Nashville wins Forsberg Sweepstakes
The best just got better.
The Philadelphia Flyers have traded forward Peter Forsberg top the Nashville Predators for winger Scottie Upshall, defenceman Ryan Parent, and a first and third round pick in this years NHL Entry Draft.
Forsberg has been the most talked about player prior to the upcoming trade deadline this season. Forsberg has missed a large part of the season this year due to complications with his foot from summer surgery, but has put decent numbers. In 40 games this year, he has 11 goals, and 29 assists.
While Nashville is already stacked, and currently sitting in first place overall in the Western Conference, adding a Peter Forsberg to a lineup clearly makes you a better team. I think the Predators while clearly trying to make a Stanley Cup run this year, were looking at his post season production (162 points (61 goals, 101 assists) in 139 playoff games) and his playoff experience, but perhaps had another agenda. Consider this. Grabbing Forsberg also prevents them from having to face him if he were to be acquired by the Detroit Red Wings.
My buddy Jeff, who called to tell me about the trade thought it was a great move for Nashville because they've been built through the draft, and can afford to give up some prospects and picks to make a Cup push. Can't argue with that at all. One of the biggest problems in Nashville is the very real fact that they can't sell the game there. They've had much difficulty attracting fans, and getting corporate support, and this is the best team in the NHL! Forsberg brings a huge name and star power to a club that could really use it. Perhaps his arrival will not only bring a championship, but fill some seats. We'll see. Regardless, I love this move, and hope that Forsberg stays healthy just to see how deadly the Predators will become.
Game of the Night:
Nashville at St. Louis 8:00 PM
New look Predators will face off against St. Louis. Hopefully Forsberg will be in the lineup, and we will get a glimpse of what this team will become. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Son of a bitch...
Posted by: jeff | February 16, 2007 08:13 AM
In a way i am kind of happy that detroit didn't get Forsberg. I may just be kidding myself though.
This is a little scary for a detroit fan as they play the preds 5 times in the next month in a half.
Posted by: Paul | February 16, 2007 09:06 AM
I think the best thing that can happen to the Red Wings is not winning the President's Trophy. They don't need the added pressure. Focus on staying healthy, and preparing for a lengthy cup run.
Posted by: cap | February 16, 2007 12:30 PM
Remember the last time Forsberg and Kariya played on the same team together? Didn't go so well, did it?
Along with immediately becoming a heavy Cup favorite, Nashville also acquired the pressure and expectations (and distractions) that come with it. If they don't get out of the 2nd round in the playoffs I think their season will be written off as a disappointment. These high profile trades are great on paper, but the reality doesn't always pan out as such. Chemistry is too unpredictable.
It's still a huge gamble on their behalf and I would not be overly concerned if I were a Wings fan. After all, the Flyers were Cup favorites at the start of last year and even the mighty Forsberg couldn't lift them above mediocrity. Nashville will only go as far as their goalies take them, in my opinion, and Forsberg doesn't change that.
The Flyers had to make this move and they got a lot of young talent in return. Only a Cup will make this a success in Nashville, but Philly could see dividends from this for years to come.
Posted by: Stache | February 16, 2007 02:14 PM
Also guys, it's not as though the Red Wings haven't faced Forsberg before (didn't you guys remove his spleen?).....and this Forsberg is older and more fragile.
Posted by: Cap | February 16, 2007 06:17 PM