PR - Misconducts

Price and Maxwell Headline Draft

The Misconducts where finally able to do what they have been trying to do in the draft for past couple of seasons and that is land a potential franchise goalie. They came close to landing Al Montoya a few years ago but had no such luck. Today was a whole different story. They got one of the two players they covetted in the draft when they selected Carey Price with the ninth overall selection. They even attempted to trade up earlier in the week in hopes that could assure themselves of landing the top rated goalie in the draft, but found no such takers. There were even talks today with the Blackhawks in hopes of getting the eigth overall pick but they fell through at the last minute when Derek Brassard, the player the Blackhawks wanted, was still available. However, the Misconducts couldn't be any happier. Price is expected to backup Tomas Vokoun this season and will play at least 20 games according to GM Rob Maxwell. Ben Maxwell, no relation to Rob Maxwell, was picked with the other first round selection the Misconducts had. He looks to fill the void left by Martin Hanzal who was traded yesterday. The plans right now are to bring him along slowly and let him develop in Phoenix. He is expected to play on a lineup with holdover Brent Burns and 2nd round pick Cal Clutterbuck. They believe that in given time Maxwell will develop into a playmaker at the center position which is something this team has lacked since Mike Modano left in free agency a few years ago. Other draft picks included defensemen Joe Ryan, Kevin Montgomery, Joonas Lehtivouri, and Tysen Dowzak as well as forward Igor Makarov. With the number of young defensemen already on the team, it was a shock to see the Misconducts take four defensemen. GM Maxwell assured that we drafted the best prospect available at the time regardless of position and commented that defense of this team is still a liability.

Draft Day Trade Rumors

There were many rumors floating around during the draft involving the Misconducts. One had future star LW Yuri Artemenkov coming to the Misconducts in exchange for a number of picks including the 22nd OV. Another rumor that has been floating around all week was the imminent arrival of defensemen Tomas Kloucek from the Apocalypse. Rumor has it the Misconducts where offered up a late third round pick in exchange for the defenseman however the Apocalypse wanted a second. The hottest rumor of the day was that Misconducts were desperately trying to move up in the second round to selected high scoring forward Michael Grabner. It is believed that the contacted the Canucks, the Flames, and even contacted the Mauraders all three times they were on the clock. Apparently they were offering up 44th OV and 57 OV to anyone who make the swap. GM Maxwell refused to comment on any of these rumors stating that most rumors are just that . . .rumors. He would however confirm that with drafting of Carey Price that the rumors of Martin Brodeur not returning to the Misconducts are true.

Misconducts Make Three Draft Weekend Trades

The Misconducts started off draft day a day early when they sent Kristian Huselius and Martin Hanzal to the Mauraders for Paul Kariya and Nathan Guenin. Jan Hrdina was extremely upset to see Huselius go as the two of them had great chemistry together. The two were members of The Game line which also included Ian Huml. Hrdina is the only remaining member of the group. Hanzal apparently fell out of favor with the organization with his lackluster play last season. He seemed to be disinterest with hockey once he was demotted. Also he was picked up in late April for DUI just outside of Phoenix. The organization felt it was time for change. Coming back to the Misconducts where young defensemen Nathan Guenin who will be playing with the Felony this season and Paul Kariya who should see some time with the first unit this season. " Paul was a guy we really liked for a long time. He brings a lot to this team. We believe that Kris Beech can learn a lot from this guy. Guenin on the other hand is a very interesting prospect. We believe that if given the right coaching that he could become a top two d pairing for us. With him, Blaze, Colaiacovo, Valabik, Fistric, and the guys we picked up today . . .The Felony should have one of if not the best defensive corps in the minors. We wish Kristian and Martin the best of luck with the Mauraders, " GM Maxwell stated at his post draft press conference. With the addition of Paul Kariya's 9.5 million dollar contract, the Misconducts had to make a few moves to give the team ample cap space for free agency. Two of those moves came today, the first one being the annoucement that Martin Brodeur won't be back and the other in the form of a trade. Glen Murray was sent to the Aces today in exchange for Evgeny Tunik and a third round pick which was used to select Joonas Lehtivouri. Tunik is expected to play RW on the second or third line this season. Lehtivouri adds some depth to their already stacked defensive corps in Phoenix. With several defensemen coming into the organization yesterday and today, one or more where surely expected to be traded. One of the guys let go was Dmitri Kalinin. Kalinin was traded to the Blackhawks for two future draft picks.