice of the team's performance, I know I didn't act as soon as possible, but I waited for the right time, and I knew that time came when I got an offer for Martin Havlat" said Mielniczek.
The General Manager did sure find the right time, as he pulled off six trades, two of them however were minor, while the rest were sure to have an impact on the Jackets organization.
"You think one or two trades would be enough to turn this team around, but I guess when I started announcing one or two trades, teams just asked me if I was interested in still trading, and it just evolved from there." said Mielniczek.
The biggest trade for this organization was the three way deal between Columbus, Detroit, and Anahiem. Columbus dealt Martin Havlat and Radek Dvorak, and in return, he recieved Henrik Zetterberg, and Kim Johnsson.
"No doubt that 3 way deal was the biggest for me, and I think everyone can agree with me that I NEEDED to do this trade, not so sure about the other teams involved, but none of my business really. Zetterberg and Havlat are on the same page, but I though Havlat was too risky to be my best player, I wasn't going to take a gamble on his health, so I seeked some player in return, I've recieved plenty of offers, included getting four players in return. Zetterberg was the perfect fit, he could easily be a franchise player and future captain. Kim Johnsson was easily an upgrade for my defense no doubt" said Mielniczek.
GM Mielniczek also made further advances in defense by acquiring Mike Rathje, Andreas Lilja, and Mike Commodore, which are instant upgrades over the defense he dealt, Duvie Westcott,Ron Hainsey, Steve Montador, and Radoslav Suchy.
Doing his six trades, his defense has come from Adam Foote, Duvie Westcott, Steve Montador, Ron Hainsey, Radoslav Suchy, Aaron Johnson, Brett Clark, Brian Pothier and Nolan Pratt to Adam Foote, Kim Johnsson, Mike Rathje, Andreas Lilja, Mike Commodore, Brian Pothier, Brett Clark, Aaron Johnson, and Nolan Pratt.
"No doubt my defense was upgraded immediately, Instead of having a 1st pairing defenseman, and a bunch of top 6 defensemen, I now have my true 1st pairing, and excellent top 4 .defensemen. I'm confident this will help the team." exclaimed Mielniczek.
Of course, Mielniczek didn't just focus on a real top player and upgrades on defense. He also focused on getting a top line player and some insurance for the future. He acquired Mike Comrie, Mike Richards, R.J Umberger and Tomas Holmstrom for Johan Hecht, Brendan Morrison and Anson Carter.
"Well, you know I don't have a 1st rounder in this draft, as the previous GM traded it, there's no point in bombing this year, why help the other team? I must as well try to push through into the playoffs, I won't be as hungry for the playoffs next year, but you know, it's every general manager's goal. " - said Mielniczek with his closing statement.
Well for certain, if this team can't be any better than the previous one before the trades. General Manager Mielniczek will certainly pull the trigger again.
Associated Press
12/08/2006 12:25:21
COLUMBUS(CP) - After riding a losing streak for six games, Mielniczek certainly wasn't pleased with this team's performance as he pulled off six trades and two waiver claims.
Being under the radar for a while after the season began, his team, the Blue Jackets started the season with a horrible start, then being steady for a bit, before falling into the slumps once again, GM Mielniczek decided it was time to rip apart this organization.
"I've certainly taken notice of the team's performance, I know I didn't act as soon as possible, but I waited for the right time, and I knew that time came when I got an offer for Martin Havlat" said Mielniczek.
The General Manager did sure find the right time, as he pulled off six trades, two of them however were minor, while the rest were sure to have an impact on the Jackets organization.
"You think one or two trades would be enough to turn this team around, but I guess when I started announcing one or two trades, teams just asked me if I was interested in still trading, and it just evolved from there." said Mielniczek.
The biggest trade for this organization was the three way deal between Columbus, Detroit, and Anahiem. Columbus dealt Martin Havlat and Radek Dvorak, and in return, he recieved Henrik Zetterberg, and Kim Johnsson.
"No doubt that 3 way deal was the biggest for me, and I think everyone can agree with me that I NEEDED to do this trade, not so sure about the other teams involved, but none of my business really. Zetterberg and Havlat are on the same page, but I though Havlat was too risky to be my best player, I wasn't going to take a gamble on his health, so I seeked some player in return, I've recieved plenty of offers, included getting four players in return. Zetterberg was the perfect fit, he could easily be a franchise player and future captain. Kim Johnsson was easily an upgrade for my defense no doubt" said Mielniczek.
GM Mielniczek also made further advances in defense by acquiring Mike Rathje, Andreas Lilja, and Mike Commodore, which are instant upgrades over the defense he dealt, Duvie Westcott,Ron Hainsey, Steve Montador, and Radoslav Suchy.
Doing his six trades, his defense has come from Adam Foote, Duvie Westcott, Steve Montador, Ron Hainsey, Radoslav Suchy, Aaron Johnson, Brett Clark, Brian Pothier and Nolan Pratt to Adam Foote, Kim Johnsson, Mike Rathje, Andreas Lilja, Mike Commodore, Brian Pothier, Brett Clark, Aaron Johnson, and Nolan Pratt.
"No doubt my defense was upgraded immediately, Instead of having a 1st pairing defenseman, and a bunch of top 6 defensemen, I now have my true 1st pairing, and excellent top 4 .defensemen. I'm confident this will help the team." exclaimed Mielniczek.
Of course, Mielniczek didn't just focus on a real top player and upgrades on defense. He also focused on getting a top line player and some insurance for the future. He acquired Mike Comrie, Mike Richards, R.J Umberger and Tomas Holmstrom for Johan Hecht, Brendan Morrison and Anson Carter.
"Well, you know I don't have a 1st rounder in this draft, as the previous GM traded it, there's no point in bombing this year, why help the other team? I must as well try to push through into the playoffs, I won't be as hungry for the playoffs next year, but you know, it's every general manager's goal. " - said Mielniczek with his closing statement.
Well for certain, if this team can't be any better than the previous one before the trades. General Manager Mielniczek will certainly pull the trigger again.
