Marek Zidlicky's move from Minnesota Wild to New Jersey Devils proves fruitful -NHL Update
It is not hard to see why each and every player in the National Hockey League (NHL) wants his team to be a Stanley Cup winner or at least, join one which seems to be getting there if the former scenario is not working out.
Same was the case with Marek Zidlicky, former defenseman of the Minnesota Wild club who was traded to New Jersey Devils earlier this year when no one could have taught of them being a club that would make the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Playoff
Finals.
Turns out that Zidlicky’s move turned out fruitful as Minnesota Wild’s general manager, Chuck Fletcher, insisted that he waive his no-trade clause and be involved in a crucial trade for the team and is now part of a team on route to win the Stanley Cup.
He was traded on February 24, 2012, to New Jersey Devils for Kurtis Foster, Nick Palmieri and Stephane Veilleux. Getting just one player for three confused a lot of fans as to why Zidlicky was given such importance, but seeing his contribution during the
regular season and now in the playoffs, it definitely was a win-win situation.
"I knew what I was coming to before I came, and it has not surprised me," Zidlicky told NHL.com before Game 5 "That's why I picked this team and I believe in this team."
He posted just eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in the 22 games he got to play with New Jersey Devils before heading into the playoffs, but when the time came, it was a whole different story.
Zidlicky has posted eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) in 17 games played in the playoffs up until now, along with 16 minutes in penalty time and being of immense value in their defensive line-up.
"(It's) tough to really identify how important it is adding a No. 1, No. 2 defenseman to your lineup at a critical time of the year," New Jersey coach, Peter DeBoer, said. "He's been invaluable. I think it was a great trade that Lou made identifying him,
and paying the price to go get him. It looked like a heavy price to pay, but he's been worth it every bit and more."
With Game 6 and a chance to move on to the Stanley Cup Finals right around the corner, Marek Zidlicky will definitely continue to be a major contributor each and every night.
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