Highlanders continue to make changes

(San Jose, CA) The Highlanders have just announced their third deal in the last week, acquiring Patrick Sharp from the Quebec Revolution in exchange for a package of players and picks. On the heels of last week's acquisition of Jere Lehtinen and Jochen Hecht in separate deals, the front office has followed through on their promise to shake up their lineup after an inconsistent start to the season.

"To be honest, we expected more from this group. I don't know whether it's a hangover from last year or what, but it's unacceptable to play as poorly as we have in our own end," commented Assistant GM Brian Mulroney.

Following a year in which the Highlanders lost only 13 times the entire season, they have already eclipsed that mark this season. That prompted Mulroney to start making calls to his counterparts around the league.

"Listen, I don't want to sound the alarms. The team is good. Very good. But we have high expectations, and when you look at the rest of the league, there are a lot of very good teams that we're competing with. Guys like Lehtinen, Sharp and Hecht are strong two-way players. We expect they'll help us defensively and on the PK without giving up the offense the team has come to be known for."

Of course, these moves comes with a price. Gone since the beginning of the season are promising young players like Ryan Whitney, Kari Lehtonen and Dave Bolland. The Highlanders' won't be replenishing the farm system this off-season, either, as they have no picks in the first three rounds. The deals also add some payroll, but strong ticket sales and sponsorships have put the team in a strong financial position.

"We're trying to be mindful of the future, but it's the cost of trying to win it all. We have some great young players who will be stars on this team for many years -- and guys like Spezza and Sharp will be among them -- but we've also had to deal some tremendous players and prospects along the way. Oh, and even though we added salary in the Lehtinen/Lehtonen deal, we saved a few bucks by switching out just the one letter on the jersey. Jere hasn't complained about wearing a goalie jersey yet, either."

Are they done dealing? When this reporter asked, Mulroney only smiled before declining to comment.