There wasn't much difference between the Joe Mullen trade and the Kent Nilsson trade but it's interesting to see the different reactions surrounding the two. Nilsson and Mullen were both in and around age 30 when they were moved. Nilsson was moved (with a third) for two second rounders and Mullen was moved straight up for a second.
Obviously, the reason for the different reactions is that the Nilsson trade netted Nieuwendyk and Stephane Matteau with the two picks. Mullen netted Nicolas Perreault.
On top of that, Mullen had some productive years after leaving the Flames. Nilsson never even scored 20 goals again in a season. Knowing that info, you can see why Fletcher decided to take a gamble on moving Mullen (not that I agreed with it at the time, or even today agree with that move).
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