The Winter Olympics in Vancouver isn't affecting just the NHL players who will be competing in the games - the Olympic break will officially begin on February 15th, causing a freeze on all trading which began at 12:00pm today. There was a fury of action as GMs from all over the NHL tied up any loose ends and got the trades they wanted. While, though it's only a freeze on all trading and the official trade deadline is March 3rd, the freeze has jump started a very slow year of trading. Some big names were moved including Dion Phaneuf (traded from the Calgary Flames to the Toronto Maple Leafs) and J. S. Giguere (traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Toronto Maple Leafs). Two major players for two of the biggest Sharks rivals - it's going to be really odd to see them in the standard blue and white of the Leafs.The Sharks GM Doug Wilson made a few deals of his own before the freeze, including one that was announced right before the freeze. From the Carolina Hurricanes came Niclas Wallin. Big number seven is a solid and experienced defensemen with a Stanley Cup ring from 2006. The Sharks were able to pick up Wallin without having to let go of any key players, only a second round draft pick in 2010. In his first three games he's already seen solid ice time as well as getting his first assist in teal. With the Sharks defense one of their weakest points, hopefully Wallin will be able a great addition to the team.
The Sharks did lose a player with the trade of Jody Shelley to the New York Rangers for a conditional sixth round draft pick in 2011. I've always liked Shelley, he's known as an enforcer, the tough guy that will throw out big hits and drop the gloves when necessary. But with the acquisition of such players as Manny Malhotra, Jed Ortmeyer, and Scott Nichol who all have been an amazing addition to the team - Shelley's role is no longer needed. I was expecting to see Wilson offload him to another team to clear up cap space. While it's a bit sad to see a veteran like Shelley go, it's a necessary move to help propel the Sharks to the top of the league and provide the best chance at winning the Stanley Cup. With a few weeks left of trading after the Olympics end, I can only speculate what other moves will be made. While the Sharks big trade happened before the start of the season (Heatley from the Ottawa senators for Cheechoo and Michalek), don't be surprised if Doug Wilson has something else up his sleeve to throw down come March 3rd.
As an addition to my previous Winning Words post, Sharkifying The Olympics, I made an error stating that eight Sharks were going to the Olympics. While not a player, I left out a very key member of the Sharks organization that will be representing Team U.S.A. - Mike Aldrich. He is the Equipment Manager for the Sharks and was chosen to fulfill the same position for Team U.S.A. While he won't receive a medal, there is no way that any team could function without this key position and Mike is one of the best in the league. As the opening ceremonies draw closer, I can only wish the best for Mike Aldrich, Joe Pavelski, and the rest of men's hockey Team U.S.A.!
