In keeping with the subject of the day, the trade that sent Dion Phaneuf packing to the Toronto Maple Leafs, here is the Calgary Flames' new, undisputed #1 defenseman, Jay Bouwmeester.Bouwmeester was acquired by the Flames on June 27th. 2009, at the entry draft, in exchange for Jordan Leopold and a third-round draft pick, when the Florida Panthers, faced with the prospect of losing their captain for nothing in return to free agency, opted to at least receive some compensation. Although I am a fan of Leopold's, Bouwmeester is in a whole other category: his size, strength, speed, shot power, crushing hits and overall vision make him an eventual Norris trophy candidate; I liken him to the Philadelphia Flyers' Chris Pronger, but younger and less of a cheap shot artist.
He is also the current NHL Ironman - the player who has not missed a single game for the longest time (although he is way short of the all-time record holder, Doug Jarvis, who played 964 consecutive games from 1975 to 1987).
With Phaneuf gone, I see Bouwmeester's ice time increasing, more responsabilities, an All Star Game or two - and a Norris nod within 3 years' time.
This card depicts him in his white Panthers uniform, and is card #GJ-JB of Upper Deck's 2008-09 Series 1 set. I showed you a black Bouwmeester patch here, I just need to find a red one to complete my Panthers' "colours" collection...
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