Clearing Cattle: How Houston cleaning house was a smart move

[Laine 1,361]

After having an abysmal 18-48-6 in S72, the Houston Bulls needed an overhaul. @Sonnet, the Houston Bulls GM at the time decided that a complete roster overhaul was in order. Houston released almost their whole roster and decided to build their team through free agent signings, trades and waivers. It didn't seem like a good move at the time, especially consider that Houston was the best team in the league 4 seasons ago and went on to win it all that year. However, this move would bring in some much needed talent. I will be listing all of the moves made in Houston and why even though they are in last place, this is the best move for the future of the Houston Bulls.

 

TRADES:

 

May 11th, 2020

 

HOUSTON BULLS ACQUIRE:

S72 PHI 6th (Ken Fury)

S73 PHI 2nd

 

PHILADELPHIA REAPERS ACQUIRE:

S72 SDM 2nd (Jer Lefebvre)

 

In my opinion, this move is a solid move for both teams. Philadelphia gets a second round pick in Lefebvre to further establish themselves as a contender for the championship in S73, while Houston gets a solid 6th round defensemen in Ken Fury, plus a future second to boot. If Philadelphia doesn't win the cup in S73 and that 2nd they give up turns into an impact player for Houston, this trade can go sideways for the Reapers very quickly. Even now, with the second round pick that Houston gave up not being their pick, Houston gets a player and that pick back for practically scraps.

 

TRADE WINNER: TBD

 

May 30th, 2020

 

HOUSTON BULLS ACQUIRE:

Riley Knight Gee

 

PHILADELPHIA REAPERS ACQUIRE:

S73 HOU 1st

 

The winner of this trade we will not know until S74. Houston gives up their first for a former Houston great in Gee, but if that pick ends up being 1st overall, it could be a costly move for the Bulls in the near future. The Reapers don't get much towards their cup push here but the pick they acquire could be a lottery pick.

 

TRADE WINNER: TBD

 

June 2nd, 2020

 

HOUSTON BULLS ACQUIRE:

D James Rose

 

HALIFAX 21ST ACQUIRE:

S74 HOU 2nd

S74 HOU 3rd

S74 HOU 4th

 

This trade helps out both teams. Houston gets an immediate impact player in Rose, who has recorded over a point per game since the trade. Halifax on the other hand, get some mid to late round picks in the S74 draft which can transform them from fringe playoff contender to a contender in just 2 seasons. The real winner of this trade will be decided by the players that Halifax selects in the S74 draft.

 

TRADE WINNER: TBD

 

Now, let us take a look at some of Houston's free agent signings and waiver claims. They have made offers to many players and many went on to sign with other teams, but some of the players that Houston signed have turned into stars for the franchise.

 

Signing #1: RW Casey Scott for 1 year, 1.5 Million

 

Houston here gets a solid ground and pound forward who has a decent shot. He has great hands and is hard to knock of the puck.

 

Signing #2: RW Patrik Laine for 1 year, 1.5 Million

 

Houston gets another right wing in Patrik Laine. He has an offensive threat whenever he is on the ice whether he is shooting or passing. He doesn't use his 6 foot 5 inch frame to his advantage and is questionable defensively, but this is a good signing for Houston.

 

Signing #3: C Sidney Patrick Crosby for 1 year, 1.5 Million

 

Houston gets a good centerman in this deal. Crosby is a well rounded center who isn't very physical but is great on both defense and offense. It shows in the stats as since the signing, the 18 year old has 21 points in 20 games with the team, 11 of those being goals. Houston got a gem with Crosby here.

 

Signing #4: RW Kevin Murray for 1 year, 1.5 Million

 

Murray is a nice depth right wing who has great skating and defensive ability, but isn't very good offensively. He fits well in Houston's penalty kill and is good with his stick as well.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts:

 

Houston still has a long way to go before they are the juggernaut of the league again, but with some solid roster players, stockpiled picks in the next draft and younger talent that can make a line electric, I wouldn't be surprised if Houston is a contender for the cup again next year.

 

 

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Edited June 6, 2020 by PatrikLaine

[Banackock 8,160]

Amazing write up man! Awesome to see from you. Keep it up! @PatrikLaine

[FrostBeard 2,061]

This is what I like to see from an upcoming and bright member of our VHL family! Keep up the good work sir! 

[bigAL 2,176]

Nice one Patty L it's always too early to grade a trade, which means its never too early to grade a trade