Takes and trash talk from both ALL sides of the NHL's most obscure PATHETIC* rivalry

* Thanks, Kevin Lowe!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Looking back at one of the dumbest trades in NHL history

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be appropriate to look back at one of the dumbest trades of all time. Indeed, on Nov. 30 2005, the Boston Bruins foolishly gave away the most hyped player since Eric Lindros (at least when Jumbo Joe was drafted) for a buncha schmoes.

"Joe for schmoes" read the headlines.*

So, in commemoration of this wonderful, Hart trophy-sized gift, let's follow the careers of those who were involved in this painfully idiotic trade.

San Jose Sharks get: Big Bird Joe Thornton

That picture really has to hurt Boston Bruins fans. I mean, seriously, look at how happy Joe looks.

Since that trade, Thornton scored 245 pts in 173 regular season GP! Holy shitballs!

And, even though he certainly could grow some playoff balls he does have 20 pts in 22 playoff GP with the Sharks. So, even though his numbers take a bit of a dive when the games start to matter, he has improved...compared to when he was an ineffective Bruin. (Wow, I'm pouring a lot of salt in that wound. Yikes.)

I'm sure one of the three(?) SJ bloggers could wordsmith and pontificate about Big Joe's greatness during his time wearing increasingly ridiculous Sharks jerseys better than I, but he certainly has made a positive impact. He signed a Sidney Crosby-like manageable contract to give the Sharks cap flexibility and will keep them as a contender for at least the next 5 years.

Sure, the Shawwks did make it to the WCF that pre-lockout year without Joe, but few would argue against the point that Big Bird raised the team's ceiling substantially. He also made Jon Cheechoo a multi-millionaire.

Good deal for the Sharks, yes?

The Bruins get:

Brad Stuart

Brad Stuart, at least from my memory, was the "blue chip" player who somehow justified the Bruins to push the red button on the Big Bird firesale. Matt at Battle of Alberta did a good job of capturing the vague talents of Stuart last February.

Since the trade, Stuart has yet to complete a full season with the same squad (though we're pulling for him to stick with the Kings). He was a dreadful -22 in just 48 GP with the Bruins, bounced back with a +12 in 35 GP with the Flames and sits at -12 with the Kings this year.

What does that tell us?

He's a bit player, but who knows, maybe someday he'll have a Van Halen-style eruption. As the #3 pick by the Sharks in '98 he's certainly been a disappointment. Every now and then, early draft picks end up "getting it" later than many hoped. But I doubt the Sharks really miss Stuart.

The Kings are certainly hoping that Jack Johnson follows Rob Blake rather than Stuart's footsteps. (Potty mouth language not included, naturally)

Germany's favorite Marco Sturm

Unlike the underachieving Stuart, Marco stuck with the Bruins. He recently signed a four-year extension with the Bruins and seems to be the only player the team can even point to as being a "success" in the deal.

It's hard to pick on Marco too much, even if he hasn't done as much as some might expect from him. He's a speedy winger but he's somewhat on the smaller side. He's probably going to stay in the point-every-other-game-or-so range for most of his career.

He's doing better so far this year, with a solid 21 pts in 32 GP.

Wayne "not Keith" Primeau

Wayne Primeau was a throw-in to the deal, a mediocre two-way center with a good attitude. A locker room guy. Who is now a decent fit in the Calgary Flames locker room.

So, not even three full seasons later, all the Bruins have to show for is a solid, hard working forward in Sturm. But, hey, it's not like Thornton is one of the top 5 forwards in the NHL, right?

Ooops.

* - Not true.

4 comments:

RudyKelly said...

It's almost not fair to bring it up at this point... but it's still hilarious. I want to meet one of these Boston hockey fans who chased Joe out of town, just so I can ask him how he feels now. He'd probably get a smartass look on his face and say, "How many Cups has Joe won in San Jose?" and then I'd break his hip.

Megalodon said...

I still miss Marco some times. The rest of those dudes can go to hell.

Cheechew said...

I still can't believe Doug Wilson pulled off this trade. The story goes that Wilson and McConnell were talking about other things when Thornton's name came up. Wilson must of went nuts when he found out he had a chance to get Thornton and especially for 3 decent players but nothing of value. I still miss Marco also but wow.....and yes the jerseys are horrible

Anonymous said...

This obviously doesn't change the point of losing Thornton but the Bruins did trade Stuart and Primeau for Andrew Ference and Chuck Kobasew, Ference being essentially their number two d-man and a top four guy anyway, and Kobasew being their top goalscorer. And at least Ference has an affordable long-term contract.

So right now two of their top six forwards and the number two d-man have come from the Thornton trade.