What could be the most under the radar steal of a contact this summer ?

I mentioned that we would see more contracts like Zeev Buium received from Vancouver when that deal was announced and we just saw a ton of similar moves from other teams. How did they do, and why did they do it? Pearlo take time.

This was my favorite signing of the day yesterday simply because of how intriguing it is and the fact that it is probably going to turn out very well for Washington over the term of the deal. Sourdif is a product of the future when it comes to players who fly under the radar but are identified by data driven modern teams that are having more and more success. Justin was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers, who are a strong analytics team, but the depth in Florida made it tough for Sourdif to find playing time, much to Florida's chagrin as Justin was developing a strong defensive game in the A.H.L.  The Capitals identified this and acquired Sourdif for a second and sixth round pick. Sourdif did not disappoint. I his first season in the NHL Sourdif played exceptionally well. He showed a high 3 zone defensive I.Q , drove play, and seemed to adapt to any line he was deployed with. His coach showed trust in him with fairly high defensive zone starts and matched him up against top lines more nd more as the season went on while producing some decent offence. If Sourdif simply maintains what he produced last year his 6.35 million 8-year contract will look very good in a few years the way the salary cap is going. At only 24 years old though and with how quickly he has developed, it is more likely that this becomes steal of a contract. 

Catch my views on other contracts given out yesterday here