Canucks Acquire Defenceman Steve McCarthy from Chicago

[stevecanuck16]

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice-President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that the Canucks have acquired defenceman Steve McCarthy from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a third round draft pick in the 2007 Entry Draft.

McCarthy, 24, spent the 2003-04 NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks, where in 25 games he recorded four points (1-3-4) and eight penalty minutes. He has played 134 games over a four year NHL career tallying 16 points (3-13-16) and 45 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot, 200 lbs, native of Trail, BC, played his junior hockey in the Western Hockey League with the Ice franchise, spending his first two years in Edmonton and then Kootenay. McCarthy represented Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in both 2000 and 2001, winning Bronze medals both years and being named captain of the 2001 team in Russia.

McCarthy was originally selected in the first round, 23rd overall, in the 1999 Entry Draft.

[Gym Class Hero]

Originally Posted by stevecanuck16

The Canucks have traded a third-round draft pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Defenseman Steve McCarthy. Source: MOJO radio. When I first heard this my heart skipped a beat, I thought they had gotten Sandra!!! Anyways, a good acquisition IMO, I just hope they can now sign either Simpson, Marchment or Baron. Then the D will be set.

man please add a first name next time, i also thaught it was sandra

[Ciccarelli]

lol. Same here. I was already laughing about the Canucks.
Maybe Steve McCarhty can finally reach his potential in Vancouver. He never did anything special in Chicago.

[Milleniumdude]

from what I've heard of him, this should we be a good pickup for vancouver. btw, i'd rather not have Sandy on my team

[North man]

Good pick up by Nonis, young and mobile d-man and a BC boy (Trail). Hopes he develop nicely here in Vancouver. Now we just need a big defensive d-man with some experience, I wouldnt mind Baron, Simpson or Marchemt.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Stevie Mac has some serious potential. If he comes anywhere near it, Vancouver can expect a solid O-ffensive defenseman for years to come... Good Luck Steve.

[peacemaker]

A couple of things....

I think the 'Hawks could wind up regretting this one. I think he has the makings of a very decent defenceman. A good head for the game and a nice skill set.

With the trade of Sopel for a 2nd rounder, and now acquiring McCarthy for a 3rd rounder, it seems as if the going rate for younger, cheap 2 way defenceman doesn't seem to be too high right now.

I would have thought both guys would have commanded more in return.

Overall, especially considering the dinero saved, I think McCarthy will be an upgrade on Sopel in the 'Nucks sytem of pressing forward. I think Crawford is going to love this kid.
Short term Sopel is better (b/c of his additional experience), but come next year this should be a very, very nice addition by Nonis.