Bleacher Report - Articles by Ben Cecil

Ryan Hollweg Traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs For Fifth-Round Pick

Ben Cecil — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:26:23 -0400

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Ryan Hollweg from the New York Rangers for a fifth-round pick in 2009. The pick was originally part of the deal with Pittsburgh for Hal Gill.

Hollweg, arguably one of the worst players in the NHL, has amassed a whopping 12 points in his three years in the NHL. Known more as an "enforcer" or a "fighter", most people's issues with Hollweg come from the fact that he is bad at fighting and more often than not misses checks and runs himself into the boards.

This was a steal for the Rangers and yet another poor move for the Leafs. Maybe he'll turn it around in Toronto. Or maybe he'll continue to be a drain on someone's pocketbook. Either way, Hollweg will get paid, when he really shouldn't.

Minnesota Wild Sign Owen Nolan

Ben Cecil — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:15:48 -0400

Adding some grit to their lineup after the departures of Aaron Voros and Todd Fedoruk, the Minnesota Wild signed veteran Owen Nolan to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million.

This is a nice pick-up that will add some veteran leadership that this team is in need of—but Minesota still needs to address the bigger issue of centers, and the lack thereof.

Last season, Nolan posted 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) in 77 games, with a plus-six rating and 71 penalty minutes for the Calgary Flames.

It will be interesting how the Wild's depth chart will pan out this season, with this being the fourth winger added via free agency.

Brian Rolston's Rights Traded To the Tampa Bay Lightning

Ben Cecil — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:39:10 -0400

Write it down, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be the 2008-2009 Southwest Division champions and will make a serious run at the Cup.

After acquiring the rights to negotiate with Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from Pittsburgh, the Lightning went out and got the rights to another All-Star caliber player.

Brian Rolston, former captain of the Minnesota Wild, could also be on his way to South Florida.

If the Lightning can swing a deal with Rolston, they will be a virtual lock for not only their division but potentially the conference championship after signing Malone to a 7-year deal and Roberts to a 2-year deal.

The trade for Rolston was for a conditional draft pick.

It's gotta be the mullet. I swear, Barry Melrose is a magical man.

As a Wild fan, this is truly frustrating. It finally started to feel as if the team had something going and now they lose one of it's most important leaders and most dynamic scorers of the past few seasons.

Minnesota Wild: Draft Preview

Ben Cecil — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:52:42 -0400

There is a lot of talk around the State of Hockey about the upcoming draft. With the 24th pick, the Wild's biggest need in my opinion is at defense, particularly in the offensive defenseman department.

Two names on the list of prospects for this year's draft jump out at me more than others. Minnesota likes to bring in hometown boys, and there are a few that will be highly touted this year.

Ranked 23rd among North American skaters, Jake Gardiner of Minnetonka, Minn., has excellent stick-handling abilities and can produce points, tallying 43 in 25 games his senior season.

He will be attending the University of Wisconsin this upcoming school year, so this would be an investment for the future that I think few Wild fans would have issues with.

The other name that jumped off the paper at me is that of Aaron Ness. Ranked 27th of North American skaters and native of Roseau, Minnesota, Ness captured Minnesota's coveted Mr. Hockey award, beating out the aforementioned Gardiner.

Although some scouts have issues with his size, standing only 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 157 pounds, his play more than makes up for it. Ness tallied 28 goals and 44 assists his senior year with a plus/minus of plus-67.

Throughout his high school career, Ness tallied 44 goals, 100 assists and a whopping plus-133. On top of that, the kid is 18. He will have plenty of time to gain weight and bulk up before taking on the NHL. Ness will be attending the University of Minnesota this fall. So, like Gardiner, this would be a pick for a few years down the road.

When it comes down to it, I believe Ness to be the better fit for the Wild, but both choices would be excellent. The Wild also have always been a team that is heavy in draft day trading. However, word around town is that they will most likely be refraining from trades this year unless one involving Florida's Olli Jokinen came along that would be too good to pass up, but that option is most likely just a pipe dream.