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| The Devils stunned the hockey world by trading their No.1 pick to the Canucks for Cory Schneider. |
Today’s NHL Draft hasn’t had as much sizzle as expected. However, the host Devils made quite a move dealing away their first pick to the Canucks for goalie Cory Schneider. The stunning trade came as Devil fans anticipated who Lou Lamoriello would select. Instead, he rolled the dice and filled a huge hole for the future in net.
The 27-year old Schneider was supposed to stay in Vancouver and supplant Roberto Luongo. In what can only be described as a 180, Canucks GM Mike Gillis turned around and dealt Schneider to the Devils straight up for the ninth overall pick where they selected London Knights center Bo Horvat.
“Today’s decision was made after a thorough review of our options and in the interest of improving this team long-term through the draft and development of players,” Gillis said in a statement. “We appreciate the high level of professionalism and conduct both Cory and Roberto have shown while continuing to help this team be competitive. I would like to personally thank Cory for his contributions to our team and wish him the very best and a bright future.”
The most interesting dynamic of this is it left Luongo shocked. TSN tried to get him but the veteran netminder isn’t granting any interviews. What that means for Vancouver remains to be seen. New coach John Tortorella must be praying he wants to stay despite how badly mishandled the goalie situation was. One in which Alain Vigneault screwed the pooch in the Canucks’ first round. Luongo performed well against San Jose while Schneider struggled mightily after returning.
Schneider is signed for two more years at an average cap hit of $4 million. He’ll certainly have a lot of pressure to perform. Especially in the shadow of a legend. Martin Brodeur enters the final year of his contract. In what could be the last season of the three-time Cup winner and four-time Vezina recipient, Brodeur will split duty with Schneider. How that’s handled by coach Pete DeBoer is worth watching. Don’t forget vet backup Johan Hedberg is signed through next year and has a no-movement clause.
A big positive is Schneider gives them stability. For such a long time, the Devils had no backup plan once Brodeur retires. Now, they know who it is. Expectations are high.
About Derek
Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey.
A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management.
Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.
hasan4978
Derek
Battle Of Hudson 
I'm glad you were able to do this, I feel caged not being able to write about THAT, then again I wouldn't have been able to till now even with a working computer. I'll try to do an entry at the library tomorrow. And yeah I was pleasantly shocked at the trade though like you said there's going to be some interesting dynamics at play now.
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No worries brother. I see you hooked up our friend Patty with Draft tix and that's awesome. I will do as much as I can. Hope it was great!
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