-Edmonton-
With the deadline looming, the Edmonton Oiler's pulled the trigger on a blockbuster with the New York Islanders. Edmonton gets exactly what they were looking for, to get younger, better, deeper, tougher. In a rare move, GM Matt Seaman gave a detailed report on what went through his mind when he was negotiating this deal.
What I Gave Up
Marc Denis - Maybe one of the most underrated goalies in the league. If he went to a contender (in real life), I think he could carry a team. But as it stands, he is in Columbus, a team not-reknowned for its defensive skills, and that may hurt him during the re-rating process, etc. On top of that, his job may be in jeopardy when the NHL comes back and if Pascal Leclaire is ready, which some think he is. At that time, with the current goalie market, he could be worth no more than a 2nd Round Pick.
Ales Hemsky - I won't lie, it hurt to give him up. But honestly, I have never been a fan of his playing style. He may one day be one of the best shifty playmakers in this league. But, right now, I am looking towards making my team more difficult to play against, more tough, more gritty. His inconsistency and injury-prone past also sent up a red flag. But I'll repeat, I didn't WANT to deal him, it HAD to be done.
3rd Round Pick - I have a glut of 3rd rounders, and the one I gave up will fall anywhere from the middle to late in the round. Just used to bridge a small value gap.
What I Get
Mathieu Garon - It's an almost forgone conclusion that he will take the #1 job from Roman Cechmanek once the NHL resumes. Alot of people are predicting that he could become the next Kiprusoff. He is absolutely tearing up the AHL right now, where he was named an all-star.
Shawn Belle - I will be honest, I am a big fan of his, maybe more than he is worth. I think he could become the type of D-man that every team hates to play against. A punishing checker with some offensive flair. He is exactly what every blueline needs.
Jeremy Colliton - Admittantly he was my second choice behind Andrew Ladd. But I am impressed by Jeremy as well. He has made significant improvements in every statistical category this year in the WHL over last year, and has performed above and beyond in the absence of Prince Albert Raiders leader Kyle Chipchura.
1st Round Pick and 6th Round Pick - This coming draft is rumoured to be much more deep and talented than last years, so a first rounder is nice, even if it is late. the 6th rounder is just filler to even out values.
In a smaller move today, the Oiler's shipped out gritty vet Chris Dingman to rival Calgary for longshot prospect Darren Lynch.
Ed Monton
Alberta Free Press