On the night before free agency, the Edmonton Oilers have made a move. Shockingly, Edmonton has dealt C Boyd Gordon to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for F Lauri Korpikoski. Both forwards are bottom-six players, and no salary was retained in the deal.
Korpikoski has a $2.5 million dollar cap hit for the next two seasons, meaning Edmonton adds a year of term while gaining $500,000 in cap space for the coming season.
First thing is first, it stinks seeing Boyd Gordon leave the Oilers. For the last two seasons, Gordon was a warrior for Edmonton. He was their top defensive forward, and their best face-off forward. He handled the tough zone starts, zone start hell really, and he faced some really tough opposition.
Boyd Gordon didn’t provide Edmonton with much offense, but defensively he was stellar for this team. He filled a big role in a dark time, and we can’t forget that. Best of luck back in Arizona, Boyd.
Now, to the new kid on the block, Lauri Korpikoski. Korpikoski is a 6’1”, 205 pound forward that is described as ‘versatile’ and ‘quick’. Here is his scouting report, compliments The Hockey News:
Assets: Speed is his best attribute, which he uses with aplomb in defensive situations. Plays with lots of energy and spunk. Versatile, he can play all three forward positions and kill penalties. Is also adept in the face-off dot.
A fast forward, which is a good thing. Edmonton needs to add some speed to the line-up, and this player scratches that itch. Energy and spunk kind of fits in with what Peter Chiarelli is looking for, and everyone loves someone that can play multiple positions. While he can play all three forward spots, his natural position is the left wing.
No surprise that Edmonton snagged a penalty killer in return, either. With Gordon gone, there is now a massive hole on that unit.
Offensively, Korpikoski scored just six goals this season, posting 21 total points in 69 games. Those numbers aren’t terrible, but they are down for this player. I’d imagine playing in Edmonton, on a more offensive team with more talent, should help him get his numbers back up.
My friend Lowetide should be happy tonight, because I view this player as that ‘Pisani-type’ winger that he keeps talking about. Quick, smart, two-way forward with a little size and some offensive ability.
Final Thoughts:
I must admit, I’m surprised by this deal. That being said, I understand it. Gordon is a strong defensive specialist, but he didn’t provide much speed or offense. Peter Chiarelli doesn’t care for one-trick ponies, he didn’t in Boston, and he won’t in Edmonton. Tonight, he moved one of them out.
Lauri Korpikoski had a rough year last year, but he’s a solid bounce-back candidate and could fill that ‘Pisani’ role for Edmonton next season. We can check off that top-nine winger we were talking about.
Here’s Korpikoski’s HERO chart from last season. Warning, it’s a little ugly, reflecting a bad season.
One last thing, with this move, I expect a center to be signed tomorrow right at noon eastern. My bet? Shawn Matthias.
More to come later tonight.
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