The Flyers welcome one of the league’s premier enforcers. He currently leads the NHL in penalty minutes, something he did last year as well, as a rookie. Although he is not having the best offensive season, he doesn’t have the worst hands. I still think he is capable of scoring 20 goals a season.
Scottie Upshall is a great third-line energy player who has the talent to put up a decent amount of points. I do not think he has lived up to his potential after being drafted sixth overall in 2002, but he still can be a useful player for the Coyotes. When you add the second-round draft pick, I think it really makes the Coyotes come out as winners in this trade.
Who got the better end? Phoenix.
Phoenix gets Dmitri Kalinin, Nigel Dawes, and Petr Prucha; N.Y. Rangers get Derek Morris
It took a while for Morris to finally get traded, but when he was, it was to the New York Rangers.
The Rangers get a very solid two-way defenseman in Morris; he should help their push to the Playoffs. His numbers aren’t what they used to be earlier in his career, but he is still capable of putting up 30-plus points.
The Coyotes got a great value in return for Morris.
Dmitri Kalinin is a decent defenseman who will take over Morris’ spot in the lineup. But he is a pending UFA, and even if he plays strong for the Coyotes for the rest of the season, I have a hard time believing the Coyotes will re-sign him.
Nigel Dawes is a great young player who will help the Coyotes now and in the future. He has the potential to consistently score 20 goals a season. He is a pending RFA, but expect the Coyotes to re-sign him.
Petr Prucha is the question mark in this deal. He’s got the talent and has shown he can score 30 goals a season, but his point totals have decreased as of late. I think if he gets more ice time, he can produce at least 20 goals a season.
Who got the better end? Phoenix.
Final Thoughts
I actually think the Coyotes did the best out of all the teams on the trade deadline. They got some great forwards who will make an impact this season and for seasons to come. You add the draft picks they received, and their bright future just got a lot brighter.
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