Best Trade? Worst Trade? Most "Nothing" Trade?

by Nolan Whyte on Nov 29, 2010 9:09 AM EST in Lightning Team News

When rookie GM Steve Yzerman traded Matt Walker and a fourth round draft pick for sniper Simon Gagne this past summer, I think the consensus was that it was a terrific trade. Because the Philadelphia Flyers were so cap-strapped, they were forced to give away a long-serving warrior and consistent scoring threat for below straight-trade value, and the Tampa Bay Lightninggot a top-six forward for very little: a mid-round pick and a defenceman they could afford to lose.

And how has that trade worked out for everyone?

Walker underwent hip surgery in late October and hasn't played a game this year. It's expected that when he returns, probably in 2011, he'll be somewhere around the eighth spot on their blueline depth chart.

In Tampa, Gagne failed to record a point and was -8 through six games, before being lost to a neck injury. There was some muttered speculation that the term "neck injury" is sometimes used to cover up concussions, but nothing further has come of that speculation. We've been teased for a while about Simon's imminent return, but so far nothing. And when he returns, will he provide anything at all?

So how does the trade look now? (More after the jump).

This was a low-risk trade for both teams. The Flyers were losing a leader and proven scoring threat, but one that they couldn't afford, was concussion-prone, and would be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Tampa wasn't giving up much, and if Gagne proved to be more dud than stud, they could let him walk at season's end. Plus, they made an important splash in the media and gained themselves some much-needed cred.

So no one lost much in this trade, but so far no one has gained. Anything.

There's still a lot of hockey to be played this season, and Gange could come storming back from this neck thing to put up solid numbers, but it looks like he's already missed the boat on blowing us away and making this one of the best trades in team history.

However, because so little was given up, it will also never rank as one of the team's worst trades (which usually involve trading a player with a 2004 Cup ring for a goalie who fails to live up to expectations).

This trade instead looks like it will be a nothing trade: both teams lose little and gain little. The only thing that makes this trade different from a swap of, say, a couple AHL players, is the expectations it created. And Simon Gagne and his sore neck are running out of time to even approach meeting those expectations.

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Comments

I still say it was a good trade

I think Gagne’s potential upside, even at this point, outweighs Walker’s. Of course, this is all based on Gagne getting back on the ice. But if Yzerman finds himself with a similar opportunity in the future, I hope he takes it.

by Clark J Brooks on Nov 29, 2010 9:27 AM EST reply actions

Absolutely, take it. I just think that it was a much-hyped trade that hasn’t done anything for either team, so far. And yes, it is still early.

by Nolan Whyte on Nov 29, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

Overall picture

I consider the Gagne-Walker trade simultaneous with Mezaros and the 4th round pick. In essence, we traded Mez and Walker for Gags and Philly’s 4th round pick next year. It’s still a trade I would make in an instant if I sat behind the GMs desk.

Sure Gags has been injured and has been quiet this season even before the injury. Cut the guy some slack: he’s adjusting to a new team for the first time in 11 years. Add on to that the pressure of being Gags, and coming to a team with a very different team structure and tactics system than Philadelphia.

I’m confident Gags won’t score 40 goals this year. He may not even crack 30. That’s okay—he’s essentially missed a quarter of the season. His presence at this point would provide a much-needed alternate scoring threat to Stamkos.

by MTBoltFan on Nov 29, 2010 9:39 AM EST reply actions

Geez, did I fall asleep and wake up in March with Tampa out of the playoff picture?

If Tampa makes the playoffs and Gagne is healthy for them, the value of the trade could be huge.

by BaronZ on Nov 29, 2010 10:33 AM EST reply actions

Yes, this is definitely an early responce type thing. We’ll re-evalute the trade for years to come, but so far, I say neither team is a winner in this trade. SO FAR.

by Nolan Whyte on Nov 29, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Simon Tanguay. Gange for Richards(Brad), straight up.

[IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/elimstuff/elimsigsimple-1.jpg[/IMG]

by Dustin Keene on Nov 29, 2010 10:58 AM EST reply actions

Simon Tanguay huh? How is Alex doing in Calgary anyway? Oh, that’s right, he’s actually scoring and not in a crappy system…

Gagne’s hurt. That’s not a crime. If that warrants juvenile ridicule, then I guess every player who has ever been hurt for any team should be vilified.

"The Force is strong with this one..." Yzerman is Jedi
Raw Charge.

by John Fontana on Nov 29, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I agree..

With mtboltfan and baronz. Their is just no doubt about it… it was a great trade. Not to mention it is still wayyy to early in the season make any judgement calls. The one good fact to come out of this… Tampa is doing pretty damn well without Gags. So when he returns, it will just add more skill/talent to an already winning team.

You also can’t judge his value on the few games he’s played this season. Like mtboltfan said…. cut the guy some slack! Gags is going through alot of change personally.. on top of joining a team thats also going through much change. Only time will tell.

And if anyone can maximize his talents/skill once he gets back.. It’s Yzerman and Coach Boucher. No doubt they will find a spot that works for him, they just need some time. Just as much as Gags needs time also. It’s hard to adjust to any trade but especially when you’re not playing.

Yzerman and the Wings have done wonders for veteran players, looking for that next push in their career. For example.. Chelios, Hull, Robitaille, Bertuzzi and now Modano (until his freak injury last week). Gagne is in good hands.

So, with all that said… I still think the trade was brilliant

STAND TALL, FLY STRAIGHT, USA ALL THE WAY!

by DetroitALLtheWay09 on Nov 29, 2010 12:57 PM EST reply actions

Seriously man?

This article makes me feel like my Fan Post was written only to be ignored and not taken into consideration at all. Whatever… I said my opinion on this whole thing in it so if you are interested, go read it.

Thanks to MTBoltFan, Baronz and DetroitALLtheWay09 for showing they still have their senses together.

Oh btw, misspelling Gagne’s name is a pure felony.

I'm in love with the Lightning, the Flyers are my fling and I have a crush on the Flyers fans.
Dare to follow my childish, biased, petty and cheesy alter ego.
American Cheese, B!tch! ... #1 mission? Kill Holmgren.

by Katchis on Nov 29, 2010 3:02 PM EST reply actions

My bad typo-ing Gagne’s name. Proof-read, proof-read, proof-read.

by Nolan Whyte on Nov 29, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Sure, Seriously.

It’s never too early to analyze a trade. And right now, neither the Flyers or Lightning have really benefitted. That’s my only point. I hope Gagne does come back and pot some goals. Hopefully some game-winners in the Eastern Final against… let’s say… the Flyers.

by Nolan Whyte on Nov 29, 2010 3:54 PM EST reply actions

All right then… I see your point.

This is just a very touchy subject for me (as much as questioning Vinny’s captaincy etc.). Especially when I wrote a Fan Post on it yesterday and the next day I read this. I’m not saying it’s BS or anything… it’s just… I don’t know… it seems I can’t take a break this year… Flyers almost not making the playoffs, injury, nerve-wracking playoffs, heartbreaking SCF, the trade that had me in despair for weeks…now this. God dammit.

by Katchis on Nov 29, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

Capt. Hindsight

Well, after last night’s game this trade is finally paying dividends in the form of two points. Gagne was key in Marty’s game tying buzzer beater as he not only laid down a perfect screen, but his move to avoid blocking the shot was just as smooth as the shot itself. We got atleast 2 points this season because of Gagne.

by tankerkevo on Dec 1, 2010 10:26 AM EST reply actions