“If We Don’t Trade The Pick”
June 26th, 2009
Brian Lawton says he's fielding very tempting offers for the No. 2 pick
Calmly and smoothly Brian Lawton uttered the preface, “If we don’t trade the pick …” to kick off discussion of the Bolts’ Friday night plans during an interview with hockey-loving host Steve Duemig, of 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal, on Thursday evening.
After Lawton finished voicing his thought, Duemig quickly asked Lawton to backtrack and explain, “If we don’t trade the pick …”
With a smile in his voice, Lawton calmly said he’s getting attractive offers that are improving steadily, “It’s starting to get very interesting now. …People would be shocked at the quality of names.”
Later talking about how picks No. 1 through No. 10 could contribute in the NHL this season, Lawton sure sounded like a GM ready to deal.
He was clear in his desire to score two first round picks (the Bolts have only one), and in talking about the Bolts’ first pick and first round picks in general, Lawton said “They will be in Tampa. It’s learning on the job.”
Joe would be willing to wager (not too much cash ) that the Bolts are working to find a way move the No. 2 pick and trade for two picks in the top 10. Lawton is in love with the thought of stockpiling young talent, and he likely sees two high first-round picks as an opportunity to fill two holes and build depth at a bargain price.
And bargains are important when you’re selling tickets for $5 and change.
