Joe Malone, Meet Joe Thornton

"Excited? I nearly pissed myself with glee when they told me!" -Thornton reacts to being dealt from South Calgary to the league-leading Rovers.

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

The first salvo in the RHL16 arms race has officially been sent across the bow of the rest of the league. In a bold move, the Rovers, already the best defensive team in the league, added perhaps the pre-eminent playmaker in the league to their offensive attack by acquiring center Joe Thornton from the cellar-dwelling South Calgary (nee St. Albert) Spartans. The price was not insignificant, as going to the Spartans are a trio of highly-touted prospects in goaltender Kari Lehtonen, forward Mike Richards, and defenseman Ryan Parent, along with depth defenseman Steve Montador. South Calgary also sent cash considerations to the Rovers. "We've been looking at ways to boost the offense for a few weeks now, and at the top of our wish list has been Joe Thornton", GM Stringer said of his prized catch. "He's going to make everyone better. He's going to get the puck to our wingers where they need it to be successful. Plus he's getting better.. he's under contract for next season so this isn't a one-and-done scenario. Joe will be a Rover for a while". The Rovers are banking on the move giving them an edge as they battle for the Malone crown with the Funboys and Sockeyes in the toughest division in the league.

The Spartans certainly didn't come out light in the trade, picking up three youngsters who should play a large role for them in the coming years. The centerpiece is franchise goalie prospect Kari Lehtonen, the first overall pick in RHL11, and the first-ever draft pick by the Rovers. He was due to make his debut in RHL17, but will now do so in South Calgary. Center Mike Richards is expected to be ready to contribute next season and defenseman Ryan Parent is having another stellar season in junior and is expected to anchor Canada's blueline at the upcoming World Junior Championships. "We knew we'd have to give up quality to get quality, and these three young men are all going to very good RHLers", Stringer said of the departed prospects. "We're especially going to miss Kari, as he was the first ever Rover draft pick. However, we're blessed to have a depth of talent at each position, so we feel that with Emery in net, Malkin and Zajac at center, and Phaneuf, Michalek, and Vlasic on defense, we felt comfortable that we could afford to make this move without stripping the cupboard".

Thornton is en route to Iqaluit, hoping to land in time for tonights game against the Sockeyes. He is expected to center Cory Stillman and Glen Murray on the top line, sliding captain Olli Jokinen to the second line centering Frolov and Demitra. Murray and Thornton have quite a history together, having played in a number of championships and tournaments together. "I'm really excited to get back together with Muzz (Murray)", Thornton was quoted as saying before boarding a plane to Iqaluit. "I'm looking forward to getting back with him and clicking on the ice once more. But just coming up here is going to be a thrill; you want to play for a championship and the Rovers have stepped up and shown that they want me and they want to win now. It's very exciting".

Jumbo Joe a Rover???

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

On the eve of a critical home-and-home series with the Sockeyes, Rover Report has learned that Joe Thornton has been acquired by the Rovers and is trying to get to Iqaluit this afternoon for tonight's game. The story is yet unconfirmed by the team, but we will work on breaking the exact details of the trade as soon as possible.

A Trade? *GASP*

Iqaluit, NU (CP)

The Baffin Island Rovers dared to make a ripple in the perfectly still pond that has been the RHL trade market this season today, though it was only a ripple. With Bergeron and Laaksonen out another day and Stillman going down last night, the Rovers reached out for a body and came back with Marcus Nilson from the Roadkill. Nilson along with a third round pick were acquired in exchange for prospects Kris Chucko and Michal Barinka. "We've been thinking about Nilson for a while, mainly because he's cheap and versatile", Stringer said. "I do believe that both the guys we gave up will be RHLers, but thankfully our prospect depth is such that we won't be negatively affected".