The longest post I've ever written about nothing.

So, did you guys see Mitch McColm at the game last night? Just kidding, of course you did. I got to chat with him for a bit in the 2nd period, just small talk about life and whatnot. I figured he'd been asked enough by fans how he felt about being traded to Regina, I didn't want to do that. He's a good kid with a good head on his shoulders, he'll be fine. HUGE props to him for doing 3 stars too. In Regina he'll be playing with Brett Martyniuk and alongside some guys you may have heard of, Jordan Eberle and Colton Teubert.

Speaking of Teubert, Drinnan had this tidbit:

Greg Harder of the Regina Leader-Post reports that the Pats hung on to F Jordan Eberle and D Colten Teubert despite hearing from a few clubs. “The Tri-City Americans were among the leading contenders to land Teubert,” Harder writes, “while the Brandon Wheat Kings and Saskatoon Blades made bids for Eberle, but none of those offers included enough warm bodies to entice the Pats.”

I would guess, since Bob didn't get him, the price was simply too high. I, for one, am very grateful Tory didn't sell off young guns to get him (or anyone else).

It looked like a lot of deals were made with draft picks. I'm also glad Bob didn't give up a ton of those for anyone. That's how teams are developed, kids. And it's a crap-shoot at that, they're what, 14-15 years old when they're drafted, who the hell knows how a 14-year-old will develop? Regardless, drafting and developing players is how you build a successful program (if the scouting and development programs are in place). Constantly buying and selling is not going to equal long-term success. I've said it before, this is a small-market team so buying/selling everything for short-term success is not a good business model, and Bob is no fool. He's going to make damn sure the team is good enough to put buts in the seats, year after year.

So what did the Americans get? Mike Brown, a 19-year-old from the Swift Current Broncos. In 36 games so far this season, he has 5G, 2A, 54 PIMs and a -5 rating. It appears he doesn't have a huge offensive upside, but he's a big body--6'2", 200 lbs (WHL). If he can create room for playmakers to do their thing, awesome. At the same time, Cody Castro was re-assigned to the Tri-City Titans and remains a list player.

Other notable moves:
Memorial Cup hosts Brandon Wheatkings picked up D-man Travis Hamonic from Moose Jaw. Portland Winterhawks acquired Luca Sbisa from Lethbridge, a move that could help both teams--Portland if/when Sbisa returns from injury, 'Canes get immediate help they need with all their injuries.

If you want a full recap of the trade deadline (and you haven't got it yet?) you can check out Drinnan's Taking Note or Alan Caldwell's Small Thoughts At Large.

The other issue that comes up is now the Americans are loaded with 19-year-olds (as they should be to compete deep into the post-season). Of course, this leads to speculation as to what will happen to all nine of them next season as 20s.

• Kruise Reddick
• Sergei Drozd
• Mike Brown
• Todd Kennedy
• Riley McIntosh
• Neal Prokop
• Eric Mestery
• Tyler Schmidt
• Alex Pechurskiy

My guess? And it's only a guess in the middle of January, but I would think Schmidt will be gone, Minnesota is keen on him and could use him in their farm system. Mestery's been drafted by Washington but hasn't been signed so that's up in the air, I wouldn't mind seeing him as a veteran presence on the blueline next season. Riley's play improved and would be another one who could provide some veteran leadership. Neal Prokop has shown that he really should be on the roster as a 20. Kruise I'm up and down on (insert your own predatory comment here).

Christ, how did this turn into next season's overage analysis?

Last night's game was great, saw lots of passion from the boys, especially the scraps by Messier and Hughesman. That's the most life I've seen from Hughey in months. I like it. They just played a solid game, lots of energy and heart.

"I liked the way we moved the puck," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "We were crisp and moved with speed. I thought we did a good job in front of Alex and he made the big saves we needed."

"We weren't happy with that game (Saturday) night," Reddick said. "This was a big win for us to stay atop the league. With the (trade) deadline today, (general manager) Bob (Tory) trusted the team we have -- we all feel the same way." (Herald)

I'm not disliking From Russia With Glove, though he makes me nervous sometimes, he's like a Tim Thomas or Dominik Hasek type goalie, more luck than technical skill. Flopping around, making it look harder than it is (insert another of your own predatory comment here). "Harder than it is" says the one who has never played goal. Scotty Wazz adds: "Hasek was really reactionary, while Thomas, I think, out of position and desperation." FRWG seems to be more reactionary like Hasek than like Thomas. Like I'm glad I'm not a Boston Bruins fan or Tim Thomas would be the death of me.

Finally, I was going to give my take on the interview Bob did with Westie last night during intermission in point/counter-point fashion, but I've rambled on enough for one day. It will be another post, probably tomorrow's. I know you're on the edge of your seat waiting for it (insert your predatory comment here).