Looking Back At The Trade Deadl--I Mean, Draft!

It almost felt like the trade deadline, didn't it!?

I was so happy to tune into the draft on TSN and find out that Cammlleri had been dealt to the Flames; if it was planned for this to be announced right at the start of the program, well done: It kept me itching for more trades!

Of course, it took away from the talented youngsters being drafted into the league, but hey, as happy as we are for them, trades are trades: this was confirmed by the loud ovation of the Sens fans at Scotiabank Place who ROARED each time Bettman came up to announce another deal.

And the deals were huge!

1)
Flames: Acquire Mike Cammalleri from L.A.
Kings: Acquire Ducks 1st rounder (12th overall)
Ducks: Acquire Kings 17th overall (from CGY) and 28th overall picks.

Flames boost their offense, parting ways with an older, more expensive Tanguay for a less expensive, younger, proven #1 centerman. Calgary will enjoy Cammalleri's style; he can take a bit of the load off Iginla's shoulders.

2)
Flames: Acquire 25th overall pick and 2009 second round pick from Canadiens
Canadiens: Acquire Alex Tanguay and 2008 5th rounder

Canadiens get their man; they coveted him since last trade deadline, and paid fairly low to acquire the 28-year old left winger (seeing how the draft was said to be weak in late-round talent this year). The only knock is Tanguay's cap-hit at $5.25 million, but he should fit right in with the style of play in Montreal.

3)
Panthers: Acquire Nick Boynton, Keith Ballard and 49th overall pick
Coyotes: Acquire Olli Jokinen

Mind-boggler! Can't believe that this is what the Panthers settled on! Jokinen was heavily pursued at the trade deadline, and SURELY a better offer or two had to have been on the table for Florida at that time. They acquire an aging rearguard in Boynton, and a solid stay-at-home defenseman in Ballard. Phoenix gets a bonafide #1 centerman to build around, but I don't know if Jokinen's NHL record streak of games played without reaching the playoffs will end just yet...

4)
Blue Jackets: Acquire R.J Umberger and 119th overall pick
Flyers: Acquire 19th and 67th overall picks

The Flyers made the move they had to, as both Umberger and Jeff Carter are RFAs. Signing both was out of the question, so they decided to move with the playoff sensation in Umberger. R.J. played for Ohio as a youngster, so its a kind of homecoming. This must mean that Carter is on the verge of signing a long-term extension in Philly. Umberger might not be that #1 center that the Jackets are said to be pursuing, but he can slot into #2 or #3 if needed.

5)
Flyers: Acquire Steve Eminger + 84th overall pick
Capitals: Acquire 27th overall pick

Mike Green left his mark as the teams offensive defensman...couple that with Eminger's slow-development rate, and you have an unnecssary salary being paid out. The Caps recognized that, and thusly parted ways with the former 12th overall pick in 2002. Flyers blue-line gains in youth, and Eminger is still very capable of eventually reaching that enormous potential...it seems as though the Flyers are willing to exert more patience that Washington, though.

Other deals were made, all of which only saw draft picks being swapped.

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So, indeed, Jokinen WAS moved, as the headline hinted. As was Cammalleri, who was openly being shopped around. Tanguay was a bit out of the blue, but, still, very nice for us Habs fans.

This doesn't mean the trading is all done now...au contraire. This may have opened the gates for more deals in the coming days, even hours. Expect Marleau to possibly move soon, as well as other key names, such as: Redden? Afinogenov? Campbell? Pitkanen? Sundin to Montreal?

Check back throughout today for updates, plus a recap of the top 10 draftees!