| Subject: Harpoons net Redden |
Author:
Rock Lobster
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Date Posted: 14:31:50 05/25/04 Tue
(HALIFAX)-On the heels of a successful draft that saw them garner nine new prospects for the team, the Halifax Harpoons struck in the free agency market on the weekend signing restricted free agent Wade Redden to a 4 year deal worth 22 million dollars.
"We felt that with the recent draft we had, the picks we had in 2006 were better put to use trying to find someone who could contribute immediately," spoke GM Stephen J. Holodinsky.
Redden, a defenseman for the Whitehorse Warriors last season seemed to be a good candidate for that, especially in light of the team moving Captain Rob Blake earlier in the off-season to the Quebec Remparts.
"Without a doubt, the moving of Blake left a hole in our defense core," continued the GM. "That said, we felt that we had enough bodies back there in Ken Klee, Cory Cross and Eric Desjardins to fill the void at least defensively. With Redden we get a true two way blueliner who can step in immediately a lead our defense. We feel that with him and Matthias Ohlund our blueline is set for the long term as far as leadership is concerned."
There is little doubt that Redden can improve on last season's 13 goals and 38 assists given the amount of talent that will surround him in the Halifax lineup night after night. Last season Rob Blake totalled 63 points. If Redden can get up there, then Blake will soon be forgotten.
Although the team designated Blake their franchise player when his contract came up two years ago, with the salary cap coming down to 52 million this year, it w3as a matter of dollars and cents in the end. Quite simply, the team thought it could do better for 6.5 million dollars. Redden on the other hand comes relatively cheap when compared to the former Captain. At 3,575,000$ per year with a 7,700,000$ signing bonus, his total package is rounghly 60% of Blake's and he is 10 years younger as well.
"We definitely had a plan in mind when we moved Blakey and luckily for us, the chips all fell the right way," aded Holodinsky. "We're estatic to have Wade back in the fold after having to move him a couple years ago for Marian Hossa."
As for Redden he's happy to join his former mates.
"Every year they are close to the Cup. Every year," Redden explained when contacted by cellphone. "If I want a ring this is the place to be."
Rock Lobster
HALIFAX HERALD
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