ROCKIES LOSE KLUZAK, TRADE FOR HATCHER

 

Denver

 

In a game that was out of reach at 7-0 midway through the 2nd period, the Colorado Rockies D Corps took a punch to the gut. Ian Moran of the Chicago Blackhawks took a run at Rockies defender Gord Kluzak and sent him into the boards awkwardly. Kluzak was helped off the ice and was holding his forearm heading down the tunnel. Moran was assessed only 2 minutes for charging on the play but was tossed from the game after causing the injury. Kluzak did not return to the game and we’ve now heard he is out indefinitely with a broken arm.

 

Rockies GM Mike Smith spoke to the media this morning. He said, “In a blowout game like that, I’m not surprised a player from that team would do such a thing. That organization has a lot of growing up to do. It’s unfortunate that Gordie went down but he will get his treatment and slowly work his way back. We don’t expect a guy like Gordie to stay down”.

 

Colorado had been running with only six pro defenders for the majority of the season. It’s a change of pace from the usual seven they dress each night. There had already been rumours of GM Smith searching for another blue liner for the last three weeks. With Jeff Finlay and Uwe Krupp coming off the board it didn’t leave much big game left to hunt from the teams out of the playoff race. With the farm roster producing Jim Paek as the best to offer, Smith knew he had to do something.

 

We’ve learned the Rockies have finalized a deal with the Quebec Nordiques that will see 6’3, 232lbs defender Kevin Hatcher come to Denver. Hatcher recently signed a 4-year extension with the Nords earning $3.2 million per season. It’s a hefty contract for a 3rd pairing D man but Colorado has never been shy of a heavy contract. Heading to Quebec will be Jaro Spacek, Jason York and the Colorado 1st round pick in 1998.