Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanskgiving Trade!

Apparently Jacques Martin has better things to do on Turkey Day then... well, eat turkey. The Florida Panthers acquired Nick Tarnasky from Nashville in exchange for Wade Belak. On the surface, Tarnasky looks like Wade Belak, only faster and younger. Tarnasky is just 24, while Belak is 32.

With all the injuries piling up, it was clear that a move would have to be made. Belak cleared waivers earlier in the week, but the metaphorical moving men were already on the way. It was lucky for the Panthers, because now they get something in return. Nick Tarnasky is an enforcer, make no mistake. He isn't going to fill the net, he isn't going to set anyone up. He's not the answer to the scoring question the Panthers have had this season. He is an igniter, a spark plug. It'll be interesting to see how he fits in to Pete DeBoer's system. Tarnasky definitely has more speed then Belak, which can go a long way into the forecheck and creating chances that way.

Also, according to On Frozen Pond, Shawn Matthias may finally get his chance with the big boys again. If I had to guess, seeing as how he plays in Rochester, he'll join the team on Sunday when they play in New York. At this point, it's any forward we can get. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, check in tomorrow for the Devils Game Night! preview.

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