Another week, another A-Devil hits the road. This time, it’s via a AHL trade, and one I didn’t exactly see coming. New Jersey has acquired defenseman Maxim Noreau from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward David McIntyre.
Noreau is coming off a very good season for Houston, scoring 54 points (10 G, 44 A) in 76 games, 3rd on the Aeros. He also made 5 appearances for Minnesota, going scoreless. He appeared in the AHL All Star Classic in Hershey (for the Western Conference) and appeared in 24 games during Houston’s run to the Calder Cup finals, scoring twice. From what I’ve read he is an offensive minded defenseman, something that is sorely needed here. With him and the signing of Brandon Burlon, hopefully this matter has been addressed for next season.
McIntyre just completed his first full AHL season after playing at Colgate for four years (plus a brief visit in Lowell at the end of the season). He scored 12 goals in 78 games and was a very solid two way player. He will most certainly be missed on and off the ice here.
So does this mean Albany is opening for business like their East Division counterparts? Hershey and Wilkes-Barre are already starting to lock in key parts, and it’s only mid-June. The NHL draft comes next weekend, and a week later free agency will begin. Plus we’re still working out the affiliation silly season. There may be no more on ice action till mid September, but the fun just appears to be beginning…
Thoughts Inside The Box 