Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal
With a new GM comes a new direction. After the news breaking of local favorite and team captain Mark Giordano being traded. I got to sit down Stefan the new Oilers GM.
Stefan “It’s never an easy decision to trade player like Mark Giordano. He has done a lot for this organization and community. Taking over this team I have quickly realized it has been lacking direction for the last few seasons. My goal for the team was to get a younger while trying to add salary flexibility moving forward.”
Jim Metheson “So that lead you to trading Mark Giordano?”
Stefan “Yes, Giordano was the only player that really made sense to move. He is 35 and will not be in the league by the time this team is cup ready. And we felt he still had significant value in the league.”
Jim Matheson “I have to ask you about this Tweet from Don Cherry today. He said “YOU CANT MOVE GIO WITHOUT IT NOT BEING A HOCKEY TRADE!” Have you seen it yet?”
Stefan Laughing “No I have not… I don’t spend a lot of time on social media. My goal was to get a young player, a high PO player and a 1st for Giordano while trying to add salary flexibility.”
Jim Matheson “You did not get the first round pick you wanted?”
Stefan “The first round pick I wanted was there. We also took a good look at the roster for the Bakersfield Condors. And with a lack of talent we thought we could turn the first into a player that could jump right in.”
To wrap up the interview I ask Stefan to give me a quick assessment of the players coming to town in his first trade.
Valeri Nichushkin covers the young player we were looking to add. His contract is 4x2.6 and he is at 72PO 72OV. We feel we can give him top six minutes and a chance to develop and out play that contract.
Tyler Soy is 22yo 87PO 69OV. He moves right into the top line on the farm. He offers flexibly moving forward and will help develop the few pieces we already have in Backersfield.
Anthony Salinitri is 21yo 90PO 64OV. He has a great eye for the net (70SC). That will make him deadliest scorer we have in Snipe City. He is only 21 and has 90PO. I think we can develop him to become a regular scorer in Edmonton.
Christian Folin is a true professional and is on a good 2x1.4 contract.