According to multiple sources, Florida’s Rostislav Olesz has been traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for Brian Campbell.
Campbell is an offensive defenseman who has played 8 full seasons in the NHL with several impressive campaigns but has been avoided like the plague because of his contract and accompanying cap hit; 7.1 million through 2016. Who signed Campbell to such a ridiculous contract? None other than our very own Dale Tallon. Yes, Campbell’s contract is commonly cited as Tallon’s biggest mistake during his Chicago reign, but ironically it will help him in Florida.
This wasn’t necessarily a trade of players as it was a trade of contracts. If you thought Olesz’s contract was bloated, then you’re probably banging your head against the wall right now, but just remember, the Panthers have to meet the cap floor somehow. If it meant signing RFAs like Bergfors, Carter or Santorelli to inflated contracts and a huge raise for Samsonov as opposed to signing on to one hideous contract, I’d rather sign the aforementioned RFAs to reasonable contracts and only have to buyout the one Campbell contract. For now, the Panthers just have to hit the cap floor without signing onto too many future problems.
Its all in the rebuild, people, and for Campbell’s contract at least we get an offensively minded defenseman similar to Dennis Wideman. He might become a ball and chain in the future, but for now, he’s a Panther and should be welcomed to the team.
As for Olesz, I’ll miss you buddy. Maybe you were never destined to be anything more than a 3rd liner on our team, but at least you showed up to play every night. Yes, the contract you signed was a bit much, but I’d do the same if I was in your position. Remember that night you made DarthDaddy eat his laptop? Yeah, those were the days! We wish you all the best in Chicago, and say hi to Michael for us. Later, Rusty.
Campbell for Olesz, who won this trade?
| Chicago- a weight has been lifted from thier shoulders | 69 |
| Florida- We’ll meet the cap floor at least, and we get a good player | 88 |
| Both teams got screwed equally | 42 |