'Poons move Malakhov, make room for Sopel -- Great White Rumour Mill

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Subject: 'Poons move Malakhov, make room for Sopel

Author:
Rock Lobster

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Date Posted: 14:56:26 04/01/03 Tue

(VICTORIA)- In a move long rumoured to be on it's way, the Halifax Harpoons traded defenseman Vladimir Malakhov today to the Yellowknife Blades. "It was something we have spoken with several other GMs about in recent days," admitted head honcho Stephen J. Holodinsky. "It's simply Brent Sopel's time to prove himself a GWHL regular." Sopel has been pushing for playing time since the beginning of the regular season and it was thought that he would spell the regulars and fill in for injuries. However, the defense core of the club has been remarkably resilient and the youngster had not been getting as much game action as the club would have liked. "I knew that if I just kept working hard in practice my time would come. Now I've got to prove to management that they were right in giving me this opportunity," explained Sopel at the team's morning skate. The tream is not expected to miss a beat with the youngster holding down the 6th defenseman spot in the lineup.

Coming back to Halifax for Malakhov is a bevy of draft picks. The Harpoons pick up Yellowknife's 2nd in this year's draft giving the team 5 2nd rounders, Ottawa 2nd in the 2005 draft which Yellowknife held the rights to, and Yellowknife's 1st in 2009. For his part Malakhov looked at the trade as a challenge. "To be sure there is a difference in the standings between the two teams and Halifax is an Eastern powerhouse, but now I'll play a bigger role. Now my job is to get Yellowknife over the hump and it's a job I'm looking forward to doing."

Speaking with Yellowknife's GM Neil Hayes by cellphone after the deal was put though by the league, he too was happy with the transaction. "This trade finally gives us a bona fide #1 defenseman, something this team has sorely lacked. Our blueline depth has always been good, but we needed a guy that could lead the defensive core and show them what to do. Malakhov will do just that. He also gives us 8 defenseman that are pro calibre, which gives us the possibility of making another trade. Losing the draft picks hurts, but we have a nice core of prospects in the system, and still maintain a healthy supply of draft picks for the future."

Rock Lobster
HALIFAX HERALD

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