Today we say goodbye to eight BJs who didn't make it through the free agency frenzy alive. Some of them I will miss and some of them I barely knew. I have written each of them a letter.
Dear Mathieu Garon,
You stepped up when Mason was out and gave a few top teams a run for their money. You didn't have the best record but you had heart. Tampa Bay is lucky to have you. If you don't play much this season take the chance to be a mentor and leader from the bench.
Dear Chris Clark,
You played more than half the games in the season yet you didn't stick in my mind. Constantly your injuries held you back. If you don't retire take this time and nurse your battle wounds.
Dear Jan Hejda,
O dear Jan when I saw Colorado signed you to a 4 year contract I was not shocked. Over the past few years you have not produced. I am not quite sure why the Avs signed you but I hope you take this second chance as an opportunity. Good Luck. Make the BJs proud.
Dear Anton Stralman,
You claim to be a defenseman but you only produced offensively. I truly wish I could say wonderful and beautiful things about you but I can not. I haven't followed your career enough to miss you. May you find your way in this crazy NHL world.
Dear Craig Rivet,
Craig, Craig, Craig, 14 games you played and 23 minutes you spent in the sin bin. Craig, Craig, Craig. When you came from the Sabres I had such high hopes for you. I was like this "Old Man" he is going to rock my world. I can feel it. Craig, Craig, Craig. O how wrong I was. It pains me to say this, since I've been following your career since you were on the canadiens, but maybe it is time to retire. Take all you have learned and become a coach. It seems as though you have the heart and passion to do so.
Dear Ethan Moreau,
What happened to you? Where did you go this season? I've loved you since your two year stint with the Blackhawks. You were an alternate captain and you had one goal and five assists. ONE GOAL AND FIVE ASSISTS?!?! I can't ice skate so I shouldn't judge but come on buddy we all know you can do better. With that being said, What is going to happen to you this off season? I hope someone picks you up. I hope a scalding hot fire has been lit under your ass because it'd be a shame to leave the league on such a low point in your career.
Dear Sami Lepisto,
I can't exactly be sad because you are now playing for one of my favorite teams. Soon you will be in the black and red. Soon you will be playing with the likes of Toews, Hossa, and Kane. Soon you will be getting interviewed by one of the best reporters in the league. I hope you have thick skin because Chicago sports fans are ruthless and undying. Here is a hint if you get scared there are two places to hide : Behind John Scott or Coach Qs mustache. Although we know you won't hide. You are a warrior who goes into battle swinging. You are a spectacular defenseman who has barely been to parties in the sin bin. The Blackhawks are lucky to have you. I hope the fans shower you with love and fangirls.
Dear Scottie Upshall,
I went through the seven stages of grief when you signed with Florida. I was at a Buffalo Wild Wings when I saw your name flash on the screen. My chicken wings dropped in shock and I immediately denied it was you who had signed. I kept telling myself "Wow Scottie Upshall must be a popular name". Which slowly went into pain and wondering if I was a good fan. Then I became very angry and started saying "Florida take the whole team but leave scottie alone." Quickly I became very depressed. My heart shattered into a million hockey pucks. Why Scottie Why? Did Scottie even know? I haven't actually hit the happier stages of dealing with grief. I refuse to accept this. Beam Scottie back to Columbus right now! You hear me? Granted you didn't produce like we thought but you were here only a short amount of time. You seemed like a leader. I specifically remember the moment when the Blue Jackets were losing against the Blackhawks and your demeanor was positive. You truly believed the Blue Jackets would win the game. You and your positivity will be missed. I loved you on the Coyotes. I loved you on the Blue Jackets. I'm sure I will love you on the Panthers. Farewell my sweet scottie, farewell.
For those who have been BJs
WE SALUTE YOU.
