Dominos Continue to Fall in New England

Last week it was Torrey Mitchell.  This week Chris Kelly follows in his footsteps. 

Kelly got the word from management that he was being actively shopped shortly after Mitchell was dealt.  On Monday talks with Toronto escalated and it wasn't long until the minor details were ironed out.  Along with Kelly, NWE sends their 2012 4th round draft pick to the Wolfpack in exchange for Samuel Pahlsson and DET's 2011 3rd round pick.  Kelly was a very productive player, but ultimately he didn't fit into New England's long-term plans. 

Pahlsson's contract runs out after the following season, but he knows he will play a vital role on the club this year and next.   He will instantly step into the lineup and take Kelly's role with the hope of bringing a more physical brand of checking to the 4th line.  His abilities in the face-off circle and willingness to battle in the corners were also something that caught the eye of GM Bobby Brooks.  The 3rd round pick fills a hole in New England's draft plan by giving them more flexibility in a very deep and talented rookie pool.  Interestingly, in a strange twist of coincidence the Sharks now possess DET's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks in the draft.

The number of remaining Sharks that started the offseason with the club sits at four - Sidney Crosby, Andrei Kostitsyn, Sean Avery, and Pekka Rinne.  Fans knew that change was coming, but it's unlikely any of them knew the roster would be virtually unrecognizable two-thirds of the way through the 2011 season.  With the trade deadline right around the corner, there is a good chance that another deal or two could be on the way.