On Tuesday, the New York Islanders inked restricted free agent defenseman Samuel Bolduc to a two-year extension worth $1.6 million. It's a better signing than it appears, writes Stan Fischler.
My first reaction when the New York Islanders announced the signing of Samuel Bolduc to a two-year contract was to calm my hemoglobin, read the three-paragraph release, and then brew another cup of coffee -- espresso!
For some reason, the Isles press release unobtrusively sat on my desk as if it was trying to tell me something, and last night, I finally got the message:
"Bolduc is a latter-day Bill Barilko." (That's exactly, word for word, what I thought to myself.)
And the more I thought about it, the more convinced I've become that Slingin' Sam is going to be the "sleeper" who's going to keep the opposition awake for a long time.
But first, what about this Barilko fellow?
Back in 1946 -- I was 14 at the time -- the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey boss, Conn Smythe, carefully was carving a dynasty that eventually would win four Stanley Cups in five years.
One of the aspirants at training camp was this eager -- but very raw -- 19-year-old defenseman from Timmins in Northern Ontario.
"Barilko showed fair form in training camp," wrote Joe Perlove in the Toronto Star.
After considerable debate, Toronto's high command dispatched Barilko to their Hollywood Wolves farm team in the Pacific Coast Hockey League. That's about as far from the majors as Bill could get, but he didn't care.
Neither did Smythe.
His fifth-place team from the previous season climbed to the top of the six-team National Hockey League, and Barilko was forgotten.
But in February 1947, injuries riddled the Leafs' lineup, and Barilko -- of all people -- was promoted from Hollywood.
"What Barilko lacks in experience," Smythe asserted, "he'll make up in enthusiasm and fight."
Leafs historian Ed Fitkin added, "He's green, but he's willing, and he learns fast."
Barilko's first test was against the defending Cup champion Montreal Canadiens. Twice in the last period, he sent big Habs captain Butch Bouchard flying.
After the game, Leafs veteran left wing Harry Watson observed: "Bill rocked a few of the Canadiens. After that, they kept their heads up when he was on the ice."
I first saw Barilko in action late in the 1946-47 season. The Rangers were host to the Leafs, and -- for the first time -- Bashin' Bill arrested my attention.
In addition to his thumping body checks, he had a unique way of accelerating by "running" on his skate tips.
His bodychecks were so unique he earned several nicknames, the best being "Snake Hips."
Barilko never saw Hollywood again. He was a key factor in all four Toronto Cup wins and scored the overtime Cup-clincher against Montreal in 1951. (That summer, he disappeared on a fishing trip flight to Northern Ontario with a dentist friend. It took ten years before the wreckage and bodies were found).
In the Maven's eyes, Bolduc has Barilko potential. Last September, The Hockey News placed Slingin' Sam eighth among the Isles "Top 10 Prospects."
The THN described him as a "defensive D" and added, "he moves well for a 6-4 frame."
Well, we saw all of that after Bolduc was promoted from Bridgeport. He scored two goals and got an assist in 17 games, which is about what Barilko did at the start.
And like the rookie Barilko, Bolduc made rookie mistakes yet managed to play in two playoff games against Carolina.
I say he makes the big club out of camp, and sometime in April, you'll be telling me, "Mave, you're right; Big Sam is a latter-day Bill Barilko."
And, if you don't, I'll tell it to myself!