The cat is out of the bag. We now know the Oilers and Thrashers are talking trade, with Zach Bogosian heading to Edmonton. What we don't know is what the asking price is.
There's been plenty of talk about the Oilers perhaps attempting to acquire Tobias Enstrom, but I actually think Bogosian is a better fit. The 20 year-old defenseman is 6'3", 215lbs, and he comes with both toughness and some offensive skill. He's a little Chris Pronger-like, which is good enough for me (don't tell me Oiler fans wouldn't love Pronger if he would have stayed). The Oilers have nothing like him currently, with the exception of perhaps young Martin Marincin, who is at least another year away from the NHL.
Would Bogosian for Hemsky straight up be a fair deal? I am thinking no. Teams don't give away 3rd overall picks who have the potential of Bogosian. Scouts from Atlanta have been following around the Oilers for the last three games. Perhaps they have some interest in a player like Ladislav Smid to go along with Hemsky? Speaking of players hard to assign a trade value to, Hemsky is tough to analyze. Players who can score at about a .95 point-per-game clip are hard to find and acquire, but Hemsky has only this year and next until he's UFA eligible. He's also injury prone. Some people feel Hemsky in a deal is worthy of a 1st round pick and a roster play, and others see his value being much lower. I almost think his trade value has to be considered on a deal-by-deal basis.
Of course, we don't know for certain if the Thrashers interest is in Hemsky. They could be targetting Dustin Penner...but that being said, Hemsky is the more dynamic player, and the Thrashers need something dramatic to improve their offense. Penner's value in a deal is thought to be comparable to Hemsky's, but once again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Atlanta needs the playoffs this season. The Oilers need a young leader for the defense. The Thashers don't have the time to be patient while a young d-man takes time to develop; the Oilers have all the time in the world. It seems like a perfect fit between the teams.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»