Instant Analysis: Grebeshkov Heads To Music City
The firesale that will start Edmonton’s rebuilding process began today, as the Oilers sent Russian Olympian Denis Grebeshkov to “Smashville”.
The Trade
To Nashville: D Denis Grebeshkov
To Edmonton: 2010 2nd Round Pick
From Nashville’s Standpoint
Grebeshkov will join a Predators team with defensive stalwarts like Ryan Suter, Shea Weber and Dan Hamhuis. In Edmonton, Grebeshkov was heavily leaned on by head coach Pat Quinn, averaging 21:49 of ice time per game and leading the team in Sheldon Souray’s absence. Grebeshkov won’t get those type of minutes in Nashville, due to the Predators depth on the blueline. He will likely play with Dan Hamhuis on the second D pairing, unless, of course, Hamhuis is dealt before the March 3rd trade deadline. By acquiring Grebeshkov, the Preds have opened the door to trading Hamhuis, and there are rumours flying that this is exactly what they will do. Both Hamhuis and Grebeshkov will be a free agents this summer — Hamhuis unrestricted and Grebeshkov restricted. David Poile will likely sign Grebeshkov to a long-term deal. In an ironic twist, he will suit up for the Preds on Tuesday evening when they play his former Edmonton Oilers.
From Edmonton’s Standpoint
The Oilers are looking for draft picks and prospects after a brutal, ugly 2009-10 season. Grebeshkov will not be the last Oiler to be traded in the first three days of March. Edmonton gets a respectable 2nd round pick in return, a pick they need to start the rebuild. With Sheldon Souray still sidelined, they lose their top defensive minute-muncher, which will hurt an already lousy team.The Oilers will likely call up Theo Peckham or Alex Plante from the AHL’s Springfield Falcon’s to fill the gap in their lineup created by Grebeshkov’s departure.
Final Thoughts
Another Nashville trade appears to be imminent. There are rumblings that Hamhuis will be dealt to the Flyers in exchange for Ryan Parent, who was originally drafted by the Preds but traded away in the Forsberg deal at the 2007 trade deadline. With the Preds still making moves, it is unclear whether Grebeshkov will be a rental player, or if he will be a permanent citizen of Nashville, Tennessee. Either way, it is clear that Predators GM David Poile is building his team from the goal out, as he recently re-signed goaltender Pekka Rinne to a new 2-year contract, and is now looking to solidify his defensive core.
Check out our Instant Analysis Archive for coverage of ALL trade deadline deals.
