[Phanuthier]

Late, but while not a sexy trade, I think this is a pretty smart trade. Bollig won't eat up a spot doing nothing (i.e. Westgarth) as he can actually play hockey; he's not a liability to his line, so you can play him with rookies (i.e. more useful to a Sven/JH) and can play with some of our small young players and add some size and protection (Byron, JH, Sven).

I believe this is Treliving's first trade, and if so, seems to put a stamp on what kind of GM he is. Not a big sparkling name, not a flashy superstar, not a boat rocking deal, but slow contributions to shore up what is missing. Also, Treliving is a guy who likes to add players who can contribute in many areas and be well rounded players (versus a goon who can't play hockey, a PP specialist, etc) and Bollig's fits the bill - plays a regular shift, fills an important role we are missing (toughness) while matching what the team is looking for - someone who can help bring along the youth in a rebuild. Look at what guys like Jordan Nolan bring to the LAK...... you need your 4th line to be able to play, and bring something to the game. Bollig brings that.

For such a small trade, I'm actually kind of impressed..... smart smart deal.