OILERS TRADE GAGNER FOR PURCELL
The Edmonton Oilers acquired winger Teddy Purcell from the Tampa Bay Lightning for center Sam Gagner.
What does it give the Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers get a little more financial flexibility here, since Gagner's no-trade clause would've been activated July 1st (which would've locked Edmonton into two more seasons). So they move Gagner here before that could happen, and in return get a similarly-productive forward in Purcell. The latter isn't the physical winger the Oil desperately need, but he will slot into their top three lines and be reasonably productive.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Lightning
This deal gives Tampa Bay some financial breathing room for more moves this summer. The Bolts were looking to shed salary and open up space by moving Purcell's contract--and then buying out the rest of Gagner's deal. Instead, they ultimately traded Gagner soonafter (to Arizona, along with winger {P=3560 B.J. Crombeen}, for a 6th-round pick in 2015). The Lightning also agreed to give Arizona a third of Gagner's salary and his cap hit, which would've been the same cost of buying Gagner out. So in the end, Tampa Bay winds up with a late draft pick next year, while also cutting Purcell's contract.
Fantasy impact
Gagner's fantasy fortunes probably get a nice uptick playing for the Coyotes, while Purcell should remain roughly as productive as he was with the Lightning (and he may bounce back from last season's statistical downturn thanks to the change of scenery). Of course, much depends on which linemates Purcell winds up with on the young and inconsistent Oilers.
