January Trades and Analysis
| Regular Season Trades | Pre-Season Trades |
Significant Transactions
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TO: NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
TO: LA KINGS |
January 3, 2001 |
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| Analysis:
Blake is a "potential" guy. You always hear
things like - "He's got great potential. All he needs is playing
time." Well, he should see a fair amount of ice time with the
Islanders. He's likely a 3rd or 4th liner. But if he lives up to his
"potential" he could squeak in some 2nd unit powerplay time.
If he doesn't start to live up to his "potential" he will
quickly find himself experiencing the minor leagues again.
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TO: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
TO: MINNESOTA WILD |
January 13, 2001 |
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| Analysis:
Remember Chris Wells? If you do you won't
touch McKenna. If you don't, consider this a warning. Big players come
with baggage. Like Wells, Mckenna had the "can't miss" label
attached to him. So far, injuries and poor play have led to more time
in the press box and in the minors than on the ice. The 29
year-old Simicek had been an offensive contributor for a decade in
Europe before being drafted by the Pens in this year's draft. He
missed some time with injuries in Pittsburgh and the return of Lemieux
(and the subsequent reduction of playing time for the 3rd and 4th
lines) ensured that he wasn't going to get the playing time required.
The loss of Maxim Sushinsky in Minnesota precipitated this move. The
Wild need inexpensive offensive talent to get them through the next
few years - Simicek fits the bill.
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TO: ATLANTA THRASHERS |
TO: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
January 14, 2001 |
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| Analysis:
This one is a bit of a head-scratcher. Obviously
Slegr didn't fit in to the Pens' revamped 5 forward powerplay. But
it's still puzzling as to why the team would essentially give away a
31 point d-man for a pick in the 70-75th overall range. Admittedly
Slegr isn't a responsible defensive d-man and his shot has been
categorized as "eratic" to put it kindly. Team Czech
Republic is being systematically dismembered in favour of a more
physical squad.
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TO: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
TO: PHILADELPHIA FLYERS |
January 14, 2001 |
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| Analysis:
Those looking for Stevens to return to his 100+ point
pace will definitely disappointed. However, those who are realistic
and see the possibility for 25-35 points over the course of the season may (we emphasize may) be rewarded. Let's face it,
anyone who plays with Jagr and Lemieux will be rewarded. The fact that
Stevens has been there before and is good friends with Mario is an
added bonus.
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TO: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS |
TO: COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS |
January 14, 2001 |
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| Analysis:
If there was any doubt about Pittsburgh's desire to get
tougher with the previous deals, that doubt has been obliterated with
the announcement of this deal. Oliwa is a tough customer. He's been
out with injury most of the season but once he steps on the ice with
the Pens his role is simple - throw haymakers and collect penalty
minutes. If you're in a league that uses PIMs then get this guy in the
lineup - he may get you some points too.
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TO: FLORIDA PANTHERS |
TO: OTTAWA SENATORS |
January 21, 2001 |
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| Analysis: The Sens have been disappointed with Prospal for a long, long time. The issue was never his talent but his dedication and desire. Prospal will have plenty of opportunity to prove both. He'll probably see some playing time with Pavel Bure and he'll be given every opportunity to show his stuff. For Ottawa, they save some money and clear space for players like Martin Havlat and Peter Schastlivy. | ||
Other Deals
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