OTHL -- Jordan O'Brien has taken a look at the trades in the month of July in his latest installment of Comings and Goings. On of the trades being review was the big trade between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh:
To Philadelphia: Miroslav Satan, Jason Smith, PIT 6th rd pick (06)
To Pittsburgh: Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Friesen, Jason York
Trade Poll Favors: Philly
Akkerit’s Opinion: I’m going to have to agree with OTHL GMs on this deal; however that’s not to say Pittsburgh got nothing of value in return. Physcial stay-at-home defender Jason Smith is the kind of player every GM would love to have on their blueline. He’s the kind of player who won’t tolerate opposing forwards to stand infront of the net. Miroslav Satan is a consistent forward who possesses the ability to change the momentum of a game.
Personally, I’m not too keen Friesen. A speedy forward who has all the tools to get it done, but has a real problem with using them consistantly to get the job done. Patrice Bergeron had a solid season last year, putting up 43 pts with Philly. The jury is now out as to whether or not he will be able to prove he can maintain/improve these numbers, or if last season was just a fluke.
If you want to read the rest, head over to Jordan's column: Comings and Goings