Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2014 13:23:12 GMT -5
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - After a very turbulent offseason, the Storm look poised to challenge for the league title again this season. The team looks very different from the one that finished this past season. The past core of the team consisting of Scott Niedermayer, Kimmo Timonen, and Eric Staal have all departed and now the focus shifts squarely on Ryan Kesler to lead the team. But that shouldn’t be a reason for pessimism.
New acquisitions Martin Hanzal and Brian Boyle bolster the center position and a new defensive core highlighted by Dan Girardi and the newly acquired Tony Lydman. Free agent acquisitions Eric Brewer and Matthias Ohlund offer some stability and experience to what should be a very solid, hard-hitting defensive group. Add the always excellent Cam Ward and the Storm should be a very defensively solid team this year.
The departure of Eric Staal was a sad day for many fans. Two years removed from a Rocket Richard trophy and in contention for the Hart, Staal was considered by many to be the face of the franchise and was in contention for the captaincy once Niedermayer inevitably retired. GM Cairns had a few words on the subject:
“Eric was a valuable member of our organization which made trading him quite difficult. Ultimately I think Ryan Kesler will be able to carry our team forward and the acquisitions we made in the shape of Brian Boyle and Dan Girardi, especially on the back end. Girardi is a world class defenseman who will be able to replace the hole left by Niedermayer’s retirement for many years to come, plus the added cap space gives us more flexibility should we look to acquire additional assets at the trade deadline.”
Another question revolving around the Storm is the issue of captaincy. It seemed clear that Staal would be the successor to Niedermayer but with him gone, the captaincy is really up in the air. Several names are being thrown around but the front runners seem to be Kesler, the new face of the franchise, Doan, an experienced veteran, and newly acquired Girardi. It awaits to be seen what GM Cairns will do.
All things considered, the Storm look well suited to succeed this season. Their offseason acquisitions, while heartbreaking, have significantly bolstered their defensive core without sacrificing too much offense. The Storm will be a contender again this season.
New acquisitions Martin Hanzal and Brian Boyle bolster the center position and a new defensive core highlighted by Dan Girardi and the newly acquired Tony Lydman. Free agent acquisitions Eric Brewer and Matthias Ohlund offer some stability and experience to what should be a very solid, hard-hitting defensive group. Add the always excellent Cam Ward and the Storm should be a very defensively solid team this year.
The departure of Eric Staal was a sad day for many fans. Two years removed from a Rocket Richard trophy and in contention for the Hart, Staal was considered by many to be the face of the franchise and was in contention for the captaincy once Niedermayer inevitably retired. GM Cairns had a few words on the subject:
“Eric was a valuable member of our organization which made trading him quite difficult. Ultimately I think Ryan Kesler will be able to carry our team forward and the acquisitions we made in the shape of Brian Boyle and Dan Girardi, especially on the back end. Girardi is a world class defenseman who will be able to replace the hole left by Niedermayer’s retirement for many years to come, plus the added cap space gives us more flexibility should we look to acquire additional assets at the trade deadline.”
Another question revolving around the Storm is the issue of captaincy. It seemed clear that Staal would be the successor to Niedermayer but with him gone, the captaincy is really up in the air. Several names are being thrown around but the front runners seem to be Kesler, the new face of the franchise, Doan, an experienced veteran, and newly acquired Girardi. It awaits to be seen what GM Cairns will do.
All things considered, the Storm look well suited to succeed this season. Their offseason acquisitions, while heartbreaking, have significantly bolstered their defensive core without sacrificing too much offense. The Storm will be a contender again this season.