Detroit - Phoenix

[Parker]

Detroit receives:

R/L Mikkel Boedker (71)
C/L Lauri Korpikoski (78)
D Erik Gudbranson (76)
PHX 2014 3rd round pick

Phoenix receives:

C/L Mike Richards (82)
D Ricard Blidstrand (74)

This is the most heart-wrenching trade I've ever discussed, as Boedker and Korpikoski are two of the longest-serving Coyotes. Boedker is the guy who finally broke Shane Doan's stranglehold on the team scoring lead. Korpi is a consistent overachiever and has produced well no matter where or with whom he plays. And Gudbranson... never mind that he's one of the rarest talents in the league with his 90DF; he also cost me a bunch of players I really liked and a whole ton of drawn-out negotiation.

My dad taught me that you address your weaknesses by dealing from a position of strength, and that's exactly what I'm doing here: my defense corps is the single-biggest strength in my organization, but a true #1 centre has long eluded me - no offense to Jordan Staal, he's a monster defensively but he just doesn't have that game-breaking ability that I wanted on my top line. Richards is one of the few 80/80 players in the league, and I didn't expect to get him cheap, if at all, but man did I have to think hard about this one.

<deep breath>

Long story short, we receive the dominant 1st line centre we've long sought, and Blidstrand will take over Alex Grant's 3rd-pairing spot while Grant is promoted to 2nd pairing. Detroit gets the elite defender they've been looking for, an offensive replacement for Richards in 40-goal scorer Boedker, and a very solid two-way centre in Korpikoski. The draft pick was included as a requirement to upgrade my defensive return as James was unwilling to part with Blidstrand without a little extra incentive. James, you drive a hell of a bargain, but I like your style. It's a pleasure doing business with you as usual.

Phoenix approves this deal.

EDIT: Forgot to add player CON

[jamesredwings]

It's the hardest trade I have ever made. I believe Richards is one of the best players in the league if not the best.

Boedker and Korpi together will surpass the offensive production of Richards and bring much needed depth to this (former) 2 guy team. Richard's shorthanded prowess will be missed the most though. I love that Detroit now has 2 legit lines with Bacstrom - Center here - & Ovy #1, Boedker - Korpi- Beck on the second. While keeping our youth.

The icing on the cake is Gudbranson. Green and Gudby is quite a pair on D. Our D sucked all year but our high octane offense hid that weakness. It is very hard to get a good defensemen from other GM's in this league.

Hopefully that 3rd round pick becomes a 3rd liner.

I told Parker it would take a lot to get Richards and he surely put the effort to make it happen.

Pleasure doing business with you too. I hope this turns out well for both of us with just a hint of advantage on my side

[Virtual Jarmo]

Approved.

Detroit gets deeper, something they needed, and Parker uses his tremendous depth to add a superstar. A good deal for both sides.

Going to mandate that Blidstrand doesn't get traded between these two teams again, though.

[Virtual Jarmo]

Entered.