I Think The New Jersey Devils Owe The Anaheim Ducks An Apology For Their Heist Of Kyle Palmieri

"Ducks GM Bob Murray mentioned that he expected Palmieri to score 20 goals next season if he stayed in Anaheim and he would not have been able to pay him the raise that would come with that as a restricted free agent."


You know what's hilarious? Bob Murray thought he was paying Kyle Palmieri a compliment when he said he would become a 20 goal scorer. Halfway through the season, and that number looks insulting.  Not only has it already been hit, but it's come as the result of a career high in points in just 49 games. I know that trades -much like relationships- generally have a winner and a loser, but I don't think they are supposed to have a victim. I am actually praying for Bob Murray. It's not his fault. He thought he was making a calculated business decision and unforeseen circumstances has made that decision much more costly then even he imagined. He thought he was risking his job security, and he ended up risking his reputation. I liken what Bob Murray did to letting a hooker sleep over. He accepted the fact that she would probably steal all the cash from his nightstand, but he didn't expect to wake up to find the place completely ransacked. He expected petty theft and was the unfortunate victim of full blown larceny. 

As if it wasn't enough that the Devils -a team that fully committed to a rebuild no more then 6 months ago- are ahead of the Ducks -a team that was supposed to contend for a championship- in the standings. Kyle Palmieri, the guy they siphoned off for a couple of of mid round picks isn't only leading the Devils in scoring, but he would be leading the Ducks in scoring as well. The guy has been better than anyone, outside of his immediate family, could have ever predicted. Good players get traded due to salary cap restrictions all the time, but great players generally don't endure that same fate. Bob Murray's biggest mistake was failing to recognize the distinction. Since I am not one of those douchebag bankers from 'The Big Short', I actually feel sympathy for those that have to suffer at the expense of my sanctity. Nothing brings me more piece of mind then knowing that the Devils locked up a perennial 30 goal scorer for well below market value, and that's why I owe Bob Murray what little compassion I have left for teams that aren't the New Jersey Devils.