[Cali Panthers Fan]

To the Avs:

Alex Tanguay
Pros: Highly skilled player with sick hands and incredible passing skills. Has been known at times to be a top tier talent. Has an excellent shot but rarely uses it. Is a decent enough skater to keep up with the younger players. Is a very good powerplay player.

Cons: Is small and does not play a physical game. Lacks motivation to be a highly competitive player throughout a full season. Will often take many nights off throughout the year. While he has the attitude of a professional, he's more of a hired gun at this point in his career and is rarely considered a strong locker room presence. Is on the downside of his career, or "post-apex" if you like.

Cory Sarich
Pros: Is a tough and physical player to play against, especially in front of the net, and rarely quits on a play. Can lay out a huge hit now and then. Is solid in his own zone and positionally sound despite his slow foot speed. Will drop the gloves to defend his teammates. Is a good secondary leader for any team.

Cons: Is in the bottom 10% in the league for foot speed. His age and lack of mobility mean he can often get exposed if he doesn't have a quick partner to play with. Can't log more than 3rd pairing minutes effectively. Has almost zero offensive prowess to speak of.

To the Flames:
David Jones
Pros: Has good size and a history of being a decent goal scorer, especially in front of the net. Has had bouts of significant injuries, but his best years have followed those injuries. Is on the right side of 30. Can lay a big body check from time to time. Is known to be a good penalty killer.

Cons: Had a down year last year on a poor Avalanche team. His contract is large compared to his output and usefulness. Is rumoured to have been a distraction in the locker room. Is rumoured to be an inconsistent player that has both good hot streaks and bad cold streaks. Is rumoured to have trouble with his knees, limiting his speed and agility.

Shane O'Brien
Pros: Possesses good size and plays a physical in-your-face game. Can be an agitator as well as an enforcer. Plays solid defense for a 3rd pairing with decent mobility for his size. Is more often than not a plus player. Is on the right side of 30.

Cons: Has been suspended multiple times in his career and will often step over the line with dirty plays and penalties. Can be a distraction at times with his in-your-face style. Has been rumoured to be a major distraction in the locker room. Is limited to bottom pairing minutes in terms of ability and can be considered a healthy scratch for most teams.

Looking at this up front I feel that the Avs got the best talent in the deal, but the trade does work nicely for both teams at filling some holes. The Flames are simply trying to ice a more balanced roster that might be more competitive during a rebuilding period. Too many small, skilled, left wingers and not enough of any other type of player made this trade a necessity. Add to that the idea of getting Younger, Tougher, and Bigger and this trade makes sense.

Not sure if Jones is a Bourque or a Glencross, or possibly better than either player, but I will withhold judgement until I see him play 20 or so games. O'Brien I'm aware of what he brings, and really he's just a more mobile and younger Sarich who is actually a really nasty character to play against. Cundari and O'Brien our 3rd pairing? Yikes for the opposition.