Wheeler, Stuart Sent To Atlanta And Peverley, Valabik Sent To Boston

To Bruins:
Rich Peverley 
Boris Valabik

To Thrashers:
Blake Wheeler 
Mark Stuart










Review:
The Thrashers needed to shake up their club and thats exactly what this move is going to do. By bringing in Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart, they have two young players that are guaranteed to play an important role with the club. Wheeler at only 24 years old, still has some upside he has yet to reach. His 6-5 frame makes him an imposing force especially when he is able to skate as well as he can. Consistency has been a problem for him and I am sure the fact that he was pushed down the depth chart in Boston didn't help that. The biggest reason why he was on the block for the Bruins was because of his big cap hit. He gets around $2,200,000 per year which for his production is a little bit of an overpayment. The Thrashers also were able to bring in Mark Stuart, who is a strong stay-at-home Defenseman. He plays with an edge and is not afraid to throw around his body. Stuart is a serviceable 3-4 defenseman and he should boost the Thrashers defensive corps. The Bruins were forced to make this deal as they needed to clear cap space for Kaberle's arrival. The fact that they were able to get such a good return is impressive. Rich Peverley is a solid top 6 forward who's contract is absolutely dirt cheap. He is only making $1,250,000 per year which for his 55 points last season and his 34 points so far this season is a terrific deal. With the Bruins impressive group of Centers, to add a solid player that can line-up at any 3 forward positions is something of value to their team. The addition of Peverley really solidifies the Bruins' forwards group and creates a good mix of different player types. The other player headed Boston's way is 6'7 defenseman Boris Valabik. Valabik, the one time promising prospect, has seen his future in Atlanta disappear this season as he has been waived twice and pretty much been labeled  a bust. At 25 years old, this opportunity is probably Valabik's last in the NHL. But, if there was a place for him to be successful this would be it. Valabik was picked so early by Atlanta in 2004 mainly due to the similarities between him and Zdeno Chara, both being huge Slovakian defensemen. The Bruins are hoping this could influence him positively.  


Winner Short-Term: Bruins, they get a player in Peverley that I believe will play a huge role going forward for the Bruins.


Winner Long-Term: Thrashers, I think Wheeler has a ton of potential and with the extra ice time he will get in Atlanta I think he will reach it.