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Samsonov: Win, Lose or Addition by Subtraction?
Fan Commentary, by Mr. Miller
June 19, 2007
The Chicago Blackhawks recently traded underachiever Jassen Cullimore and winger Tony Salmelainen to Montreal for multiple 20 plus goal scorer Sergei Samsonov. On the surface, this is clearly a solid move by third year General Manager Dale Tallon. But is this really a slam dunk win for Tallon? A wash? Or could he have actually taken the team a step backwards?
Some will argue that by simply getting rid of Cullimore, the Blackhawks are a better team via the old adage "addition by subtraction." After all, Cullimore's been disappointing since coming to Chicago after winning the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in the 2003-2004 season and his $1.9 million salary was a burden to the team's salary cap. Yet his +/- improved from -24 to -6 in the past 2 seasons, which is somewhat of a testament considering the obvious struggles of the 'Hawks. Cullimore's defensive play was horrible in the beginning of the year but improved steadily as the season progressed. If it weren't for making some very high-profile, bonehead, mistakes (like scoring twice in his own net or being burned in the final minute of a couple of games), fans might be whistling a different tune.
As it turns out, though, the 'Hawks blue line is now a bit more inexperienced. Unless a move is in the works for some defensive help, Cullimore's apparent replacement could be 33 year old Magnus Johansson from the Swedish Elite League who has yet to play a single NHL shift. Johansson, up-again-down-again Dustin Byfuglien or AHL caliber Danny Richmond could easily split time in Chicago.
Although some fans held high hopes for Tony Salmelainen, the speedster was a replaceable part in the Blackhawks organization. Some considered him nothing more than the usual third line type guy in which the 'Hawk system has an abundance. Some would argue that he just needs to be paired with the right linemates to take his game to the next level. Either way, you have to trade something to get something. And Tallon throwing Salmelainen into the mix probably sealed the deal to get Samsonov.
As for Samsonov, after signing a 2-year deal worth just over $7 million with the Canadians in 2006 - his 9 goals and 17 assists last season proved to be quite disappointing to the organization, fans and media in Montreal. Their hopes that Samsonov would recapture his scoring touch from 1997 to 2001 where he netted 124 goals never came to be. Instead, he statistically had his worst year as an NHL player.
Is his career on the downside? After 9 NHL seasons has Samsonov reached his peak and now on his way out? Did he hang around just long enough to sign for the big money and let his game go down the tubes soon after?
Many fans in Chicago felt that Kyle Calder was absolutely not worth the $2.95 million awarded to him during arbitration last summer. Philadelphia fans probably feel the same. But comparing numbers since the 2000 season - Calder's numbers aren't too different than those of Samsonov's.
During the past six seasons, Calder's proven to be more durable than the often injured Samsonov as he played in 74 more games that the newly acquired Russian. Calder's scored only 14 less goals and 18 less assists (32 total points.) Dale Tallon and Blackhawk fans need to ask themselves: do those numbers justify the extra hit to the salary cap? In the days of tight budgets, which 'Hawks fans know all too well, and salary restrictions - how much of an impact could that have for the upcoming season?
On the Blackhawkzone.com Message Boards, long time poster HESCORES summed it up this way: "So, the Hawks basically spent an extra million in salary to get a player who used to be real good and hasn't played a full season in 6 years."
Fans are used to being negative and questioning the moves made by the organization. Again, on the surface, this appears to be a good move by Tallon. But by looking into the numbers and thinking a bit critically into the trade, questions are clear. Yet until everyone laces 'em up and hits the ice, it might just be too early to tell what impact this will have on the Blackhawks.
Go ahead and chalk this up as a win for Tallon. But keep the eraser handy just in case...hindsight is always 20/20.
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