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Trade Wars II: Reloaded - First Seven Trade Offers |
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And so it begins...
Welcome to Trade Wars II: Reloaded.
I am the GM of the 15 teams from the Western Conference. Travis Yost is the GM for the 15 teams from the Eastern Conference. We must complete 15 deals involving all 30 teams. All deals must be approved by both parties before they are complete, and must involve both conferences (no west-west or east-east deals).
Are we ready then? Here's my first seven of trade offers to Travis:
1. The Chicago Blackhawks offer Patrick Kane (RW) to the Boston Bruins for Brad Marchand (C) and Dougie Hamilton (D).
Analysis: Kane is clearly the best player in this deal, personal problems or not. The Hawks acquire tremendous value by landing annoying center Marchand, and future Top 4 defenseman Hamilton. The Bruins desperately need an ace right winger, and can immediately challenge for a cup in 2012/2013 with it. The Hawks benefit immediately from this too, as Marchand will bring energy and enthusiasm to a team that still seems hung over from their cup win a few seasons ago.
2. The Anaheim Ducks send Ryan Getzlaf (C) to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Luke Schenn (D), the Leafs 1st round pick in 2012 (5th overall), and a conditional 1st round pick in 2013 (if Getzlaf signs a contract extension).
Analysis: Just what the Leafs have been missing for years - A true 1st line center with size. Let's be honest; the Ducks have star power but they aren't going anywhere near a cup with this roster. They have some quality prospects right now (Etem) so the focus should be to add numerous other high-end prospects for the future. Sooner or later Teemu is going to retire, and as good as Perry, Ryan and Getzlaf are, they aren't good enough to carry a team that completely lacks depth the way Anaheim does.
3. The Edmonton Oilers send the 1st overall draft pick in 2012 to the New York Islanders for their 1st overall pick in 2012 (4th overall), Ryan Strome (C) and Calvin de Haan (D).
Analysis: Oilers management have said the only way they'd move the pick is if a team completely overpays for it. This, my friends, is a complete overpayment. With the 4th overall pick, the Oil could take defenseman Murray or Reinhart. In Strome, they acquire a quality future center. With de Haan...why isn't he in the NHL tearing things up yet? The Islanders get a superstar to play on a line with John Tavares. A deal where both teams win? I like it.
4. The Calgary Flames send Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Brent Connolly, Keith Aulie, and the Lightning's 1st round pick in 2012 (10th overall).
Analysis: The Flames are stupid. Everyone on the planet knows it's time to blow this sucker up. Years of stalling and feet dragging have devalued the assets. Iggy and Kipper are obviously much better players than Connolly, Aulie and whoever the Flames could draft at #10, but starting a full rebuild now is better than starting it three or four years from now. This deal obviously puts the Lightning back in a playoff spot next season.
5. The Vancouver Canucks offer Roberto Luongo to the Philadelphia Flyers for James Van Riemsdyk and Ilya Bryzgalov
Analysis: The last deal I wrote was a win/win. This is a lose/lose. Luongo insists he gets dealt, but his contract makes him an almost negative-value asset. But as bad as his deal his, Bryzgalov's is worse. The Flyers get a true starter with a bad contract, and all they need to give up for it is a big, rugged winger with size and a bad goalie with a bad contract. The Canucks get someone who can play on the second line with Kesler who won't dive every time someone breathes on him.
6. The Columbus Blue Jackets send Rick Nash (LW) to the Washington Capitals for Mike Green (D), and Washington's 1st round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft (11th and 16th Overall).
Analysis: Rick Nash is a huge prize for any team to acquire. Yes, his numbers decreased last season, but consider the team he was playing for. Nash has fire. Green is a huge talent who experiences bad health issues. Obviously, the Jackets are in rebuild mode, so two more 1st round picks would be brilliant as they move forward.
7. The San Jose Sharks send Ryan Clowe (RW/LW) to the Ottawa Senators for Robin Lehner (G) Mark Stone (RW).
Analysis: The Sharks need a real starting goalie, and Lehner is perhaps the best goalie prospect around. Clowe is a huge player to give up for two players considered "prospects", but Ryan is set to become a UFA in 2013. Stone put up ridiculous numbers during his last year of Junior this season. If the Senators can find a way to keep Clowe around for multiple seasons, this trade is a good one for both teams.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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