The RHL off-season is no time to rest of ones laurels, even for a defending champion. The Baffin Island Rovers have subscribed to that theory and have pulled the trigger on two trades to bolster their present and their future.
First, the Rovers hooked up with the expansion New Jersey Titans to acquire defenseman Niclas Havelid. Havelid, a 12-year RHL veteran, has played 664 games and has posted 49 goals and 165 assists for 214 points. Going the other way are two prospects in defenseman Matt Hunwick and goaltender Ben Bishop, who was recently selected in Crystals dispersal draft. Draft picks were also exchanged. Havelid is known for his strong defensive game and shot-blocking abilities and the Rovers will rely on him to strengthen their back-end. "We've got some guys going to free agency and with that uncertainty we wanted to bring in another vet to shore things up. We're excited about what he'll bring to the blueline".
Then late last night a second trade was consummated... one that sees a three-time Cup winner leave the Rovers fold. With three capable goaltenders already on the roster in Chris Mason, Dan Ellis, and Jaroslav Halak, and with prospect Pekka Rinne expected to make a big push in training camp, it was clear that Baffin Island had one too many 'tenders. The log-jam was cleared when Mason was shipped to Airdrie for young winger David Perron and prospect defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. Mason had been the Rovers' starter for their RHL17 and 18 titles, but had been relegated to a back-up role last season. As the franchise leader in games played and wins by a goalie, Mason posted an 88-33-18 record in 155 games, with 9 shutouts. Perron made his RHL debut for the T-Men last season, scoring 7 goals and adding 10 assists for 17 points while playing all 66 games while Hjalmarsson suited up for Airdrie's minor-league affiliate. "We want to thank Chris for everything he did for this team. He helped us win our last three titles and he'll be missed. But we couldn't pass up the opportunity to trade from a strength to add two outstanding young players. We expect David to have a great sophomore season and we look forward to Niklas continuing his development at our prospects camp".With all this activity, the Rovers say they continue to look for ways to improve the club. Talks have linked them to a number of clubs in seeking a first-line winger, but sources say no deals are imminent.
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