Smyth to Long Island in Biggest Deal of Day
Dobber Sports
2007-02-27
The Edmonton Oilers did NOT sign Ryan Smyth, contrary to what some sources reported. As such, they traded the career-Oiler to the New York Islanders, but got impressive return for him.
Islanders: acquired a goal scorer and a leader. They were on the cusp of a playoff spot and Smyth could very well put them into the post season on his own. Rumor has it that they are close to locking up Smyth long term.
Oilers: add a first-round pick which will be in the top 20, and they added two prospects on the cusp of making the NHL. Robert Nilsson should be recalled and join the team right away. Ryan O'Marra will be another year and half before he becomes an NHL regular.
Fantasy Players Impacted: Nilsson will now get some points, and "some" is better than the "none" that he had been getting (since he was in the AHL, banished by Ted Nolan). Smyth's value in terms of points remains the same, but newly acquired Richard Zednik falls down the depth chart, as does Jason Blake.