Glendale, AZ> NHL Network has learned, pending OTHL approval, that the Phoenix Coyotes have traded super rookie Anze Kopitar to the New York Islanders in a blockbuster transaction. In return for Kopitar, the team receives Mikko Koivu, goaltending prospect Cory Schneider, defense prospect Nigel Williams and a 2007 1st rd pick (20th overall).
New owner Garrett Hansford promised change would be swift and deep, and his 1st move as the teams GM has landed the team a solid base to start building with.
"In taking over this franchise, it was clear we were going to have to re-stock our minor league team and our prospect base. This is the 1st step in moving in that direction."
"Anze is going to be a great player in the league for a long time, but we felt he was an asset on our team that we could turn into many other quality assets, and he's done that for us."