Ray Shero: "Our first priority was to try to add a defenseman"

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 2:40 PM EST

"I'm not really that interested in trading players off our team because I'm trying to strengthen it, not weaken it…..This was to strengthen our defense, which I think we needed to strengthen a bit. Right now we have eight NHL defensemen. Last year we went to the Final and won the Stanley Cup with eight NHL defensemen, and all of them played in the playoffs. It's important to have. We'll see what happens by Wednesday. Right now there are no cap implications.

From our meetings and talking to our coaches, our first priority was to try to add a defenseman. Since Saturday I've been active trying to do that. I was more of a caller trying to see the value for players, who was going to be available and what the cost was. Once we established that, we've got Jordan Leopold now, we'll see what's out there. Maybe it's a minor league deal, maybe it's no deal at all, but we want to be in the mix of things and see what's out there."

He's one of their top penalty killers. He wasn't playing as much on the power play but he still has seven goals. He's a guy that can skate, move the puck, he's got good NHL experience. I think for our group transitionally and not spending as much time in our end, I think that will be an important addition."

Always take a general manager's words with a grain of salt when it comes to his future plans, but it seems that Shero and company identified Leopold and went to get him.

Also Leopold modified his no-trade clause and was approving of the trade to send him to Pittsburgh. As one reporter said on twitter, Pittsburgh was where Leopold wanted to go. Now that he's here, let's see how he plays.

(Coming up later tonight: Is Jordan Leopold an upgrade for the Pens defense?)

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Also Leopold modified his no-trade clause and was approving of the trade to send him to Pittsburgh. As one reporter said on facebook, Pittsburgh was where Leopold wanted to go.

I love being a team that players want to go to.

by SlayerGhaleon on Mar 1, 2010 2:50 PM EST reply actions

Ya that is a great sign too. Something to be proud of.

"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny

by AlexStitch on Mar 1, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

I think he joins Gary Roberts, Georges Laraque and Bill Guerin as guys who’ve recently waived NTC’s to join Pittsburgh.

Am I missing anyone?

Pensburgh.com

Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

1 out of 4 ain't bad?

As a fan of the Bills, Indians and Timberwolves, I’m glad to have ONE team that I cheer for that players want to play for.

Illinois: My governor is a bigger crook than your governor

by John H IL on Mar 1, 2010 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

That’s a very interesting grab-bag of teams there, John!

Pensburgh.com

Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 7:42 PM EST up reply actions

Positive Vibes People

Until he turns into a Martin Skoula or Chris Bourque and absolutely sucks, let’s have some faith. Plus, He is coming from Florida. What do the Panthers really have to offer; so any low numbers I would look past as well. Let’s hope he comes to play and can really add something. Positive vibes folks, positive vibes.

"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny

by AlexStitch on Mar 1, 2010 2:51 PM EST reply actions

LOL

being a native south Floridian I can tell you – warm weather, but this year not so much. Welcome Jordan Leopold

by CGNC on Mar 1, 2010 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Nice to see Shero making another move that shows defense-first mentality. Of course coming from Nashville, that’s expected, them being one of the top defenseman-development teams.

by lostprophetRJX on Mar 1, 2010 4:32 PM EST reply actions

I thought he was from the Florida Panthers?…Nashville is the Predators right?

Pensburgh.com
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by Hockey Beard in SLC on Mar 1, 2010 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

He was referring to Shero. Shero worked as assistant GM for the Predators before coming here.

by SlayerGhaleon on Mar 1, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Glad to see Shero had his priorities in the right place. We’ve all been banging our heads against the wall watching this defense get picked apart at times. Hopefully Leo can provide a little more support for Fleury/Johnson and prevent them from getting hung out to dry on a far too regular basis.

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by FrankD on Mar 1, 2010 5:06 PM EST reply actions