Madden Friesen Rafalski Gionta to the Flyers
Markov Gagne Zhamnov to the Devils
The first trade ever in the OTHL saw the Vancouver Canucks and the Phoenix Coyotes exchange players. Now the first blockbuster has been made. New Jersey Devils moved center John Madden (31), wingers Jeff Friesen (27), Brian Gionta (25) and defender Brian Rafalski (30) to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for center Alexei Zhamnov (33), defender Danny Markov (27) along with up and coming star Simon Gagne (24).
"This deal was huge for this organization and signifies the start of drastic change. Brian [Rafalski] we hated to see go but we realistically felt that beyond this season, he and John [Madden] were not in our plans. We'd love to have 'em back but we just don't have the finances to keep them. Simon Gagne was justification enough for us to pull off this deal and upgrading our center like that I believe really accentuates our top line. This trade in my opinion, really declares us as contenders." - The Devils GM Tom Poraszka said to the New Jersey Online.