TSN and other outlets are reporting that the Edmonton Oilers have traded goaltender Mathieu Garon to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a package including centre Ryan Stone, goaltender Dany Sabourin and a 4th round pick in 2011. The deal marks the first foray into trade waters for Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, and the return here is decent.
In all likelihood, the Oilers were not going to be able to re-sign Mathieu Garon. Despite some early success with the club, he has had a strained relationship with coach Craig MacTavish and goalie coach Pete Peeters. In Sabourin, the Oilers get a replacement for Garon and insurance should Roloson falter or if Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers proves that he isn’t ready for prime time. The trade does muddy the goaltender situation for next year, as Roloson is a free agent. If he retires or doesn’t re-sign, the Oilers will be left without a clear number one. It also quiets the speculation that Roloson could be dealt to a contender at the deadline. If the Oilers are still in the playoff picture, I would imagine Roloson sticks around.
I don’t remember much about Stone other than that he played in Brandon in the WHL. By all accounts he is a steady if underwhelming scorer in the AHL, and plays with a bit of an edge. Watch for the Oilers to give him a look with the big club sooner rather than later, as they lack any kind of effective sandpaper. He may be the replacement for Curtis Glencross that they desperately need.
As for Pittsburgh, it seems they were wanting to upgrade their goalie situation and thought Garon could fit the bill. He is a talented player, and given the right circumstances he should win some games for Pittsburgh if called upon. In any case, its likely a relief for him to be out of Edmonton.
