Trade Deadline

The trade deadline was today. The Blackhawks made two moves. Tuomo Ruutu was sent to Carolina for Andrew Ladd and Marty LaPointe was traded to Ottawa for a 6th round pick in the 2008 draft. While I hate to see these guys go, I think Dale Tallon made the right decision. Ruutu has not performed as well as anyone would have liked. His best season was his rookie one. Even in that season he only got 44 points, acceptable for a rookie and maybe even for an average fourth year player, but not one earning 2.25 million per year. This season he is on track for only 28 points. Not acceptable. In return we get a younger player for under 1 million per year, but is on pace for about the same number of points as Ruutu, but in fewer games played. I have a harder time letting go of Marty. Granted he did not put many points up on the board and has been healthy scratches recently, he brings experience and leadership to the table. He is the person Coach Savard gave the "A" to put on his jersey for the entire year; the other two changed monthly. Also, Marty is a great role model for the young guys like Kane and Toews. I am not sure who will replace him. I guess the Hawks felt they were not getting 2.4 million out of him. Now that Tallon got rid of such expensive players, I hope he signs someone good this summer with the extra money.