Hossa an Oiler

[RT14]

Well the deed has been done. One of the CPHL's leading wingers has been dealt to the Edmonton Oilers to play alongside one of the leagues best forward groups. He had been shopped to a number of teams and GM Ryan was close to closing the deal a couple times but the Oilers finally came up with enough to seal the deal. Deal breaks down as so:

To Edmonton:
Marian Hossa RW/LW, 29y 81ov (1y@$5.5)
2nd round pick (Col)

To San Jose:
Patrice Bergeron C, 22y 78ov (1y@$4.25)
Cam Barker D, 22y 68ov (2y@$1.8)
1st round pick (Edm)

Patrice Bergeron only played a handful of games last year before receiving a season ending concussion. While there is concern he may never regain his form 100%, he has proven before that he is an extremely talented young player and still has the potential to be a 1st line center. Also coming here is young defenseman, Cam Barker, who has moved down the depth charts in Chicago a bit but still has very good potential and will hopefully improve with a little more experience.

While it pains me to move such a high profile player as Hossa, with Stamkos and Voracek waiting in the wings to make an impact soon we felt it was necessary to get as young as possible so they have some talent surrounding them when they're ready to step up. This is a completely different Sharks team than the one that won the Cup just a couple short months ago, but we've gotten a lot younger and believe we should remain competitive this season, although probably not a cup contender.

I'd like to thank Rob for the negotiations as I had some internet trouble on my end and he was very patient with working everything out.

[Sylvanfan]

If Edmonton can figure out a way to fit Hossa into their plans past this season I think this is a pretty solid deal for them. But there is a pretty big risk/reward here for the Sharks. If Barker was to take a big step forward like say Brayden Coburn did last year and Bergeron is back to his pre-concussion form than the Sharks have two good young top players out of this.

[Prototype]

Hard to pass up a deal that lands another 80+ OV player for this season. RT14 has done wonders with that team, and I can't help but think it's due to his negotiation skills. Sure, he had brain farts, and a crappy internet connection, but he gave options, and options on options to the point that a deal could be reached.

Hossa creates an interesting dilema, especially since the Oilers have faxed an offersheet to UFA Jarome Iginla's agent that should see the forward get the league max over the next 3 seasons.

So now, the Oilers have Iginla, Hossa, Lecavalier and Zetterberg all under contract for next season, as well as great 2nd teir players in Sharp, Gagne, Vermette, and Dumont. But it's on the blueline that worries the franchise, as Craig Rivet is top dog, and not a game breaking Dman.

So the shopping will continue. One of the big 4 may have to go, but it could be a while before that happens, as GM Prottotype likes all 4 stars, and for the good of the team, it's gotta be the right deal.

It's an interesting time in Edmonton, and I doubt this will be the last news over the offseason to get this roster ready for 08/09.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

Interesting, I do not want to be playing those oiler forwards. I think they have like 4-5 players that would be the #1 guy on my team.....

Ryan does get some nice youth, should be interesting to see if Barker continues to not live up to potential/name and if bergeron can bounce back after suffering a very serious injury.

[simmer2]

This is a win for both sides...great deal guys.