24 Hours After the Lumberjax Draft and Trading Frenzy

July 8th, 2009 by Paul Tutka

Defender Tyler Codron was picked up by Toronto yesterday. (Photo: Matt J. Wiater)

As expected, there were a flurry or pretty high profile deals yesterday after the Portland Lumberjax’s Dispersal Draft, seeing vets like Ryan Ward, Scott Self and Sandy Chapman moved to division rivals.

And then obviously we saw Brodie Merrill land in the Edmonton Rush’s laps, at least for now, and much sought after pure defender, Tyler Codron, go to the seemingly rebuilding Toronto Rock. Although rumours of more player movement suggest otherwise, both teams are happy with what they nabbed yesterday. Check out what GM’s Derek Keenan, Terry Sanderson and others have to say about yesterday’s wheeling and deeling, after the jump.

Dispersal Draft Picks

Edmonton Rush draft… Brodie Merrill

“He brings the first superstar lacrosse player to Edmonton, that’s first and foremost. He’s probably one of the top two or three players in the league overall — certainly No. 1 in my mind — as far as overall ability and overall impact. He also brings credibility to the team and accountability to the team. One thing about him, is when he comes to camp in November, he’ll be the fittest guy and hardest working guy on the floor and that just raises the level of everybody else.” – Edmonton GM & Head Coach Derek Keenan in the Edmonton Sun

Toronto Rock draft… Tyler Codron

“He is one of the up and coming young defensive stars in the league. It will be great to utilize his athletic ability within our defensive lineup.” – Toronto GM Terry Sanderson

Trades

Minnesota Swarm get… Ryan Benesch, Scott Self, Edmonton Rush first round ‘09 entry draft pick
Edmonton Rush get… Ryan Ward, Justin Norbraten, Scott Self and Richard Morgan

“With Ryan Benesch we get the potential of someone who can score a lot of goals and really open up our offense.” – Minnesota GM Marty O’Neill

“Ryan Ward is a premier right-handed offensive guy in our league. He was a guy that I honestly never thought I would get.” – Edmonton GM & Head Coach Derek Keenan in the Edmonton Sun

“Scott (Self) is regarded as one of the top five defensemen in the league, if not higher. What we are getting here is a quality guy with great experience. He can be a versatile guy as well and a great leader.” – O’Neill

“Unfortunately we had to trade Ryan Ward who’s been here five years and has had some pretty incredible games for us, but you have to give up something good to get something good.” – O’Neill

Toronto Rock get… Sandy Chapman
Rochester Knighthawks get… Pete Jacobs

“We are excited to acquire Peter (Jacobs) to our organization. Peter is only 19 but will be entering his third season in the NLL. He brings a superb finishing touch and is a great off-ball player. He will fit in well on our left side. He currently is working great with Shawn Williams and Marshall Abrams, the offensive coaches for our Six Nations Junior “A” team, and seems to be getting better each game. He’s a real coachable young man that has a very bright future with our organization and the NLL.” – Rochester GM and Six Nations Head Coach Regy Thorpe

Note: Thorpe’s Arrows traded for Jacobs at the OLA’s trade deadline in a deal with the Akwesasne Indians. The former Jax’s forward has 62 points in 15 games between Six Nations and Akwesasne.

“I have this wish list of potential guys I’d love to see on the team and Chappy was on that list. This season we want to play our pressure defense and help tighten up our defensive end. Sandy (Chapman) is the ultimate team guy and has a great respect among his teammates” – Toronto GM Terry Sanderson

Washington Stealth get… Jason Bloom
Boston Blazers get… Mike Kirk

“I’m fired up to play in the same city I live in. There’s a great lacrosse community in Washington and everyone here is excited to have the Stealth in town. I am pumped to be a part of it.” – Jason Bloom

“We are a better lacrosse club today than we were at the end of last season. Our goal, as always, is to play in the championship game. These acquisitions get us closer.” – San Jose President and GM Johnny Mouradian

More Recap