Analysis on the recent Wolf Pack Trade
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On Friday evening, the New York Rangers announced a trade to the Washington Capitals. Forwards Joe Whitney and Adam Chapie were traded to Washington in exchange for John Albert and Hubert Labrie.
The Wolf Pack lost their captain and a forward who bounced between the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League. In return, Hartford gets a stay at home defenseman and a forward who has potential to make noise.
Who Wins?
The trade is even. Neither club lost anyone critical. All the four players involved were struggling or have little affect on the team. From Hartford’s standpoint, Chris Drury traded to a team in the division that is in the basement. This is a good move considering the Hershey Bears are out of the playoff race. Also the players in return will help bolster the defense and offense. Joe Whitney provided some value to the club. Unfortunately he was not the right fit. The Pack healthy scratched the captain six straight games before getting traded. The Pack won without the forward as well. Despite having the captain stitched on his jersey, Joe Whitney lost his place with the organization. Adam Chapie did not contribute much offensively and played in the bottom six. He was useful when injuries arise. The matured prospect had not much to offer. He is dead weight to cut.
Thoughts on Joe Whitney
The veteran gradually disappeared on the roster in Hartford. He became the weakest link in the eyes of head coach Keith McCambridge. Joe Whitney was never the same since his season ending injury with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the 2015-16 season.
The veteran can still play but he will never be his old self. I find it strange that he was not suiting up for games before he left. Joe Whitney could have requested a change in scenery or the organization felt he would perform better elsewhere. Regardless who decided, this move was for the better for both parties. Despite being captain, the club did well without their captain. He did not provide enough quality leadership potentially. I wish him luck for the rest of his season and career.
Thoughts on Adam Chapie
Hartford lost a forward whose development was capped. Adam Chapie was getting up in age as he is currently 26. He spent time mostly in Greenville. A change of scenery will help the forward and will also give another forward in Hartford a chance to play. Best of luck to the rest of his season and career.
Could John Albert be a Steal?
This is the first season John Albert has stepped out of the Winnipeg Jets organization. Since doing so, the forward has struggled in Hershey. He has three goals, eight assists for 11 points in 33 games.
In Manitoba / St. John’s, he has collected 36 points in the 15-16 season, 42 points in the 2014-15 season, and 45 points in the 2013-14 season. He spent the season with the Winnipeg Jets organization since the 2011-12 season. There is offensive potential for the forward.
Another interesting point to bring up is that Keith McCambridge has coached John Albert in the past. Under his wing, the forward blossomed offensively. He was one of the dominant forwards with the St. John’s Ice Caps at the time. Fast forward to today, he is back with Keith McCambridge and in a coaching style. Both guys know what to expect from each other. John Albert could find his spark under Keith McCambridge and help the Pack offensively. If the forward can find his game again, then that is another strong forward to have.
Meet Huebert Labrie
The defensive veteran has been in the league since the 2011-12 season. His offense is not top priority and is a stay at home defenseman. This addition can bode well for the club as Hartford needs help on the blue line. Getting mature is never a bad idea. This will also help the prospects on the club as well. He could play on the penalty kill and make plays difficult for the opposing team. I look forward to see how he performs in Hartford.
Wrap Up
I believe the Rangers organization is not done with roster moves. Hartford has improved. I give credit to Chris Drury. He built himself a strong club. The Wolf Pack have evolved for the better since opening night. What will happen next is up to anyone’s guess. Will Hartford receive a strong prospect in a future trade? Will Chris Drury strike another deal before deadline? Stay tuned folks.
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