Atlanta and Phoenix Swap Prospects
At first glance, yesterday’s deadline deal between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Atlanta Thrashers seems a tad one-sided.
The Thrashers received a pair of young Russian prospects in
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and Ruslan Zainullin, former first and second-round picks respectively. Heading the other way is former 2000 sixth-rounder Darcy Hordichuk and a 2002 fifth-round pick. The clubs will also exchange fourth-rounders this summer.
It was an offer that Atlanta GM Don Waddell could not refuse.
But the trade may benefit both clubs in the long run.
The 21-year-old Hordichuk, a pugilist of the highest order, is a sure-fire NHLer. He’s big, powerful, sure-fisted and a very strong skater for his size. He’s also quickly become a fan favorite wherever he has played.
However, he was unable to secure the Thrasher’s enforcer role during Jeff Odgers’ injury absence, hurting his chances with undisciplined penalties and inconsistent defense.
To secure a potential heavyweight, the Coyotes gave up on two prospects whose value has dipped since being drafted. Safronov’s development has been particularly disappointing since the club passed on a number of other good blueliners at the 1999 draft such as Nick Boynton (Bos), Mike Commodore (NJ), Jordan Leopold (Cgy) and Alexei Semenov (Edm).
Zainullin made a solid impression at this year’s World Junior Championships as a fourth-line energy player. But he has struggled to score back in Russia, having netted just two goals in 64 career games in the Russian Super League, including none in 21 games this past season with Ak Bars Kazan (21-0-2-2).
It will be very interesting to see who wins this trade in the long run. Certainly, it is a much more equitable deal than it looks on paper.
Here’s a more in-depth profile of Zainullin and Safronov: