Wow, I just finished my previous post while watching VERSUS' tremendous NHL coverage and news is flying at me like a scene from Harry Potter. I learned that Peter Forsberg signed with the Colorado Avalanche earlier today, Dan Boyle just signed a 6 year-deal with the Lightning and, as Versus just broke the story, the Flyers traded defenseman Alexander Picard and a 2009 conditional draft pick for Vincent "Vinny "Prospal.

All three teams have just made significant improvements to their respective teamns. Colorado remains 3 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot in the western conference. Assuming healthy, Forsberg adds a physical and veteran leadership to the Avalanche. He's won two Stanley Cups with the organization but has not competed in a full season since 2002-03. In the last two seasons, Forsberg's ankle injury has forced him to miss 47 games. His health is the most important portion of the 1-year $5-million contract. However, Forsberg will earn a prorated amount, closer to $1 million considering there's one and a half months left to the regular season.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay GM Jay Beaster made two of the most significant decisions before tomorrow's 3 pm trade deadline. Beaster traded away Prospal, one of his 13 unrestricted free agents this offseason, for Picard and a second or third round pick depending on whether Prospal resigns with the Flyers. Picard is a 22-year old defenseman with much upside.

Alexandre Picard D Tampa Bay Lightning
Height: 6'2'   Weight: 220   DOB: 7/5/1985  Age: 22

Career stats
Year	Team	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	SHG	SHA	GW	SOG	Pct
2005	PHI	6				-2	4						9	.000
2006	PHI	62	3	19	22	-19	17	1	6				56	.054
2007	PHI	4				-3	2						3	.000

Obviously, the Flyers add a versatile scorer, someone who's been around since being drafted by the Flyers in 1993. Prospal can also help the Flyers overcome the recent slew of injuries and losses. Daniel Briere has been a disappointment thus far and Mike Richards tore his hamstring and will miss three weeks. Meanwhile, the Flyers had lost 10 straight before defeating the Sabres in the shootout tonight.

The Lightning are retooling and rebuilding. Prospal is an unrestricted free agent and will demand more than the Lightning can afford. They made an intelligent decision to build from the ground up, with youth and draft picks.

Beaster also resigned defenseman Dan Boyle until the 2013-14 season. Boyle is the top blueliner on the team and would have commanded mega millions as an UFA this upcoming offseason.

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