Claimed:Helsinki be movin' [FINAL 6/6]

[Will 4,660]

Helsinki Actually Does Something

 

Just hours after the VHL's 41st season came to a conclusion, with the New York Americans taking home the Continental Cup, the off-season was kicked into full swing with many deal being pounded out between various teams. Although all deals were interesting, the Helsinki Titans in particular made some interesting moves. 

 

Szatkowski Jr. in his first practice as a Titan

 

First and foremost, the Titans have seemingly resolved, at least for now, the goaltending issue that they have been plagued with for so long. Kimmo Salo was drafted by the Titans back in Season 37 and was, at the time, expected to be a high-quality franchise goalie for Helsinki. Tragically, Salo suffered a debilitating mental catastrophe that rendered him essentially useless to the organization. Salo's lack-luster play has been cited by many as the reason that the Titans have found little success in recent years. 

 

Helsinki Aquires

G - Mike Szatkowski Jr.

 

Riga Acquires

G - Kimmo Salo

S43 HSK 1st

 

In a deal with the Riga Reign, the Titans moved to pick up veteran goaltender Mike Szatkowski Jr. in exchange for Kimmo Salo and a Season 43 first rounder. Although it's fair to assume that the Titans must have been looking at moving for a more seasoned netminder for some time, many speculate that this is a response to the acquisition of goaltender Martin Brookside by their European Conference rivals, the Cologne Express. Regardless, Helsinki hopes that Szatkowski can finally bring the experience and the skill that they have been longing for to their crease. 

 

Just minutes after the Szatkowski deal was announced, a second deal involving Helsinki was made public.

 

Helsinki Acquires

S42 Cologne 2nd

S43 Cologne 3rd

 

Cologne Acquires

D - Chris Raymond

 

This deal was significantly less exciting than the first, but it appears the Titans moved Raymond in an effort to clear enough cap to allow the signing of Szatkowski Jr. Additionally, it's been leaked that Raymond has been asking for a trade for some time, specifically to the Cologne Express. Nonetheless, the Titans must have been disheartened to have to watch a dedicated leader and player such as Raymond walk off into the sunset.

 

We reached out to Helsinki General Manager William Shaw for comment on the trades, but were told that we should have called before noon because he is now too intoxicated to come to the phone. We did, however, manage to get ahold of the President of the Titans franchise, Mitch Higgins:

 

"I think both moves were the right moves to make. It was obvious that if we were to see any success in the future, we needed to upgrade our goaltending. Szatkowski Jr. has an excellent track record and I'm more than thrilled to see him play in a Titans jersey. As for Raymond, it's unfortunate that he had to be moved, but ultimately I hope he finds success and fulfilment in Cologne."

[eaglesfan036 4,598]

Helsinki certainly will be moving....down to 4th place in the EU

[CowboyinAmerica 2,887]

Helsinki certainly will be moving....down to 4th place in the EU

 

OH SNAP.

 

I mean...

 

Content: 3/3 - You're borderline man - without including the actual trades themselves and the captions for the photos, you're actually under 450 words. Would have liked to see a tiny bit more, but what was there was entertaining so leaning towards the positive side and giving full marks. Although I am sorry to hear about Salo's debilitiating mental injury.

 

Grammar: 2/2 - Just the one small thing below.

 

many deal = many deals

 

Presentation: 1/1 - Works for me.

 

Total: 6/6

[Kesler 1,514]

Claimed