Finally, general manager Trevor Czepiel has given New Englanders a reason for optimism. Early Wednesday afternoon word leaked out that after lengthy trade discussions with Georgetown, Czepiel acquired defenseman Rasmus Ristolianen.
“We were stunned that Risto was available and we paid a high price, but it isn’t often you have the opportunity to land a player of his abilities,” said Czepiel Wednesday evening. “Risto plays a fast, two-way game. At only 23 years old Risto can captain a power play while also logging 25+ minutes per game.” Czepiel added.
New England sent the higher of their two first-round picks in the upcoming draft to Georgetown. “We knew we would have been able to draft a great player at 8th overall, but with Risto being only 23 and as accomplished as he is, we couldn’t pass this up. Georgetown is gonna get themselves a hell of a player” said Czepiel.
Rumors swirl that Czepiel may have his sites set on a bigger prize for the New England fans. An unnamed source speculated that Czepiel is acquiring “chips” in case a bigger move presents itself. The source told me “ With St. Patrick’s day approaching, Czepiel is chasing after a certain leprechaun.”
The acquisition of Ristolianen shows that maybe there is a method behind Czepiel’s madness. The Loons now have a solid young core with Ristolianen, Dubois, Wennberg, Wood, and Jarry. We don’t know how they will do five on five, but the power play featuring Barrie, Ristolianen, Wennberg, Stastny, and Dubois has the potential to be lethal.
Notes:
On Thursday the Loons and restricted free agents Wennberg, Ritchie, Ouellet, and Barrie came to agreements on new contracts.
And in a sign and trade, Hjalmarsson was sent to Portland for young defenseman Troy Stecher.
With all these moves New England fans have to think twice before purchasing any player jerseys.
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