Update: Horton to Wear Black and Gold

It's probably time for me to rename this blog "The Boston-area Predictors of the Future." For the second time in less than a week, BSP has done just that. Sports Party correspondent Danny D wrote earlier in the week that the Bruins were on the cusp of acquiring winger Nathan Horton from the Panthers. What happened? The Bruins acquired winger Nathan Horton from the Panthers! They dealt the 15th overall pick, Dennis Wideman, and an undisclosed pick for Horton and Greg Campbell (a checking line center very similar to Steve Begin). Wait a second...we predicted the future twice! I wrote last week that the Bruins would not be making a selection at 15, and said that they would possibly move the pick for "immediate help." They've done all of the above, and they've continued their phenomenal start to the 2010 offseason.

Horton was the 3rd overall pick in 2003, so he brings a tremendous amount of talent to the table. He is, however, a bit enigmatic in nature. He's been accused of having no heartbeat in the sunshine state (who would?) and has, as a result, not lived up to his tremendous potential. But make no mistake about it, the Bruins pulled off a highway robbery in this deal. Horton, if the city of Boston ignites his fire, could turn out to be a Cam-Neely-esque Power Forward capable of being a perennial 40-goal scorer. All for what? Dennis Wideman? A mid-first round pick? Every person and their mother knows how big a fan I have been of Dennis Wideman in the past, but he simply isn't a top-pairing defenseman. He did have a terrific playoffs, but there is no getting around how poor he played during the regular season. As far as the 15th pick goes, I'm sure it will net Florida a quality player. But from a Bruins standpoint, there won't be anyone available at that point with Horton's talent or that could make an immediate impact like he will.

The Bruins started the offseason by re-upping both Shawn Thornton and Dennis Seidenberg, which was a tremendous start. Now, they've continued to trend upward with this move. Hopefully Cam and Co. are onto something here and are able to make this team the Cup Contender they are destined to be within the coming years. People...the bandwagon has opened its doors once again!