The Vrbata-for-Adams blockbuster

Just when Chicago Blackhawks GM Dave Tallon seems to be showing some managerial progress, he goes out and pulls a trade like this.

Now I realize Radim Vrbata isn't exactly an elite talent and, given his track record, it isn't difficult to gauge that he easily wears out his welcome, but this is the same player who tore up the NHL early last season to the tune of three goals and eleven points in the first eight games of the 2006-07 campaign while playing on the Hawks' top line with Michal Handzus and Martin Havlat. Granted, he was essentially MIA after Handzus and Havlat's respective injuries, but this is clearly a guy with a lot of skill.

Chicago posted the second-fewest goals in the NHL and swapping a player who can put up numbers for Kevyn Adams who, while an effective checker and above-average faceoff man, will never be confused with Sidney Crosby on the scoresheet. And, besides, regardless of the quality of player, was it smart to trade a winger for a center on a team that already boasts (I use that term in the loosest way possible) Robert Lang, Jonathan Toews, Yannic Perreault and Patrick Sharp down the middle. Also, did I mention Adams was available on waivers just weeks ago?

Despite Adams' alleged multitude of intangible contributions, I think it's safe to say Tallon and co., especially if Sergei Samsonov doesn't pan out (and who really expects Samsonov to pan out?), will be regretting this trade.