"C" Trade Bait

Oilers still need a 3rd line center. Lowetide suggests that it should be a veteran right-handed centerman. At this point in the season with our PK still mediocre, I would suggest any available centerman with experience in a checking role (winning key faceoffs) would be a good pickup.

Steve Begin is a new addition to the list. He's been a healthy scratch in Montreal and doing the math he seems to be the odd-man out right now.

Another new addition is someone we're familiar with: Marty Reasoner. He only signed a one-year deal with Atlanta so he's probably available too, unless Atlanta is serious about making a run at the playoffs this year.

The case is the same with Todd Marchant and Mike Peca, who has one year left on his contract - though they would predictably be in the same price range as Madden and Holik. The reason I like Sami Pahlsson is his relentless forecheck and his crash'n'bang style similar to that of Raffi Torres. He can, however, win faceoffs, which is key.

There's always the Brian Burke factor, but I'm sure Tambellini can get past that whole Lowe vs. Burke thing.

However, I think it's simply not good enough to acquire one for this season. I think Tambellini needs to find the best possible fit, and then resign them for a medium-to-long term deal that ensures we have a centerman on the 3rd line for some time to come. That's why for this particular transaction, I would quality over quantity, though getting your bang-for-buck is still important.

Here's my updated wishlist:

1. John Madden, New Jersey Devils, Pending UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : 3 million/yr
How much to resign? : 3 - 4 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes

2. Scott Nichol, Nashville Predators, Pending UFA, RH
Approx. Salary : 0.750 million/yr
How much to resign? : 0.75 - 1.5 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes

3. Mike Peca, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pending UFA, RH
Approx. Salary : 1.3 million/yr
How much to resign? : 1.5 - 2.5 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes

4. Steve Begin, Montreal Canadiens, Pending UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : 1 million/yr
How much to resign? : 1 - 2 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes

5. Sami Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks, Pending UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : 1.4 million/yr
How much to resign? : 2 - 4 million/yr
Is he worth it : Maybe

6. Marty Reasoner, Atlanta Thrashers, Pending UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : 1 million/yr
How much to resign? : 1 - 2 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes

7. Mark Smith, UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : ?
How much to sign? : 0.5 - 2 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes

8. Bobby Holik, New Jersey Devils, Pending UFA, RH (currently injured)
Approx. Salary : 2.5 million/yr
How much to resign? : 2 - 3 million/yr
Is he worth it : No, but he's a better option than Pouliot

9. Todd Marchant, Anaheim Ducks, Pending UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : 2.5 million/yr
How much to resign? : 2 - 4 million/yr
Is he worth it : No, but he's a better option than Pouliot

10. Stephane Yelle, Boston Bruins, Pending UFA, LH
Approx. Salary : 0.750 million/yr
How much to resign? : 0.75 - 1.5 million/yr
Is he worth it : Yes