The Boston Bruins, this afternoon, acquired Gregory Campbell and Nathan Horton from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Denis Wideman and the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft (per Bob McKenzie’s Twitter).
This is quite possibly one of the most even trades I have ever seen. The immediate benefits will be seen by Boston more so than Florida. But, the Panthers can do quite a bit with the pick they received in the deal. Plus, Wideman covers up for the trade that sent Dennis Sidenberg at the deadline.
Wideman is coming off a poor year with the Bruins and will have a chance to bounce back with more minutes in Florida. Currently, monster defenseman Dylan McIlrath is rated 15th. Although, there is a good chance that the Panthers go with a forward in this spot, a guy like Nick Bjugstad or Emerson Etem could be a good fit for Florida.
Boston receives a solid power forward in Horton, plus a serviceable center in Gregory Campbell. Horton has been rumored to want out of Florida for some time, he will be put in a great situation in Boston. He, combined with Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin (depending who Edmonton goes with at #1) will more than make up for the loss of Phil Kessel last season. Boston has definitely set themselves up for a very strong run next season.
How does this impact the Sabres? Well, a player like Horton would have seriously improved Buffalo. But, the additions that are being made my Boston will possibly make them the strongest team in the Northeast Division next season.
My biggest beef is that, once again, the Sabres failed to acquire a player that would have made them better. I don’t think that the Sabres would want to part with the 23rd pick and I don’t see much issue with that. In addition, I don’t think the Sabres have the ability to move the necessary players for a trade like this. I feel that making a play for Dan Hamhuis would have been a very strong move for the Sabres.
Ultimately, Buffalo has missed out on two players that could have seriously helped them moving forward in the same week. I hope to see a move made by Buffalo to add a little but more sandpaper to their lineup and possibly a power forward with a scoring touch.
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