Sydor thoughts
/Andrew's Dallas Stars Page
When Philippe Boucher was scratched last night I really wasn’t surprised. I thought Doug Janik needed to get into a game and Boucher seemed like a good choice to sit. He had been struggling lately. I had been talking with someone about this in Frisco on Friday. Turns out there was more to his being scratched because the Stars were working on deal that sent Boucher to Pittsburgh in exchange for Darryl Sydor.
I don’t think this is a bad deal for the Stars. It doesn’t really help on the cap because Boucher and Sydor are both making the same amount, but the change of scenery might do both players good. Sydor was in the doghouse in Pittsburgh for what ever reason. He wasn’t playing much and he comes to a team he knows well and the team knows him. There should be a comfort level here for Sydor. He’s a leadership guy and a heart and soul guy and this team could use that right now considering the start they’ve had. He’s still a good player. Not the overall player he was five years ago, but still a good, smart defender who can clean up stuff around the net.
We’ll see how this plays out as far as the Stars’ defense. I think Doug Janik has played well in the limited time he’s seen so he might push someone else out of a spot right now. Maybe Matt Niskanen, who has also had his ups and downs at time.
Overall, this isn’t an earth-shattering move for the Stars but a simple tweak that could be beneficial. I don’t think you can just compare the two players and measure the deal. You have to see how each ends up fitting into the new team and what they can bring. I can thing Sydor can bring some reliable defense and some intangibles to the Stars.
Boucher had some great years for the Stars, especially 2006-07. Injuries took a toll last year and he’s really struggled this year. He looked like he was coming around at one point this season but he hasn’t looked good recently. Maybe the shift to Pittsburgh will help and maybe he will be a good fit for them. I wish him well. He’s a good guy.
You’re right. Boucher is a good guy. I still think he should have won the Masterton Trophy in 2006-07 when he had that monster season while his father was dying of cancer. What a story! He will be missed, probably as much for his off ice contributions as for his on ice capabilities. A real class act.
Good luck, Boosh!