Default101
Guest
PHOENIX (AP) - Within days of each other, a list of roster movements have occured in the Phoenix Coyotes organization, starting with a big trade for the Coyotes. Phoenix has delt Defenceman Derian Hatcher along with Detroit's 2nd round pick and their own 7th in 2007 in return the Coyotes will recieve Buffalo's 2nd round pick, and Colorado's 4th round pick in 2008. Along with those picks they will recieve huge defensive prospect Phil Oreskovic. Oreskovic was drafted in 2005 Entry Draft and was taken in the 5th round, 125th Overall by Colorado. He stands 6'3" 225lbs, and is a huge defenceman in the OHL at only 19 years old. Scouts consider him a low risk low reward prospect as he has all the physical components of a solid stay at home defenceman, but has below average skating and offensive abilites which should constrain him to the 3rd pairing in the NHL. "I've seen Oreskovic in person and he might be one of the most solidly build defenceman in the CHL, also is a great fighter but can play a normal shift at a good talent level, we like what we see in him and are confident that he should have a place on our team."
The second deal that was made and confirmed only minutes ago involve the Nashville Predators. Phoenix has acquired Centerman Eric Belanger. along with Belanger Phoenix has re-acquired their 3rd round pick in 2007, and Nashville's 5th round pick in 2008. In return Nashville recieves young Left Winger Ryane Clowe, along with their 4th round pick in 2007, and Colorado's 4th round pick in 2008 acquired in the Hatcher deal. "We understand Belanger is entering his last year as an RFA but we do like his potential and would like to sign him long term. We believe in his talent and see him as a potential building block to our future."
These weren't the only moves made by the Coyotes recently. They have also resigned several players from their team. Ontop of this list is center Mark Smith who signed a 3 year contract. Smith leads the team in goals with 19 and was set to be a Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the year. Intresting statistics for Smith include 6 PPG, and 137 PIM which are 5th all-time in Coyotes history. Kariya's 15 PPG and Diduck's 221 PIM hold the orgainzation's record. They have also come to terms with Ben Ondrus on a 2 year contract and Joey Tenute on a 3 year contract. Terms of the deals have not been disclosed. Also reports indicate Marcus Nilson and Wyatt Smith have made verbal agreements on 4 year, and 2 year deals respectively. However on a sour note the Coyotes have broken off talks with Mike Dunham and Ben Clymer both are on the market for cheap and both will be looking to become UFA's at the end of the season. Dunham is a relyable journyman back-up tender, and Clymer is is the leading scorer for the Coyotes (59GP - 17G - 20A - 37PTS) and carries a +4 on a non-playoff team. Phoenix currently sits 10th in the Western Conference, only 5 points out of 5th but will need to ride Gerber into the playoffs. Bergeron will have to step up and be the sole leader of this defence, and will need alot of support from the top 4 (Sarich, Robidas, Rachunek) for Gerber to be able to play a factor. Belanger should help a decent forward group, but one that is anything but deep, we will see how these players perform starting Saturday night.
The second deal that was made and confirmed only minutes ago involve the Nashville Predators. Phoenix has acquired Centerman Eric Belanger. along with Belanger Phoenix has re-acquired their 3rd round pick in 2007, and Nashville's 5th round pick in 2008. In return Nashville recieves young Left Winger Ryane Clowe, along with their 4th round pick in 2007, and Colorado's 4th round pick in 2008 acquired in the Hatcher deal. "We understand Belanger is entering his last year as an RFA but we do like his potential and would like to sign him long term. We believe in his talent and see him as a potential building block to our future."
These weren't the only moves made by the Coyotes recently. They have also resigned several players from their team. Ontop of this list is center Mark Smith who signed a 3 year contract. Smith leads the team in goals with 19 and was set to be a Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the year. Intresting statistics for Smith include 6 PPG, and 137 PIM which are 5th all-time in Coyotes history. Kariya's 15 PPG and Diduck's 221 PIM hold the orgainzation's record. They have also come to terms with Ben Ondrus on a 2 year contract and Joey Tenute on a 3 year contract. Terms of the deals have not been disclosed. Also reports indicate Marcus Nilson and Wyatt Smith have made verbal agreements on 4 year, and 2 year deals respectively. However on a sour note the Coyotes have broken off talks with Mike Dunham and Ben Clymer both are on the market for cheap and both will be looking to become UFA's at the end of the season. Dunham is a relyable journyman back-up tender, and Clymer is is the leading scorer for the Coyotes (59GP - 17G - 20A - 37PTS) and carries a +4 on a non-playoff team. Phoenix currently sits 10th in the Western Conference, only 5 points out of 5th but will need to ride Gerber into the playoffs. Bergeron will have to step up and be the sole leader of this defence, and will need alot of support from the top 4 (Sarich, Robidas, Rachunek) for Gerber to be able to play a factor. Belanger should help a decent forward group, but one that is anything but deep, we will see how these players perform starting Saturday night.
