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What is Tambellini waiting for?

Well, as I predicted in December Joe Colbourne got traded today.  Sadly, it was not to the Edmonton Oilers.  With the rumours of the asking price for Kaberle floating around the last 48 hours being Colbourne and a 1st round pick, and more, I am somewhat surprised that the Oilers were not able to undercut Burke and the Leafs.

I certainly would have tried to find out if the Bruins would take Gilbert instead of Kaberle. 

Kaberle is a more consistent point producer than Gilbert, but Gilbert has done fairly well when he has had the opportunity, and did produce 45 points in 2008/2009.  Gilbert plays short handed minutes where Kaberle plays almost none.  Gilbert also hits more, blocks more shots and generates more take aways.  On the downside, he gives the puck away more, but only once more per 5 games played.

In Gilbert's favour are the fact that he is 5 years younger and under contract beyond this season.  It also would have meant Boston did not have to trade within the division.

Maybe Chirelli had tunnel vision for Kaberle, but I sure hope the Oilers at least tried to get in on the action. 

Burke just picked up 2 prospects (Colbourne and Gardiner) that aren't 18 years old.  They have some growing to do, but both are viewed as having strong potential.  He also showed that other teams are willing to deal some of thier top prospects at the deadline.  Getting prospects that are a couple of years further along in thier development is what the Oilers need.  What's ironic to me is Burke just went out and got to of the things the Oilers need most: a big (6'5" centre) and a top grade defensive prospect.  And he did it giving up a pending free agent and a mid-tier defenceman.  No excuses Tambi. No more. 

The good thing about the trade is it should up the price for Hemsky and Penner.  This deal puts huge pressure on Lombardi to put Schenn in any deal with the Oilers, if he, as is rumoured, is talking with the Oilers.  In fact, it probably makes any deal Schenn plus.  At the same time, does it price Hemsky out of Pittsburgh's price range?  The Penguins prospect pool is pretty thin. 

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