Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
He was a top d-man on the Canadian WJC that won gold in 2006 and again in 2007. He won the CHL Defenseman of the year in 2007.
He had a near career worse -11 last year with the Flames.
In the 2011-12 playoffs.... the one that St.L played before Bouwmeester... the year they actually won a series, Russell was their #4 d-man in TOI and had the team leading +3.
He got bumped off the Blues top 4/5 the next year by the Blues getting Leopold and then Bouwmeester.
Bouwmeester has messed up better D-men than Russell.... Regehr and Phanuef and Sarich and Aucion all moved down to make room for Big Bouw.... and the Flames no playoffs and subsequent rebuild was put in motion.
Gio did not shine until Bouwmeester left town.
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Now it all makes sense.
It was Bouwmeester's fault that every team in the NHL passed on him when the Blues put Russell on waivers July 3 , two days before the Flames acquired him for a 5th pick.
Thanks for clarification.