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From: jeff@dciem.UUCP (Jeff Richardson)
Newsgroups: net.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: Melanson to Minnesota
Message-ID: <1249@dciem.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 5-Dec-84 10:15:22 EST
Article-I.D.: dciem.1249
Posted: Wed Dec  5 10:15:22 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 5-Dec-84 12:28:40 EST
References: <3615@ucbvax.ARPA>
Organization: D.C.I.E.M., Toronto, Canada
Lines: 39

It's nice to see some discussion of NHL trades in this news group.  Here
are my views of the Melanson trade:

I too was surprised that Melanson was the one to go.  I can think of a couple
of possible reasons, though:  They may figure that they need an experienced
goalie on the team to help develop Hrudey's skills.  Melanson has been around
about 4 years, but maybe they figure that's not enough for your most exper-
ienced goalie.  Smith has proven himself in pressure situations, and even
though he had a few problems in the 1984 playoffs, they may figure he's got
a couple of good years left, and they may need his experience in the playoffs.
Melanson, on the other hand, has had very little playoff experience, and when
he did get to play in the playoffs, he wasn't terribly impressive.  You can't
really blame him though.  He was used as the number one goalie all season,
only to be benched when they playoffs rolled around, so he wasn't in the
right frame of mind when he did get his chance.  Maybe because of that, he
asked to be traded.  Also, because he is regarded as one of the best young
goalies in the league, they could get a lot more for him on the trade market.
Minnesota is having a terrible season, so their first draft choice will
probably be pretty good.  I can't see any of the weaker teams, the ones with
the best first-round draft choices, giving up that much for a player of Billy
Smith's age.  The Islanders may have an important role for Smith after his
playing days are over, and they may have decided that Melanson doesn't have
the stuff to fill Billy's pads, but given the right opportunity, Hrudey still
might.

Frankly, I'm a little bit surprised that Minnesota went for it, especially
since they're a team that has always placed paramount importance on first-round
draft choices, usually making trades to pick up an extra pick or to get
themselves and earlier pick.  I guess they figure their young goalie,
Don Beaupre is not living up to his potential and probably never will,
and that with Melanson they'll get back near the top of the standings
where they belong, so their first draft choice won't be worth as much
much as it appears to be now.  Despite their recent downslide, they probably
figure they're not too far from being a contender, and a contender needs
strong goaltending, whatever it costs.
-- 
Jeff Richardson, DCIEM, Toronto  (416) 635-2073
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