21...and Starting Over

In a move that was somewhat surprising (but not, when you start hearing the things that helped precipitate this trade), the Boston Bruins have sent 2010 first round pick Tyler Seguin, Rich Peverley, and prospect Ryan Button to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Loui Eriksson, Joe Morrow, Reilly Smith, and Matt Fraser.

The trade ends a rather interesting time in Boston for Seguin, who was expected to be a cornerstone for the franchise who had at that point, sent Phil Kessel to Toronto the previous year in exchange for the pick that would be Seguin, as well as the pick that would be Dougie Hamilton in 2011.  Seguin put up decent numbers in the regular season, but was not the same player in the playoffs, and word of his off-ice exploits didn't sit very well with the upper brass of the Bruins. Along with Peverley, Seguin is expected to fortify a weak center position for the Stars.  Meanwhile for the Bruins, Eriksson brings an attitude that will play far better for the Bruins than the one Seguin did (if you believe the stories about him that have come out recently), and it also means that Joe Morrow, a one-time Portland Winterhawk, will be approaching Keith Ballard territory, having already been traded twice before making his NHL debut (whenever that happens for Morrow).

Seguin is still young enough to make a significant contribution both on and off the ice, but the trade is an indication that he needs to figure it out...and fast.