Jeremy Laura: Athanasiou to the Oilers

I don't think it was enough. However given how well Yzerman and Verbeek draft, I can live with 2 second round picks.

The value of the picks depends on how much you trust your scouts. Some teams get players out of the second round regularly; others never do.

I don't like the trade. In any given year, about 10-12% of players drafted in the 2nd round go on to have solid NHL careers. With this trade, they've basically doubled the odds, but still, trading a super fast player you know can play a top six forward slot, who can score, and maybe just needs his butt kicked, the right coach, the right system, or the right line mates, for a 20% chance of getting an above average NHL player doesn't seem like a good deal.

I think if they had kept him, they probably would have agreed to a one year "show me" contract, and if he crushed it, he would either get a very good long-term contract, or would fetch a pretty penny in next year's trade cycle.

It sucks that he was injured much of this year, it just seems like we gave up a tremendous amount of potential, for a 20% chance of getting a similar player back.

I don't think it was enough. However given how well Yzerman and Verbeek draft, I can live with 2 second round picks.
- gergeswillems

You got 2 2nd round picks for a guy who's -45 on the season (-75 for his career) and has regressed in a big way.

Take the win.

I don't think it was enough. However given how well Yzerman and Verbeek draft, I can live with 2 second round picks.
- gergeswillems

It’s not overwhelming for sure.

Also possible Yzerman didn't want to deal with AA's agent.

I don't like the trade. In any given year, about 10-12% of players drafted in the 2nd round go on to have solid NHL careers. With this trade, they've basically doubled the odds, but still, trading a super fast player you know can play a top six forward slot, who can score, and maybe just needs his butt kicked, the right coach, the right system, or the right line mates, for a 20% chance of getting an above average NHL player doesn't seem like a good deal.

I think if they had kept him, they probably would have agreed to a one year "show me" contract, and if he crushed it, he would either get a very good long-term contract, or would fetch a pretty penny in next year's trade cycle.

It sucks that he was injured much of this year, it just seems like we gave up a tremendous amount of potential, for a 20% chance of getting a similar player back.
- bluelineenforcer

I do love the potential, but even during his career year his scoring didn’t pickup until after the new year. In 46 games he has 10 goals and 24 assists. Zadina has only played 28 games and has 8 goals and 15 assists. Between Zadina and Fabbri, A.A. slipped back. He’s speedy for sure, but his production isn’t irreplaceable within the organization.

Also possible Yzerman didn't want to deal with AA's agent.
- DRW1991

I think that may have been a big part of it. Ferris is awful to deal with

Good riddance. AA is a clown.

Good riddance. AA is a clown.
- Feds91Stammer_IS_A_CLOWN

Watch your (frank)ing mouth boy.

Good riddance. AA is a clown.
- Feds91Stammer

But seriously, tell me more...

I think that may have been a big part of it. Ferris is awful to deal with
- Jeremy Laura

Wasn't the last time both were at the table a nightmare, too? That was before he even had arb rights.

Wasn't the last time both were at the table a nightmare, too? That was before he even had arb rights.
- leafsfann

AA held out into camp before, ya. Ferris is going to focus on last season, GM will point to this one. Not fun

I think that may have been a big part of it. Ferris is awful to deal with
- Jeremy Laura

He certainly is. Holland knows better than anyone. I still think this is a great deal for Edmonton. AA on that fast Edmonton ice playing with McDavid. I can't wait to see that.

I've $hit hard on Ken Holland for a number of years but I have to give him credit. He did very well today. I'm still pi$$ed he ruined the Red Wings. But he gave the Oilers a real shot to do some damage in the playoffs.

He certainly is. Holland knows better than anyone. I still think this is a great deal for Edmonton. AA on that fast Edmonton ice playing with McDavid. I can't wait to see that.
- gergeswillems

I agree, this is a huge opportunity. He’ll be wise to make hay and get the most he can out of it.

I posted Yzerman’s press conference on the article. Interesting stuff for sure.

You got 2 2nd round picks for a guy who's -45 on the season (-75 for his career) and has regressed in a big way.

Take the win.
- rmull905

He scored 30 goals last year and has been optly injured this year lmao.. Another salty flame fan that cant look past the +/- stat. On a team that is currently -110 in goal differential, that number doesnt look so bad. Him n Con will bend the Flames over next April.

He scored 30 goals last year and has been optly injured this year lmao.. Another salty flame fan that cant look past the +/- stat. On a team that is currently -110 in goal differential, that number doesnt look so bad. Him n Con will bend the Flames over next April.
- Leichs

My only issue with him is that he only scored 30 once. 10 this year (even healthy he might have peaked at 20), 16 in 71 games in 17/18, and 18 in 64 games in 16/17. With the right line mates, sure he could up his number. But, Fabbri, Larkin, Mantha, and Zadina all outperformed him this year as far as GPG. He’s not doing well at center, so he’s forced down to the third line in a merit-ocracy. There’s a lot of inconsistencies that he’s still not addressed in his game. When he’s on, he’s awesome to watch. But, there hasn’t been enough of that in the past 3 or 4 years

My only issue with him is that he only scored 30 once. 10 this year (even healthy he might have peaked at 20), 16 in 71 games in 17/18, and 18 in 64 games in 16/17. With the right line mates, sure he could up his number. But, Fabbri, Larkin, Mantha, and Zadina all outperformed him this year as far as GPG. He’s not doing well at center, so he’s forced down to the third line in a merit-ocracy. There’s a lot of inconsistencies that he’s still not addressed in his game. When he’s on, he’s awesome to watch. But, there hasn’t been enough of that in the past 3 or 4 years
- Jeremy Laura

You just know AA will score 2 in his Oilers debut.

He scored 30 goals last year and has been optly injured this year lmao.. Another salty flame fan that cant look past the +/- stat. On a team that is currently -110 in goal differential, that number doesnt look so bad. Him n Con will bend the Flames over next April.
- Leichs

I believe AA will light it up playing for the Oilers.

You just know AA will score 2 in his Oilers debut.
- gergeswillems

He absolutely could. His career could take off with this huge opportunity

He absolutely could. His career could take off with this huge opportunity
- Jeremy Laura

Playing with McDavid and Draisaitl, I like his chances. Plus Nuge is an excellent player as well.

Playing with McDavid and Draisaitl, I like his chances. Plus Nuge is an excellent player as well.
- gergeswillems

That’s the curiosity. Where will he be played. Nuge is way underrated

So why help the Amsterdumber, who left the team in ruins, by giving him AA for not even the 1st round pick OR an A prospect?
Very average trade on Yzerman's part.

"One of the reasons the Red Wings are in this predicament is missed opportunities in the draft. They had three picks in the second round in 2011. They selected forward Tomas Jurco at No. 35, defenseman Xavier Ouellet at No. 48 and defenseman Ryan Sproul at No. 55. Each is long gone. Among the players they could have had: goalie John Gibson and forwards Nikita Kucherov, Brandon Saad and Vincent Trocheck."

This hits on it right here. Yzerman can get all the draft picks he wants. They HAVE TO draft well and hit on these picks!