Oilers acquire Gilbert Brule for Raffi Torres

The Edmonton Oilers continue to tweak by adding potential, a formula that could very well work for them. Tuesday morning they shipped energy winger Raffi Torres to Columbus for hard-hitting, skilled pivot Gilbert Brule…

The Oilers get:  a player whom many fantasy owners have already labelled "underacheiving" or "bust". However, the 2005 sixth overall pick is still only 21 – an age where most proven superstars did not even play an NHL game by. Brule was rushed into the NHL and saw minimal ice time. His confidence is shot and a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. Horcoff, Gagner and Cogliano are ahead of him on the depth chart, although Cogliano played some wing. Look for more ice time in Edmonton and a 30-35 point year to start. His upside is still a point per game in the long term.

The Blue Jackets get: a third-line energy player with 40- to 50-point potential and some injury issues. Torres will fit in well with the Hitchcock system.

Fantasy Players Impacted: This could hurt Rob Schremp, a potential star whose defensive deficiencies have kept him out of the NHL so far. With all these young pivots ahead of him on the depth chart, a trade may be needed before he can get into the league. Brule's value, of course, goes up with this deal.