Eastside's Hockey Elite Collide

Detroit sends D Brian rafalski (82) and Mtl #1 pick 2013

for LW Patrick Elias (65) and Pit #2 round 2013

Reasoning : Elias is a center that can play with Backstrom and Ovy (instead of Loktionov or Lombardi). While Richards stays with Hamburgler and Jeff Beck. Elias has a contract that is also expiring and I go down a few places in the next draft. Much needed depth at the center position

Rafalski just can't catch a break.

To Detroit:
Patrick Elias(65)
2nd Pitt 2013

To Minnesota
Brian Rafalski(82)
1st Mtl 2013

Reasoning:
Had no plans on resigning Elias so basically jump 30 spots or so and into the 1st round. Rafalski is just a salary dump to make it work for Detroit. Maybe he'll sneak in a game here or there.

Thanks for the deal Wings and good luck in the post season.

Approved.

Deal works for both teams here. MIN gets a better player with a pick in the 20s and Elias will be a useful piece to DET's playoff run.

Entered.