Sunny Days for Meszaros, McCabe

So a few days ago the Ottawa Senators traded defenseman Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defensemen Filip Kuba and Alexandre Picard as well as a first round pick in 2009. A day later the Lightning signed him to a six year deal reportedly worth around $5 million a season. The lightning definitely got the short end of the stick in this trade but the team has nearly no NHL calibre defensemen and were in desperate need of a responsible D-man. Meszaros becomes the only member of the Bolts defensive corps that was a plus last season. The Lightning have made huge improvements this season but are still lacking in the most important aspect: a Playoff Goaltender. I'm sorry but Olaf Kolzig is not a Cup-worthy goalie. He was just over .500 last season and is, to put it politely, a veteran. I cant see this team making it into the playoffs without a better tender. Once that happens though, look out.

Unfortunately, another talented player is headed for the no-mans-land we call the Southeast Division. Bryan McCabe, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was traded, along with a fourth round pick in 2010 to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Mike Van Ryn. This one goes in favor of the Leafs in my opinion. McCabe was audibly unhappy in Toronto and only stuck around this long to get the $2 million he was owed as of September 1. Van Ryn is nothing special but at least they got something for McCabe.

On a less sunny note, the Vancouver Canucks are set to honor the late Luc Bourdon at their home opener. Bourdon died in a tragic motorcycle crash over the summer. According to TSN:

The Canucks are asking fans to join the team prior to the 7:30pm puck drop for a pre-game ceremony that will include a video tribute to the late Bourdon and a moment of silence. As fans arrive, they will be presented with a commemorative pin in honour of Bourdon.

The organization will continue to remember Bourdon throughout the season with an element added to each player's helmet. Hosts at General Motors Place will also continue to wear the commemorative pin for all 41 regular season home games in 2008-09.

Classy move. Hockey is one of the best sports when it comes to things like this. Well, that and its the best sport ever played. More to come sometime soon. Classes are starting so things are getting a little crazy but I'll do my best to post more often, especially now that the season is getting closer.