We got a 24 year old player that could possibly still improve and become a regular NHLer. They got a 28 year old player who is an inconsistent, borderline NHLer who is unlikely to ever improve. And the pick is a conditional 7th in 2013, most likely on the condition that they re-sign EC.
Maybe he plays well there and they re-sign him? He played well enough for us after we claimed him on waivers that we gave him a 2 year deal, so it's not out of the question.
Fair enough. Still seems like a non-deal to me, but hey, if the guy does get his game together and turns into something it will be a nice bonus.
See ya...always hated Christensen, but mostly I didn't like how Torts would always say that he has all that "untapped offensive potential." The guy seemed like a headcase, and it directly led to his inconsistencies.
I hope he can put it together in Minnesota, just because it'd be nice to see someone finally realize their potential, but this will be his 5th team since turning pro...so who knows.
Good luck EC, and hopefully Wellman can be a great addition to the CT Whale.
I'm not sure why people are claiming Wellman is worse than Christensen. They're about on par in terms of talent, but Wellman won't count against the cap and isn't subject to waivers as far as I know.
Good luck to EC. He just wasn't a fit on this team.
As the trade goes, I like it. At worst this move really helps the Whale and we get capspace. At best Wellman can find his groove and fill in somewhere a la Mitchell. No brainer IMO.
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"Here we can see the agression of american people. They love fighting and guns. when they wont win they try to kill us all." -HalfOfFame
Mike Russo of the Minny Star Tribune did report a few weeks ago about the Rangers offering WW and Crusher around the league. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher had EC in Pitt when Fletcher was the AGM there. WW is next to go.
I soured on Christensen last year. He got the 2 year deal he wanted. They penciled him into a top line spot to begin the year and he did very little with it. He just doesn't have enough to be anything better than a spare part & shootout specialist.
Don't understand the venom being spewed at EC on his way out.
neither do I ....i think some folks just want closure on loose parts like EC, Wolski and Avery....of those three, I think EC is the lesser in terms of trade weight....wish we'd gotten something better in the return but whatever.....I think Avery could produce a juicier return, he is after all and at the very least a decent hockey player......
Good Luck EC---ill be looking for you on Wild shoot-out highlights!!!
I'm just shaking my head at some of these EC comments. The guy was just....different is all. Hopefully he gets a chance and makes the best of it. I'm thinking Wolski can't be too far behind.
Later Crusher. I've got no hate for the guy. Just wasn't a good match for the team. I'd love to see him get his game together and be a decent player, although that is highly unlikely.
I'm very happy with this type of deal. Get help for the Whale some help for the playoffs and I don't believe he counts against the veteran limit because he hasn't played a ton of NHL games.
If/When Kolarik comes back from injury that team has the potential to be very good offensively which is a total contrast to what they are now.
