(TSN NEWS ALERT)
The Ottawa Senators announced a blockbluster deal yesterday.
Marian Hossa has been traded.
Yes the rumours were correct. However, the rumours were incorrect on the front runner. The New Jersey Devils were the most interested in Hossa and sent Zach Parise, Antoine Vermette, a 1st round Pick in 2008, a 2nd round Pick in 2008, and a 6th round pick in 2008 for Marian Hossa, Bryce Salvador, Ryan Johnson (a UFA this year), Mikhail Grabvoski, and a 3rd round pick in 2008.
"Marian [Hossa] is a great player and will always be a great one" commented GM Alex, "He was the one guy I thought would stay on this team forever".
This is obviously what the GM of the Devils thought. GM Dylan thought he was worth Vermette, Parise, and a 1st and a 2nd and a 6th round pick in a very strong draft in 2008. However, to replace the roster spots lost, the Senators had to give up Salvador and Johnson. Also, the Sens gave up a promising prospect in Grabvoski and a 3rd round pick in 2008.
Parise managed 17 goals and 44 points in his rookie year in the OTHL, while Vermette managed 20 goals and 45 points. Bryce Salvador managed 27 points in the OTHL while Johnson managed 2 goals in 35 games in the OTHL.
"This is one of those deals that will be talked about for a while" said Alex, "It's one of those deals we have to wait for to develop. Depending on how the picks I recieved turn out, and how Mikhail [Grabvoski] develops."
The Senators were not done just yet.
They quickly then replaced the roster spots lost. They sent the Ottawa 2007 1st Round Pick to the Vancouver Canucks, in exchange for Dennis Wideman and Jeremy Williams. They then delt the Ottawa 2007 3rd Round Pick and a 7th rounder to the LA Kings, in exchange for Jamie Lundmark.
"I have always liked Jamie's style of play and I think he will ensure a great future for the Senators and add some scoring to this team" said Alex, "Also, Wideman is a great defenceman who is full of potential".
As of Williams, Alex had nothing but good words for him.
"I honestly think he can turn into an NHL 30 goal sniper", commented Alex, "Just a matter of time.
Dennis Wideman managed 23 points in his rookie year in the OTHL.
Alex is correct though. The deals he made will need time to be properly evaluated. All the picks delt, all the players are young and have to properly develop. Hossa is a star and is an incredible asset to give away. However Parise and Vermette adds some depth to the Ottawa squad. Wideman adds to the youthful defensive core that has formed in Ottawa around Ron Hainsey and Steve Eminger. It will be interesting to see Ottawa play next year.
-Darren Dreger.