http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck- ... --nhl.htmlDanny Briere as part of a package for Kevin Shattenkirk!? I do hope Armstrong isn't
that stupid.
The debate rages on over at HF as to whether or not the Avs made a mistake in trading Shattenkirk and Stewart for Johnson (and McClement, but he's gone now) along with a swap of picks that had them take Ty Rattie in the 2nd round and the Avs take Duncan Siemens.
On the surface, it looks like the Avs got a guy who still has a legitimate shot at being a #1 defenseman. No, it's clear now he'll never be among the Webers and Doughtys of the world, but he still looks like the kind of guy you can build around. I've maintained that Vancouver's blueprint is the one the Avs should follow--put together enough really good guys, and you don't necessarily need a Norris contender.
However, Shattenkirk is still developing, and while he's definitely not a #1, there can be no doubt he's one of the best offensive defenders in the league right now. The Avs probably felt comfortable enough to deal him because they felt they had enough in the system (Elliott, Barrie) to offset his loss. Nevertheless, they gave up a solid puckmoving blueliner and an enigmatic, but talented power forward (something they desperately need right now) for a guy who MIGHT be a great defenseman. Personally, I think Johnson will be little more than a more offensively-talented Dan Hamhuis, which is not meant as a diss, but I think people overrate his potential. If he were going to be a #1 guy, St. Louis never would have let him go to begin with. I still think we got good value in the trade, but oh man, I think the price was a little too high.
And if Rattie turns out to be a star...oy vey.