It's been awhile

My apologies to you, faithful reader, for not posting last Tuesday. I was out doing "active research" about hockey.

Back to the trades.

Dallas aquires Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist from Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay aquires Jussi Jokinen, Jeff Halpern, Mike Smith and a 2009 fourth-round pick from Dallas.

This may be the deal that could land Dallas the Stanley Cup come year's end. We could look back as Marty Turco hoists the cup, and say, "this is the one that sent them over the top".

Brad Richards is one of the most underrated players in the sport.

Lost in the underachieving Tampa Bay squad who was the final team to win the Cup before the lockout.

This is a great trade for both teams, Tampa was out of it long ago.

They had to get rid of Either St. Louis, Lecavalier, or Richards because they couldn't afford them all.

In return they get a young talent in Jokinen, an extremely talented goalie in Mike Smith, and a first round draft choice, to continue their rebuilding process.

My Rating: 3 and a half pucks for both squads. Bottom line: This could send Dallas over the top, it makes a great team even better. It helps Tampa continue to rebuild without trading away St. Louis and Lecavlier. Win-win for both teams.