As the Owen Sound Attack open a 3 game Eastern Conference swing this weekend starting tonight at Peterborough, I want to swing back to the Ontario Hockey League Trade Deadline.
The best aspect of the deadline, in my view, was Owen Sound hanging on to Chris Bigras.
First, Chris Bigras has been a terrific player from day 1- year one, and there’s something to be said about an exceptional player staying with the organization for the full term.
Second, Bigras is on the verge of some significant milestones for the Attack.
Currently, by my count, he has 97 assists; obviously 3 shy of the century mark which is an outstanding total for a defender.
Doing a quick check, I find only Jeremy Rebek and Bobby Sanguinetti accumulated more assists from the blueline in their Owen Sound careers- 101 – which means Bigras is just 4 shy of tying the record and 5 helpers away from becoming the franchise record holder for assists by a defenceman.
He’s also got a decent shot at becoming the franchise record holder for points by a defenceman, which is one more factor in why I was overjoyed to see him remain.
I know, 3, 4, 5, 6 months from now, some wizard will proclaim the Attack made a tactical error & should have dealt Bigras for future gains.
And while I understand the futures concept, shouldn’t the ultimate goal be to draft more players of his calibre and develop them to the fullest in Owen Sound, all of which would produce a better team on an annual basis and mean we never have to consider dealing a top player like Chris Bigras….ever ?
I’m Fred Wallace