Jackets Trade Thornton

[MJK]

Patrick Marleau takes to the podium shortly after hearing he has been traded to Columbus

The writing has been on the wall for awhile that Jackets GM MJK was not happy with Joe Thornton's productivity this season so he finally pulled the trigger on Monday sending Jumbo Joe to the Hurricanes.

To Carolina:
Joe Thornton

To Columbus:
Patrick Marleau

In return, the Jackets bring in Patrick Marleau who we hope can spark the top line and start producing a little more regularily. At a point/game pace, Marleau will hopefully be able to contribute offensively on the top line and will be moved to the C position.

Marleau had this to say about the trade:

I enjoyed my time in Carolina, battled some injuries but I am really looking forward to joining the Blue Jackets. They have a pretty good thing going on there right now and with their recent acquisitions they are improving and looking to win. That's what I want to do, I want to win.

Thanks to Doug for the trade.

[Hanna Sniper]

Only 5 days shy of the 4th anniversary of originally being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Big Joe Thornton returns to the Carolina Hurricanes via trade with whom else but the very same the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Hurricanes and Blue Jackets hook up for a second time as the ‘Canes look to fill the center position behind John Tavares. After acquiring Brooks Laich from the BJ’s just before December in an attempt to the propel the ‘Canes into the playoff position, the ‘Canes have found themselves no where nearer to a playoff spot (currently sitting 9th trailing the Philadelphia Flyers by 7 points). This time around, the ‘Canes acquire the premiere play-making center in the CPHL to play alongside wingers Tyler Seguin and Jiri “porn star” Tlusty.

Leaving the ‘Canes is fan favourite Patrick Marleau. Patrick has been gold for the Hurricanes and is the main reason for the rise of the CPHL’s leading scorer for these last two seasons John Tavares. The two superstars almost single handily were able to rise the depth less Hurricanes from obscurity. The next couple weeks will be a good indication if the ‘Canes GM made a mistake by breaking up the Dynamic Duo.

All the credit to Dave for getting the bulk of the work done to complete this deal done

[TurdFerguson]

I like the 1-1 star swaps. hard deals to do, surprisingly.

[Hanna Sniper]

Well both players have a 9.99M cap hit which makes it a hell of a lot easier. When it comes to a cap hit like that then age and UFA status gets thrown out the window... As long as both players are performing at a high level (Marleau making team canada and Thornton still a assist machine) then both players will never rise cap hit wise nor years left in a deal. The only issue is the musical chairs part of not being the one without a chair once the player skill level falls out