Brody Todd On Being Traded To The Soo

In the Ottawa Sun today, there's an article by Barre Campbell, 67's toughen up with Aitcheson, Todd sent to Soo.

Apparently Todd was surprised to find out that he had been traded - as were many fans - late Sunday night. As noted in previous posts here on the blog, he has been playing well with Talbot and Hulit. That line remains the most hard working line for the team. And it is not unreasonable to say that they have stepped up to fill the hole that was left by the top line, which was dismantled when Petruzalek and Kaspar headed off for the World Juniors. This line appears to have developed a great chemistry - Talbot having been a quiet, steady, tenacious player; Hulit bringing an offensive explosion and wonderful work ethic; and Todd stepping up his level of play to show he deserves to be on this line.

Now he's being traded to Sault Ste. Marie, which will cause a host of concerns regarding off-ice issues. Apparently, he's been taking classes at Carleton U, and looking at his future in hockey, three months left in the season - he is now to trying to decide if it is time to pack it in/not report to the Soo. I think that it this is a common initial reaction - emotional/visceral - on learning that his world has been turned upside down.

Some quotes of Todd's from the article:

"I'm going to have to do some serious thinking," said Todd. "It wasn't in my plans to go up (to the Soo), that's for sure.

"I'm not impressed. It's happened so out of the blue. I thought I was playing well, but then a trade like this comes along and it totally disrupts all your plans.

"I guess all that's left is to thank the fans in Ottawa and the 67's organization. I've had a great time here."

Peter Ruicci, from the Sault Star, has also written about the situation ( Hounds make second trade with Ottawa in less than a week). Some snippets from the article:

There was some question Monday whether Todd, who has educational concerns, would report.

[. . .]

The six-foot-two, 225-pound Todd, described by Torrie as a physical grinder, had been attending Carleton University. Originally a second-round draft choice of Kingston in 2000, Todd had eight goals and eight assists in 32 games this season.

"He (Todd) wasn’t expecting to be traded and he’s a little disillusioned," said Torrie. "We’re working hard on his schooling issues and we’re confident things will come together. He provides grit and muscle up front and can be very valuable down the stretch and in the playoffs."

These coaches/GMs in the OHL deal with players being traded all the time, and in this case it sounds like they wanted Todd. It sounds like they are aware of his concerns re: school, and are going to see that he gets settled. Whatever Todd decides, I wish him the all best.

And, an update - The Greyhounds have an announcement up on their site here. A snippet from the announcement (note that emphasis is added):

The Soo Greyhounds and Ottawa 67's have completed a trade involving 4 players. The Greyhounds acquired overage forward BRODY TODD and 17-year old defenceman TYSON AITCHESON (pictured) in exchange for defenceman Brad Staubitz and winger Jamie VanderVeeken.