Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Trade Updates

Unfortunately I do not have enough time to devote to trades as I would like ,with an influx of school work, but I will try to do my best to keep everyone posted.

Trades From February 18th On

(Starting with most recent)

Dallas Stars acquire:

D Alex Goligoski

Pittsburgh Penguins acquire:

LW James Neal

D Matt Niskanen

My take: Pittsburgh addressed a weakness they have failed to address since the three-headed monster of Crosby, Malkin and Staal has been in the league. Crosby will finally have a winger of better than average talent to play with. They also get a D to fill Goligoski's spot. Though not as talented as "Go-go," Niskanen will hold his own on Pitt's third pair. Dallas gets cap space and a young, puck moving D in return. They needed to upgrade on D and by dealing from a position of strength (young wingers) they were able to accomplish it. Pitt wins this deal but it is not as lopsided as people may think, Goligoski may just thrive with more ice time.



Interesting Tidbit: Earlier this year Matt Niskanen and Sidney Crosby squared off in a bout in Dallas. Now they will be teammates.  Here's the video

















St. Louis Blues acquire:
D Kevin Shattenkirk
F Chris Stewart
2011 or 2012 2nd-round pick

Colorado Avalanche acquire:
D Erik Johnson
F Jay McClement
2011 or 2012 1st-round pick

My take: The biggest shocker so far. They added a franchise D that will be a game changer in this league one day soon, if not now. Giving up Shattenkirk is a little risky, but Johnson is the type of defenseman that you build around and is ahead of Shattenkirk in development. Shattenkirk will be a great number 2 to Alex Pietrangelo for the future. The Blues also got a forward to play with Backes and spark scoring. Chris Stewart is a great talent and the price one must pay to get a defenseman of Johnson's caliber. I think this trade may work out for both sides. I really like it from Colorado's standpoint and can understand the Blues' thinking.

Tampa Bay Lightning acquire:
D Eric Brewer

St. Louis Blues acquire:

2011 3rd-round pick

Rights to (UDC) Brock Beukeboom

My take: A day before the bombshell Johnson trade, the Blues moved their captain Brewer. I heard rumblings of Brewer being moved because management wanted a different leadership direction. Brewer has never really lived up to the potential he set himself by making the Canadian National team in 2002. However, he is still a good defenseman with a big presence. This is something the Lightning desperately needed. At the price of a 3rd rounder and defensive prospect Brock Beukeboom it was not too steep. Beukeboom is the son of tough guy Jeff Beukeboom.

Boston Bruins acquire:
D Tomas Kaberle

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
2011 1st-round pick
Conditional 2012 2nd-round pick
C Joe Colborne

My take: After years of deadlines and off-seasons riddled with Kaberle rumors, he finally is moved. Boston paid a solid price for Kaberle but they needed it. After the Flyers added Versteeg, Boston had to keep pace. Kaberle adds to their power play and, while not physical, plays well in his own end. Kaberle makes Boston a stronger team at both ends. Toronto picked up a 1st, which will most likely be a late first as it is Boston's pick. Prospect Joe Colborne has a lot of size but reports suggest he needs to learn to use it. Toronto finally gets to move forward without Kaberle, and Boston bolstered their blueline in a way that will pay dividends in the playoffs.



Boston Bruins acquire:
C Rich Peverley
D Boris Valabik

Atlanta Thrashers acquire:
RW Blake Wheeler
D Mark Stuart

My take: Boston had to clear salary to make room for Kaberle. Moving underachieving Wheeler and 7th D Stuart for a veteran center that will help come playoff time is a smart way to do it. Although Wheeler underachieved in Boston, more playing time and a change of scenery may help him. Stuart also gives the Thrashers a more stable back line with his experience and smart play. This move helps the Thrashers playoff push while Boston gets a good veteran center and another big D for depth.

Ottawa Senators acquire:
G Craig Anderson


Colorado Avalanche acquire:
G Brian Elliott


My take: Quite an odd trade. That was my first thought. Although now I can start to make sense of it. Anderson gives the Senators a veteran option to teach young goalie Robin Lehner. If Anderson performs well this year he may get a nice juicy job as a mentor there. For Elliot, thats a bit less obvious. Elliot, at 25, may be a long term solution for the Avs. But I have heard they are still interested in acquiring Corey Schneider (least likely) from Vancouver, Jonathan Bernier from LA (more likely), or signing Tomas Vokoun this off-season (more likely). If this were to happen Elliot would be a good backup as Peter Budaj will likely not be back after a few disappointing seasons. Good move by Colorado, who were not likely to bring Anderson back.

Rumors

  • The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Flyers are trying to move one of Jody Shelley and Dan Carcillo. The Blue Jackets may have interest in bringing Jody Shelley back to Columbus. Shelley was a fan favorite. The Flyers would be happier to move Dan Carcillo who they are most likely not going to resign after the year. It is old news that they are trying to find a home for Nik Zherdev.

  • The Avalanche and Maple Leafs appear to be in discussion about a defenseman going to Toronto. Philadelphia's 3rd rounder in the Leafs' possession may be going the other way.

  • The Avalanche might not be done. I suspect the Avalanche may look to bring in a young top tier goalie. They may part with Ryan O'Reilly, and a 1st round pick. Bernier out of LA seems to top the list. LA might also be interested in taking Brian Elliot from the Avs. Elliot would be a good backup to Quick if Bernier is moved. LA and Colorado have a good relationship. Colorado traded Ryan Symth to LA a few years ago.

  • The Senators have been trying to convince D Chris Phillips to waive his No Trade Clause and come back in the summer. Phillips is reluctant to waive because he wants to make sure he has a spot in Ottawa come next year. Sources believe that Montreal is in hot pursuit of Phillips and he may be convinced to waive to the Canadiens.

  • The Sabres new ownership may be sellers by the end of the week. Buffalo is expected to aggressively pursue players with years left on their contract. New ownership might be looking for a forward. Ales Hemsky, Dustin Penner or Stephen Weiss seem to be possibilities. Tim Connolly, Craig Rivet, Steve Montador are all possible players to be moved.


I will try to have an update in a day or two. Stay tuned to zelePUCKin's twitter for quick updates and subscribe to our blog to make sure you don't miss a beat here.

Thanks for reading!

1 comment:

  1. The change-of-scenery NHL deal...

    Wojtek Wolski lasted than less than a full season with Phoenix and has already moved on to the New York Rangers. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)Last season when Wojtek Wolski of the Colorado Avalanche was dealt for Peter Mueller of the Phoenix Coyotes at .....

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