What The Sekera Deal Means For The Oilers And Petry

The NHL trade deadline has pretty much begun today with the deals including the Hurricanes, Kings, Leafs, Jets, and Penguins.

One of the deals set the price for d-men heading into the Monday’s deadline, that being a deal that sent Carolina’s Andrej Sekera to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 1st round pick and prospect Roland McKeown.

Sekera is a 28-year-old defender with 8 years of NHL experience under his belt. The Oiler’s Jeff Petry is 27-year-old defender with 5 years of NHL experience. Is it fair to suggest the value between the two players is not that far off?

I’m in the boat of Oiler fans that would love to see Jeff Petry back in an Oilers uniform next season and for many years to come. I think a lot of people outside of the Edmonton area under value Petry due to the fact that he has matured as NHL defender with a poor excuse for a hockey team.

However, with Petry seeing $$$$$ and his impending UFA status, it’s more likely to see him dealt. I understand there’s been a recent push from the Oilers management side, and Todd Nelson has something to do with it, but let’s believe he has played one of his final games in blue and orange.

Aside from Sekera’s overachieving 44-point season a year ago, Petry and Sekera are very similar, with Sekera having a slightly better offensive game and Petry having a slightly better defensive game. Does that mean the Oilers can get a 1st round pick and B-level prospect? One can dream.

Many “experts” suggest that Petry will fetch only a 2nd round prospect, which in my opinion is an ugly return. I was ready to come to terms with that before today. The Sekera deal has set the tone for defensemen price and the Kings getting a head start may force teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild to follow.

I’m more convinced now that Petry could be worth a 1st round pick, and if not the Oilers shouldn’t have to settle on just a 2nd round pick.

While watching Sportsnet (God, I miss TSN broadcasts) I heard an interesting discussion that mentioned Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray doesn’t mess around with UFA’s that won’t sign, implying that Matt Beleskey could be had at the right price. Beleskey is having his best career season, so could the Oilers swing a deal that sends Petry to the Ducks for Beleskey?? It’s a risky deal, and Beleskey isn’t necessarily a player that fills a particular need for the club, but he is a hell of a player.

We will have to wait and see, but the Sekera deal must have made Craig MacTavish smile. The price is set, now we’ll have to see if the value is enough to satisfy disgruntled Edmonton Oiler fans. All the best to you Petey!