Two-Part, Three-Way Deal

I don't know where to begin with this one, so I'll try and outline it briefly... first, Williams went to LA and O'Sullivan went to Carolina. Second, O'Sullivan went to Edmonton, while Cole went back to Carolina. Got it? Good.

			2008-2009 Statistics		2009	2010
To Los Angeles	Position	Age	GP/MIN	Points	Cap Hit	Cap Hit
Justin Williams	F	27	33	10	$3.5 million	$3.5 million
			2008-2009 Statistics		2009	2010
To Carolina	Position	Age	GP/MIN	Points	Cap Hit	Cap Hit
Erik Cole	F	30	63	27	$4 million	UFA
2nd Round Pick
			2008-2009 Statistics		2009	2010
To Edmonton	Position	Age	GP/MIN	Points	Cap Hit	Cap Hit
Patrick O'Sullivan	F	24	62	37	$2.925 million	$2.925 million
2nd Round Pick

In essence, this is just three top-six forwards moving from place to place, trying to find a better fit. Sure, the picks are good bonuses, but it's really just the forwards trying to make a bit more of a difference. Williams could be a good fit in LA, but his injury will keep him out of that line-up for a while yet. Cole gets to go back to Carolina, where he had good chemistry with Eric Staal, which could help propel the Hurricanes into the playoffs in the East. O'Sullivan looks to be a player that will fit the mould in Edmonton and play well with their top line wingers. When we look back on this trade, we know we have to wait a while before we know who wins this deal.