Everett added a defenseman to its roster today as the Tips called up 18-year-old Trevor Bauer.
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound native of Torrington, Alberta, was a third-round pick in the 2005 bantam draft by the Prince George Cougars. He appeared in 22 games for the Cougars last season without registering a point, accumulating 20 penalty minutes. He was with Prince George in training camp this season, but didn’t crack the roster and was ultimately dropped. The Tips subsequently added him to their list, and with just six healthy D-men on the roster they decided they needed another body.
Bauer had been playing for the Brooks Bandits of the AHJL, where in 10 games he had no points and 13 penalty minutes. He’s arrived in Everett, but is not expected to play this weekend. He’ll wear No. 4.
This move indicates several things to me. First, I suspect this means Shayne Brown, out indefinitely with a hip-flexor injury, is not expected back any time soon. Second, even though 17-year-old rookies Drew McDermott and Paul Sohor have played admirably since being forced into being regulars, the Tips don’t want them to have to play every game. Third, it seems to say that the Tips aren’t confident Brenden Stephen is the answer as a second 1990-born defensemen. Finally, it shows the Tips are actively working at solving what could be a defensive crisis next season, given Taylor Ellington, Graham Potuer and possibly either Brown or Mike Alexander will be gone.
But we’ll have to wait and see how much Bauer can contribute. The cry among GMs around the league this season has been that there’s a severe shortage of quality defensemen. Bauer must have potential, having been the 44th-overall pick in his bantam draft, but being dropped by Prince George means he hasn’t realized it yet.
—- Correction
It appears Bauer began the season with the Cougars after all, appearing in six games before being reassigned.
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