Whalers Make Moves

 

A day after questions swirled about the team's direction, GM Hilowitz made it clear the team was here to compete. Early this morning, news broke that Hartford acquired Randy McKay and Jon Casey from the San Jose Sharks in an effort to provide depth reinforcements to the team. While neither player represents a blockbuster acquisition, McKay will slot in on the Whalers 3^rd line, while also serving as an upgrade on the PK, filling the spot vacated this year due to Jan Ingman's departure. Meanwhile, Jon Casey's arrival provides added depth to the team's notoriously thin backup goaltender position. For budget purposes, it's expected that Casey will spend most of his time in the minors, being called up only to spell Don Beaupre when necessary. In return, Hartford sent Ed Patterson, Chris Herperger, Petr Briza, and a 3^rd round pick to San Jose. 

 

In addition to the successful deal with San Jose, rumors have swirled that Hartford has been uncharacteristically aggressive on the trade front, repeatedly negotiating with several clubs. While it briefly appeared that Cam Neely might be leaving Connecticut after two seasons, rumors have cooled after Neely apparently expressed displeasure about potentially being acquired by a team that compared him to Esa Tikkanen, the perpetually underwhelming Finn who only has surpassed 48 points in a season twice. Instead, Neely has asked the Whalers not to trade him, vowing that 1994 will be a revenge campaign on the rest of the league and promising that he and Mario Lemieux will decimate their foes. While Hartford has yet to release an official statement on the Neely situation, it appears he is still a member of the Whalers for the time being, though the team continues to explore various trade options across the league. That's all for now Whaler fans, check back in later for more updates, and Go Whalers!