Monday, March 2, 2009

Edmonton Trade Deadline Review

As it comes to my attention I wont have enough time to finish my deadline day review I'm going to try and get all of the major players this deadline day. My buddy Codes gave me a hand in reviewing Edmonton so here it is, sorry about the Reviews I'm trying my best.

Deadline Day Review – Edmonton Oilers

For the first time since the Ryan Smyth days, the Edmonton Oilers head into the Trade Deadline as a playoff bound team. They are in the heat of a playoff race where 6th to 12th are separated by only 4 points, and are under more pressure than ever to make it to the dance. For those reasons, the Oil should be buyers on deadline day.

Oilers GM Kevin Lowe is known for being a deadline dealer, and would love to breathe some life into a club with a few crucial games coming up. The Oilers first game after the deadline is in Ottawa before swinging through the other Eastern Canadian teams. What a great opportunity to bond with new acquisitions. After that they have multiple games against the Wild and Ducks before March is out, games they must win to keep their playoff dreams alive.

Look for Erik Cole to be shipped off at deadline day. Despite over 17 minutes of ice per game, the once powerful forward has disappointed this year with only 25 points and hasn’t been solid in his own end at -5. Rather than lose him for nothing this summer as an Unrestricted Free Agent, Edmonton would love to ship him out as part of a bigger deal. Perhaps an exchange for a younger player with finish would be in order, but certainly not without giving up a pick or a prospect as well.

One name being floated around is Dwayne Roloson. While Rollie is a pending free agent this summer, don’t expect him to go anywhere. He is arguably the Oiler’s best player right now and Lowe understands that his playoff hopes rest in his goalkeepers hands. On top of that, Roloson is a fan favourite and very likely to re-sign in the off season.

And if you’re a GM who thinks Edmonton will trade off their future for short term success, think again: Gagner, Cogliano, Eberle, Nash and Petry are untouchable.

Players who Lowe might be willing to move include Robert Nilsson, who has been a healthy scratch of late, and possibly underachieving prospect Taylor Chorney. Look for Nilsson to be moved for a depth defenceman with size, (think Cristoph Schubert).

Could this be the year Rob Schremp is traded? The Oilers haven’t given up yet, but surely some other teams must be loving those hands.

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