Edmonton/Anaheim Blockbuster

[Prototype]

Joe Thornton never really fit in an Oilers jersey, so he was shipped off, with goaltender Martin Brodeur, and forward Matt Cooke, to the Anaheim Ducks. Cap considerations and a 3rd (FLA) were also moved in the deal.

Getting reunited with GM Prototype is former Quebec Nordique goaltender Roberto Luongo. Also heading to the Oilers are forward Ryan Smyth, Defenseman Francios Beauchemin, and prospect TJ Oshie.

"We're happy to have moved on from the Thornton era in Edmonton." claimed GM Prototype. "He was brought in to do big things, and spent more time in the sin bin than in the 3 star selections. We wish him luck."

"When we had the chance to bring in Luongo, how could you not. Brodeur has stood on his head, and would have welcomed a chance to have Beauchemin in front of him to limit the shots he saw, but sometimes you have to stop looking at the past and what a player has done for an organization, and look to the future."

"Speaking of future, TJ Oshie is finally coming into his own, and becoming a solid contributor in the NHL. We're happy he's in the system, and could see regular minutes soon."

The Oilers seem to be set for now, other than a wire move or two to free up some cap. Hopefully the team can find some chemistry soon so no more move need to be made.

We thank Ravi and the Anaheim Ducks for the not so quick, not so easy trade talks.

[Flickered Flame]

WOW. Huge deals. Props to both gents for getting this one done.
IMO:
Thornton way better than Smyth-advantage Ducks
Brodeur=Luongo
Beauchemin way better than Cooke-advantage Oilers
Oshie likely better than the 3rd-advantage Oilers

Overall fairly even maybe a slight edge to the Oilers.

[JiriHrdina]

I'd give the value edge to the Oilers on the goalie exchange. They get an elite goalie for years, where Brodeur (who I realize has a long-term contract) has a less certain long-term future.

Overall even deal though.

[Da_Chief]

Very big deal.

I like it for the ducks. Luongo and brodeur imo are still equal despite age. Thornton for those pieces, advantage ducks.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

Well in a deal of this magnitude it takes a few days to pull the trigger sometimes (not all the time!) Our big issue with it was luongo being a steady #1 for a very long time. However when looking at Brodeurs contract we feel/hope he can provide the same for us for the next 3-5 years (as if he will be here for that long but his contract keeps his value up). Also, while he has never been injured before, this injury wasn't a lower body one with his knees or anything, it was an elbow injury and we don't think they are as bad on goalies when recovering.

Just for GMs to see, this is how the deal broke down in our eyes:

Luongo > Brodeur
Thornton + Cooke + 3rd > Beauchamin, Smyth, Oshie

We would rather pay an extra 1 million next year and keep Joe rather then have Smyth at 9 mill. Cooke and Beauchamin will be released as UFAs and Oshie was added because clearly a 77OV UFA dman and a 79OV veteran fwd shouldn't land Joe Thornton and Cooke on their own. We feel the acquisition price to bring in Joe was worth the drop value wise (but not ratings wise) from Brodeur to Luongo.