The Colorado Avalanche have traded T.J. Galiardi, Dan Winnik and a 7th round pick to the San Jose Sharks for Jamie McGinn and two forward prospects, Michael Sgarbossa and Mike Connolly. Fear the Fin has their reaction up as well.
McGinn is a 23-year old 6'1", 210 lb forward who currently has 12 goals and 12 assists for the Sharks and is generally regarded as a solid 3rd line player. Not surprisingly, he's known as a tough player as the Avs have been conspicuously conspicuous in adding those types of players (Steve Downie). And the Avs have been very week in the prospect department, so adding Sgarbossa and Connelly should bolster the depth in that department.
Of course, the Avs lose some good guys in Winnik and Galiardi. Winnik has been a solid all-around player for the Avs, but his lack of offensive production has been a negative (he has just 5 goals despite being second on the team in shots). He's also a UFA this summer. Galiardi has shown brilliant flashes - including a playoff series against (wait for it) the Sharks - but has never quite pulled it all together on a consistent basis. He has just 29 points in his last two seasons (90 games). I'm a big Galiardi fan, but I believe a change of scenery might be a boon for him.
I like the move. The Avalanche are kind of crowded up front anyway, and moving Galiardi and Winnik clears that logjam a bit, just as moving Quincey helped on the blueline. After 4 years, I think it was time to let Galiardi get a shot in a different setting. In return, the Avs get a nice young player now and some younger guys for the future. Not a franchise change, just a bit of sculpting...but a nice move nonetheless.
Hey, Cheryl here. Since folks are wondering about the prospects, here is some quick info on them:
Mike Connolly
Prospect Mike Connolly was signed by the Sharks in April 2011 as a UFA. The left winger was the third-leading scorer for the University of Minnesota-Duluth with 54 points (28g, 26a) in 42 games. He is 22 years old, 5'9", 180 lbs, and comes from Calgary, Alberta. He is currently playing for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL with 10 goals and 19 asssists in 39 games.
"Mike has proven his ability at the collegiate level and we are excited to help him take the next step in his hockey career," said Wilson. "Head Coach Scott Sandelin and Assistant Coaches Brett Larson and Derek Plante at Minnesota-Duluth have created a terrific, winning environment for young players to succeed and Mike will benefit from that experience moving forward."
Michael Sgarbossa
Michael Sgarbossa is from Campbellville, Ontario. The 5'11, 175 lb, center was signed by the Sharks in September 2010. He was a third round (54th overall) draftee in the 2008 OHL Draft. He played 19 games with the Barrie Colts (7g, 13a) before being traded the Saginaw Spirit. He's having a career year this season with the Sudbury Wolves with 41 goals and 39 assists in 54 games. He currently wears the A for the Wolves.
The Scouting Report on Sgarbossa
After going undrafted in June, Sgarbossa was part of a trio of undrafted players that were signed by the San Jose Sharks during the rookie free agent signing window. I’ve always liked the things that Sgarbossa brings to the table as he’s a quality offensive player with good hands and the ability to create things in the offensive zone. He also has the ability to impact the game with some well timed physical play as well as those pest attributes that have become synonymous with many NHL players. He struggles a lot with consistency however. On Sunday he was rendered largely ineffective, while other games he can be a force if he’s on his game. If he can add some strength to his frame and bring those components to the table on a more consistent basis, he could make an NHL career out of it.