Heater – Out? Zubov – In?:
- Updated: July 10, 2009
Well, apparently, the Dany Heatley rumors didn’t last very long. Now, it appears the Sens are eyeing the SJ Sharks as their next/new trading partners for Ottawa’s new villain. As Devon knows all too well, Sens’ nation loves to cast out villains and heroes – see Jason Spezza, during Calendar Year 2009.
Now that this rumor has apparently died, a new rumor has surfaced, and that is the CBJ’s pursuit of Sergei Zubov, one of the great Power Play Quarterback’s (PP QB). From The Fourth Period:
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/cbj090710.html
Well, that info, rumor, call it what you may has fueled a lot of conversation – angst might be a better word. Here’s the 4-1-1 on Sergei:
ASSETS: Has outstanding passing skills and is extremely agile. Possesses outstanding hockey sense and usually makes the right play at the right time.
FLAWS: Isn’t physical at all and can be over matched at times when opposed to big forwards in front of the net. Injuries are also a concern.
CAREER POTENTIAL: No. 1 defenseman.
That last flaw is what’s everyone’s big concern – Zubov is coming off of season-ending hip surgery this past year; however, per the article, Zubov’s agent said he’s been medically cleared to play, which has increased in the interest league-wide.
Well, needless to say, the message boards have gone quite spastic – pro or con – about the prospect of Zubov coming to Columbus – everything from what a great acquisition that would be, re-teaming him with Ken Hitchcock, to not wanting him, as he is merely a Band-Aid – not a long term solution.
Again, keep in mind, this is all speculative – after all, there are six other teams in pursuit of him, and how much would Scott Howson be willing to pay for one or two seasons?
Please, however, let me give my two cent’s worth – which, BTW, doesn’t account for much – as to the possibility, should they acquire Zubov:
If, he’s indeed, healthy, so long as he’s not asking for too much – a dip from his 2008-2009 salary of $5.3 million – I say, do it!
As a very trusted and knowledgeable confidant commented, on his blog, Light the Lamp, “Even if he’s 75% of his former self, he would be the best offensive dman they’ve ever had by a mile.”
As he also said, Hitch also has experience coaching him. Plus he’s a right handed shot. Think these things factor into the possibility of him fitting in, here?
OK, let’s go with that Band-Aid theory – until the likes of Cody Goloubef, Teddy Ruth, and Brent Regner are ready, and Kris Russell continues to develop that PP shot – he already has the puck-moving capability – you mean you wouldn’t want a potential future Hall-of-Famer to not only help the team out, for the next year or two, but to serve as a mentor for their future puck-moving prospects?
Remember, this is a UFA acquisition – I still believe there’s another trade coming down the pike – you know, one puck-mover for that glut of forwards?
So, were I to play Scott Howson – and no, he’s not asked for my insight, as much as I’d like to serve as his hockey and spiritual advisor – I say, make the move. I’d say a somewhat healthy Zubov helps improve that “feared” – 30th ranked isn’t good – current PP, exponentially.
Fire The Cannon!
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