GM John Salerno made 2 moves the other day to try to stop the bleeding, with regards to the amount of goals allowed. Currently the Mounties are tied for 6th worst in GAA. Salerno was quoted as follows: "I couldn't keep sitting idly by and watch goal after goal go in. I had to do something". That" something" was a shake up to the defensive core.
In seperate trasnactions Salerno traded their 2021 5th round pick to the Bisons for Marc Staal and then later traded this years 4th and 7th round picks to the Trappers for Roman Polak. What did this mean for the current crop of Mounties dmen? Cale Makar who has struggled at times was sent down to the minors and Ben Harpur will now be a 7th defensemen, to provide depth along with Cameron Gaunce.
Marc Staal:
Roman Polak
"Hopefully Marc and Roman bring some experience to our blueline as we try to secure a playoff spot. They both have some defensive grit, have been there before and know what it takes', said Salerno. When questioned why he made the moves Salerno explained, "I just felt we have left Markstrom out to dry more than once. This is not to blame Cale and Ben, both have bright futures with our team, but the time many not be right for them at this moment."
When asked about he felt, Cale Makar responded, "It hurts. I tried my best, but I understand where the team is now. I will go down to the Oh Snaps and do my best and get better. John assured me I will be a big part of this organizations future".
Ben Harpur was less diplomatic about the situation. "It is what it is. They want to blame me, fine I guess."
There is a risk with these aquisitions. As of now 5 of the defensmen on the Mounties roster will be UFA after this season. When pressed what he plans to do about that Salerno just said, I'm focused on the playoffs right now. I can't worry about next year yet". Should Salerno have tried to trade for players who were signed beyond this year, knowing the UFA position he would be in? Maybe, only time will tell if he was right nor not.
In other Mounties news, the rumor is they are still in the market a top 6 forward, who can play left wing and possibly a starting goalie. When asked about these rumors, Salerno said no comment.