Avs ship out Blake - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

jam26 · 05-30-2007, 03:01 PM

Star defenceman Rob Blake has been dealt by the Colorado Avalanche to the Atlanta Thrashers for Brad Stuart and Wes Walz.
"We continue to restructure in an attempt to bring our payroll under control," explained GM Jam 26, who fully expects to be roasted in the media as a result of this trade.
Stuart is signed for three years and with the re-rates, the difference between the two d-men has narrowed significantly. Walz fills a void at center.
"This move saves us nearly $2 million," said Jam26. "We are now confident we can sign the remainder of our RFAs and UFAs."

KevanGuy · 05-30-2007, 03:02 PM

Wow nice trade for the Avs. Blake is a bum.

OILFAN #81 · 05-30-2007, 03:10 PM

"We needed a #1 defenseman and that's what Rob brings to the table. He's an 80 OV and not too many guys are that in this league and will play on the first pairing in Atlanta. To get him we had to move Stuart but we are happy with the upgrade we got on d. Walz wasn't in our plans for this upcoming season as he would have been on our 4th line and we weren't prepared to pay him that much. He'll get more minutes in Colorado and we wish him all the best there."

To Colorado:

Stuart
Walz

To Atlanta:

Blake
500 K

HelloHockeyFans · 05-30-2007, 03:16 PM

Yeah, very nice deal here for Colorado. Blake is nearing the end of the road at 37 while Brad Stuart likely hasn't hit his best years just yet at 27.

Goffie · 05-30-2007, 03:17 PM

I think the deal serves the purpose for both teams. The Thrashers get the #1 guy they wanted badly, and that are so hard to come by, and the Av's get younger and still get a very good dman. The Sim seems to love veteran dmen and I think that will show with Blake this year, but longterm the Av's will benefit from making this deal.

flambers · 05-30-2007, 03:37 PM

That explains why I had a trade offer in regards to Walz removed ............

Sylvanfan · 05-30-2007, 03:44 PM

Yeah, for a salary move, it's a pretty good one for the Avanlanche. Blake only has one more year on his NHL contract too, and I think after next year there is a very strong retirement possibility. Neil wants to win it all this year so Blake why not.

OILFAN #81 · 05-30-2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Yeah, for a salary move, it's a pretty good one for the Avanlanche. Blake only has one more year on his NHL contract too, and I think after next year there is a very strong retirement possibility. Neil wants to win it all this year so Blake why not.

Exactly. Here in Hotlanta we go year to year basis. No time to think about things down the road.

ITS NOW OR NEVER!! (and that was the basis of the deal). Needed the upgrade for the 2007-2008 season.

With that being said I need a #2 dman and am looking to move a forward to make that happen!

droopydrew19 · 05-30-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

With that being said I need a #2 dman and am looking to move a forward to make that happen!

No sir, you need some nylons and a bee bee gun to pull off some kind of bank transaction to afford all of these guys.

OILFAN #81 · 05-30-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by droopydrew19

No sir, you need some nylons and a bee bee gun to pull off some kind of bank transaction to afford all of these guys.

What are you talking about? There's a salary cap? Damn it........

jam26 · 05-30-2007, 06:46 PM

I'm happy with Stuart's lower salary and longer contract but this deal still works for the Thrashers. As Goffie says, the sim loves vets like Blake and I'm sure he'll still be one of the tops on the CPHL this year despite a slightly lower rating than last year.