Claimed:Flipping Stateside

[evrydayimbyfuglien 600]

 

Felipe Rodriguez is leaving the only VHL team he’s ever known in the Quebec City Meute. He’ll be leaving behind long-time teammates John Sleeman and Tom Lincoln, both fellow Season 47 draftees. The Seattle Bears, after days of negotiating, have finally managed to pry the young defenseman away from the Meute but it came at a price, and a steep one at that.  The Bears dealt their first and second round picks for the much anticipated Season 52 Draft while still holding on to Cologne’s first rounder as well as Calgary’s second rounder meaning they don’t really miss out on much while also giving Quebec potentially a lot of value.

 

Flip was taken aback when he heard about the trade due to discussions he had previously had with the team’s new GM, Frank.

 

“We discussed the possibility of me being traded and where the potential destination was. There was a mutual interest in me staying put and that was the last I had heard of the move. I woke up this morning to reports of the contrary so it was a little surprising. I did say I understood that this was still a business at the end of the day so I respect the decision.  Nothing against Blake Campbell and the rest of the Seattle organization but I wasn’t exactly thrilled about leaving Quebec. That said, I am looking forward to the change in scenery. It could be just what I needed to take my play to the next level. All in all, I’m happy, I was just a little shocked after what I had been told. Campbell has done a great job in his short time with the team so I’m hoping I can help build upon what he’s established so far.”

 

With Rodriguez locked up in his contract until Season 54, chances are he’ll retire a Bear.  Last year, the Bears finished with a 28-38-6 record after a 40-30-2 Season 49.  Flip should slot into the first defensive pair with the possibility for a lot of ice time considering their depth, or lack thereof, along the blueline. Felipe is coming off his best season yet where he tallied 15 goals and 50 total points, both career highs. He also didn’t shy away from the physical game adding 169 hits and 94 blocked shots.

 

On the other side of the deal, Quebec gets two very valuable draft picks in a highly touted draft class. Due to some GM issues this off season, the Meute did not get off to a very good start during the Free Agency period and saw several key players move on and leave Quebec in the rear view mirror. It left the roster bare and gave Frank very few options to pick up the pieces. There was always talk of a rebuild following the playoff run this year but I’m not sure anyone expected it to be this drastic.

 

 

Will the change in scenery be enough to push this young defenseman just entering the prime of his career into the spotlight? Can he make a legitimate case for best defenseman or at the very least most improved player? This will be a pivotal season in Felipe’s career and it starts right now.

 

[FacePuncher 1,343]

Review:

I'm super happy about having you on my team! You should fit right in, and be a huge part of our future. I think that if you keep updating, you could definitely make a case for most improved. Your World Cup performance was huge, and on our team you will be the unquestioned top pairing guy!

 

537 words  

[Kendrick 4,741]

Claimed