[itsmagic]

I know that no one will agree, but the trade with St Louis for Yakupov wasn't about the assets they got in return. To me it is obvious that the trade was made simply to free up cap space to sign something they truly needed...veteran defenceman Kris Russell.

Might not look good now, but I believe that Kris Russell will have far greater long term value to the Oilers than Yakupov ever would have, even if Yak realizes his potential. After watching him the last three years, do any of us really believe he will? A wistful fantasy, nothing more.

We have laughed for years at the defence woes of that team.

I believe that we may not be laughing much longer, despite whatever success Yakupov has.

Sure Yak got two points in his first game with St Louis, but Kris Russell also got two with the Oilers.

So far, it is a wash. So far, kudos to Chiarelli.

I will also be watching this story develop with interest. My version may be much more compelling that the other one.

If our performance in Edmonton on Wednesday is repeated tonight, none of us will give a crap about the Yakupov trade anyway. Unless of course, Russell gets another two points.

Could happen.

Think about that.

It is a team game, remember? It isn't about the stats of one player.