Islanders-Predators Complete Blockbuster

[HelloHockeyFans]

ISLES ACQUIRE VOKOUN

UNIONDALE, NY - Sources have confirmed a deal between the New York Islanders and the Nashville Predators hours after the Predators defeated the Islanders by a score of 3-1.

In the deal the Islanders send goaltender Jocelyn Thibault, defenceman Sergei Gonchar, and forward Kristian Huselius to the Predators in return for goaltender Tomas Vokoun, forward Paul Kariya, and defenceman Fedor Tyutin.

Gonchar, who negotiated a new deal with the Islanders early in November for $8.6M has been relatively average for his salary thus far and has been the centre of many trade rumours since December.

In Kariya, the Islanders acquire a proven sniper who currently has 45 points this year.

Tyutin fits well into an extremely young defensive core of the Islanders but brings talent and speed with him to an already talented, but young group.

Vokoun is believed to be the key player in this deal being one of the best young goaltenders in the league.

[Preds GM - CPHL]

PREDS ACQUIRE GONCHAR

In a blockbuster deal the Preds acquired SERGEI GONCHAR, JOCELYN THIBAULT, KRISTIAN HUSELIUS, 4 million in cash.

The new D group of Preds is now
Jovonovski-Mclaren
Gonchar-VanRyn
Norstrom-Cutta

Preds wish Vokoun, Kariya, Tyutin best of luck.

[HelloHockeyFans]

That's a damn good defense Joe.

[Sylvanfan]

Yeah, no question the Predators defence is no longer a weakness. Looks like Minnesota and Nashville are stepping up and saying that they want to be contenders!! Good work guys.

[Goffie]

Good Job stregthening the Preds for a strong 2nd half run!!