UPDATE: Edmonton has sent winger Kailer Yamamoto and Florida has sent Owen Tippett to their respective CHL clubs. Both played nine NHL games and do not burn the first year of their entry-level contracts.
I did a poll last night on twitter (you can follow me @eklund) and I asked who people felt made the "best deal" in this huge three-way trade...
The results were pretty surprising:
52% felt Colorado made the best deal, 26% Nashville and 22% Ottawa...
Or were these results really surprising? Time will of course tell on this one. Sakic got a ton of "possibilities" with this deal, but in the end I always have subscribed to the concept "Whoever gets the best player wins."
Quality over quantity...
So who did win?
Short term?
No Question the Predators...The Preds added a true #2 center (who can step up as a #1 when needed ) for 6 years and they gave up nothing that will hurt their chances of returning to a Stanley Cup Final. The Preds are out and out STACKED now.
The Predators also put the pressure on the entire Central Division/Western Conference with this deal. Everything is so tight out West and Turris most certainly helps the Preds cause.
The Senators got the best player. No question. And adding Duchene puts the pressure on Montreal, Toronto and Florida in what looks like a battle for second and third. Montreal simply MUST respond....
I keep hearing the name Jonathan Marchessault in regards to the Canadiens, but I also know they are talking to Philly about a D-man...
More to come today...as teams will undoubtedly be calling around...The Rangers are another team to keep close tabs on...As are the Hawks.
We will be doing a special BuzzCast at 10:15 am ET this morning to go through the trade and what's next?