New England Shake Up Things Between the Pipes

Currently, Pekka Rinne is the undisputed number one goalie for the New England Sharks.  However, given the development of youngster Ondrej Pavelec there were questions about who would be `the guy`going forward.  That question was answered today as GM Bobby Brooks dealt Pavelec and a third round pick to the New York Highlanders in exchange for Nikita Filatov and a pick in the second round.

The move solidifies Rinne`s position on the team and propels Jose Theodore into the undisputed backup role.  Meanwhile, the spotlight will soon be on the enigmatic Russian Nikita Filatov.  He is blessed with a lot of talent, but also a lot of question marks.  He entered the draft as a hot commodity and the Sharks made a strong attempt to move up and take him after he was passed over in the first round.  He hasn`t lived up to his lofty expectations thus far, but management believes that he will eventually find his game.  The move comes with a significant amount of long-term risk for both clubs, but each player have all the necessary skills to be perennial all-stars.

GM Geoff Towle also dumped some salary in the deal as he sent defensemen Mike Commodore and Manny Legace to New England.  Commodore was immediately placed on waivers with the expectation of a forthcoming buyout as he has not lived up to his free agent contract.  Legace will play out the final year on his deal, but he isn`t expected to see significant playing time.