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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for trade deadline winner.
Todd Cordell
I love what Edmonton did.
For years now the Oilers have had an awesome core with almost no talent supporting it. They made a few moves to address that.
Tyler Ennis is on pace for ~40 points and currently has more than all but Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers landed him for a 5th.
Mike Green, even well past his prime, has produced at a ~33 point pace per 82 games since the beginning of last season. He can still move the puck and play a little power play. All it cost was Kyle Brodziak’s contract and a 4th.
Andreas Athanasiou is a bit more of a gamble, however, he’s averaged 23 goals per 82 throughout his NHL career. He’s a year removed from 30, he’s only 25, and he is one of the most dynamic skaters in the league. A couple of 2nds for a talented player with control is not unreasonable.
All in all, GM Ken Holland added three players who can help without parting with any of the team’s core prospects or their 1st round pick. I don’t know that the Oilers are true contenders, but they certainly now have a better chance of coming out of a wide open Pacific Division bracket.
James Tanner
I think Carolina completely obliterated the competition. They picked up Vincent Trocheck, who is an excellent player, 26, two years removed from a 31 goal 75 point season. Trocheck drives play and is just a great all-round player who contributes even when not scoring.
For this paid some thirdliners and B prospects. Just a completely terrible trade for Florida, and a homerun for the Hurricanes.
They also added two serviceable defenseman to cover for Hamilton and Pesce who are both out long-term.
A healthy blue line would consist of Hamilton, Slavin, Pesce, Skjei, Vatanen and Jake Gardiner. I don't think another team is even close to icing something like that. That's insane.
So, a huge day for them. By far the best additions. New York Islanders and Panthers tied for the worst.
Sean Maloughney
Surprise surprise I am picking the Oilers. Edmonton's biggest weakness this season and in the past few years has been it's depth on the wing. The Oilers boast one of, if not the best group of centres in the league between McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Currently RNH is playing as a wing (and doing a great job) because of how poor the surrounding wing depth is.
Athanasiou and Ennis immediately gives coach Tippett options in his top 9. Athanasiou, who scored 30 goals last season and Ennis, who has 14 goals this season could both play on McDavid's wings; a far better option than the Gagner and Chiasson options that were currently present.
Athanasiou is the biggest risk/reward add. There is certainly a buzz of seeing two of the fastest players in the NHL playing alongside one another, especially with the hope that Athanasiou can return to the form that allowed him to score 30 goals this past season. Two second rounders is a higher price to pay, but this is a player whose rights will be retained by EDM after this season.
Ennis, who could play next to McDavid too, is also a guy that could be counted on to produce, regardless of where he is in the lineup. Ennis was averaging under 15 minutes a game in Ottawa and still put up 14 goals. Where Tippett places him, he should be able to help find the back of the net.
Lastly, Green for what will likely be a fourth round pick is a solid depth defense add. There are always risks of injuries in long playoff series and having a potential top 4 D man available is a comfort for any coach.
All in all Holland found a way to make some key adds for the Oilers, while being under harsh cap constraints due to the previous regime. Holland did a great job rewarding his team for their hard working play as of late.
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