Tage Thompson For A Song?
By Chris Baker
Tage Thompson has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes from Buffalo through the Vegas Golden Knights in a wily three-way move only a veteran GM like Don Waddell could craft.
This is a developing story but here is what we know so far.
Carolina Hurricanes Get: Tage Thompson, Draft Picks from VGK
Vegas Golden Knights Get: Future Considerations from CAR, BUF
Buffalo Sabres Get: Jack Eichel, Reilly Smith, Draft Picks from CAR, VGK
When reached for comment just before publishing, Carolina Hurricanes owner Don Waddell is quoted as say
“This is a deal we have been working on for awhile now. Tage Thompson is a great player and we are excited to get him here in Carolina.”
In speaking with sources close to the blockbuster trade, we have learned that part of the future considerations the Carolina Hurricanes will send to Vegas (who acquired Thompson from Buffalo for future considerations and draft picks) are in fact the publishing rights to Warren Zevon’s 2002 hit song “Hit Somebody! (The Hockey Song)”
Rights to the song, which Zevon co-wrote with “Tuesday’s With Morrie” author Mitch Albom, were owned by Carolina Hurricanes General Managers Don Waddell who is a lifelong devotee of Zevon’s music.
Waddell, who bought the song in 2019 at auction, will sign over the song to Vegas Golden Knights GM Dan Foley sometime next week while Tage Thompson is excepted to join the Canes on the road for Wednesday against his former team.
“I’m a big fan (of Zevon). Always have been, always will be. Something about his music moves me.” Waddell said. “He encourages us to enjoy every sandwich. I try to.”
But Waddell’s love of the Canadian singer-songwriter is matched and only closely seconded by Las Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley.
“I knew Don owned the song, and I’ve always wanted it. We’re both big fans, but I’m the biggest.”
Released on Warren Zevon’s 2002 record My Ride’s Here, features a hockey goon who’s only career goal is scored late in the third period of his last game.
“Don and I joke that the goon’s career is much like his own hockey career. Lots of ice time, not much point production.” Foley quipped when I reached him by phone Monday. “That bit in the Carolina Hurricanes alumni game was a hoot.”
When asked about the hockey aspects of the trade that sends red hot Tage Thompson from Buffalo to Carolina Foley said “We are set on the ice. We’ve got solid players. This was a good hockey deal in that we don’t have to send anyone down, or make any major roster moves.”
Waddell and Foley both confirmed this deal had been in the works for awhile.
“The talk of Timo Meier coming to Raleigh was a great distraction. We had folks really ready for him. We didn’t want to trade off anyone currently on the team. Buffalo gets some beef in their line-up, and some draft picks coming up. We add a great scorer and I lose a song. It is a great deal.” Waddell said