Monday, February 1, 2010

Jay Bouwmeester Jersey Card

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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