Vandermeer Dealt to Edmonton for Patrick O'Sullivan

[Thrillhouse]

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Jim Vandermeer from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Patrick O'Sullivan.

Vandermeer, 30-years-old, recorded 12 points (4G, 8A) in 62 games with the Coyotes last season as well as 60 penalty minutes.

The Caroline, AB native started his career signing on with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent in 2000. He played with the Flyers from 2002-04 before being dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks with current Oiler, Colin Fraser. Vandermeer spent four years with the Blackhawks including a career-best 2005-06 season where he scored six goals and 18 assists in 76 games.

The 6’1”, 211 lbs rearguard also suited up for the Calgary Flames for a season and a half. In 374 career NHL games, he collected 87 points (22G, 65A) and 557 PIM.

Vandermeer played four years with the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL. In his final season he was the captain of the Rebels and went on to help the team win the Memorial Cup.

[OilersHockey]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

http://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun/status/17427352321

Edmonton only has 6 NHL caliber D men (including Peckham and Chorney) so they desperately need another 2 guys who can fill roster spots.

Aaron Johnson, Jason Strudwick and Dean Arsene are all UFA...

This would make sense.

[chilly666]

there are reports that both will be bought out as well. for the yotes it should give them wiggle room to bring back michalek. cause if o'sullivan is under 26, its at 1/3 of the remaining money on his contract.

[Thrillhouse]

Sounds like both guys are getting bought by their new teams anyway. Looks like a cash trade

The buyouts are similar in cap space cost but since Vandy is older, he costs more real money. So Edmonton is willing to put up the extra cash, in return for something extra, maybe a draft pick. We just haven't found that out yet.

I'd rather just keep Vandy but whatever.

[Thrillhouse]

Sweet, sounds like the Oilers are gonna keep Vandermeer. Love this trade.

[OilersHockey]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

Sweet, sounds like the Oilers are gonna keep Vandermeer. Love this trade.

That's the best news I've heard all day.

[Wild_KO King]

Originally Posted by OilersHockey

Edmonton only has 6 NHL caliber D men (including Peckham and Chorney) so they desperately need another 2 guys who can fill roster spots.

Aaron Johnson, Jason Strudwick and Dean Arsene are all UFA...

This would make sense.

Any chance the Oil keep Strudwick? He seems to have a pretty solid physical pressence on D, and can mix it up when called upon.

The Oil are stepping up their gritty side, in true NW Division fashion. Theo is a good little agitator, Storts is getting better each year, and now Vandy will add some firepower to the blueline (and it looks like he will be able to avoid Boogs for the most part, with Booger likely leaving Minny....). Good pick up by Edmental.

[bengino]

with the rumor that Souray may be on the move to St. Louis, i wonder what kind of package may be going the other way? according to McKenzie, the Oilers may get Eric Brewer back in return. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326149.

As for this trade, i think O'Sullivan needs to find his game pronto, Phoenix could be the place to do so, however, this doesn't mean he will play there anyways.

[R.Middleton]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

Sweet, sounds like the Oilers are gonna keep Vandermeer. Love this trade.

You'll love it until you seem him play on a consistent basis. But, I hope he can somehow regain to his older tougher self. The NHL could always use more tough players.

[dumby]

Fair trade; ONE POS for another.

[Killah_punk]

Thrillhouse why do you love this trade? Vandy is terrible not he's doesn't even play physical anymore. He is not worth the cap hit of 2.3 mil a season.

[JKidd]

I thought I seen Strudwick resigned with Edmonton already? If not, he's a cheap guy to keep around in order to round out the last pair.

On the deal, its trading one under achiever for another. O'Sullivan needs a market that won't give a piss how he does, and the desert isn't nearly as hot of a market for hockey as the Oil City. Maybe he'll find himself like Wolski did after the trade down there from Colorado?

Vandy.. damn... I want to see him regain his old form so bad, but, it's just not there when you watch him. He doesn't step up to the blue line to deliver the big hit (nevermind getting into the neutral zone), he doesn't use his strength to stop guys from cutting to the net, nor does he use it when guys are planted in front. I won't even touch on the fighting aspect. All things that made him a viable defenseman not too long ago, yet, he's for some reason completely fallen away from doing those things. I really hope he gets his **** together in a place that really appreciates tough hockey, and a division that makes you play tough hockey.

[Sugden Flu]

Vander-queer & Pud-wick are one in the same. Both are lousy players who used to be tough & now play like giant vajayjays!

[OilersHockey]

Originally Posted by Sugden Flu

Vander-queer & Pud-wick are one in the same. Both are lousy players who used to be tough & now play like giant vajayjays!

Did you watch Jason Strudwick play the last two years?

Sure he's slow as he!! but he fights guys half his age and generally beats them... He was a voted 7-2-5 in his 14 fights over the last two years... not too shabby for a 60 year old man!

I'm not really sure where your Strudwick comments are coming from to be honest with you... it's not that he doesn't want to hit, he's too slow to get there on time

I agree on Vandy - the guy doesn't fight at all anymore, and he generally doesn't hit either....

[Thrillhouse]

Originally Posted by Killah_punk

Thrillhouse why do you love this trade? Vandy is terrible not he's doesn't even play physical anymore. He is not worth the cap hit of 2.3 mil a season.

Scenario A: Buyout that asshole O'Sullivan's contract and take a cap hit for two years for nothing.

Scenario B: Trade asshole O'Sullivan for a player who worst case is like Jason Strudwick. He's overpaid but it's off the books next year and the Oilers are gonna be garbage this year anyway. Best case, Burrows opens his mouth and Vandy finds his inner truculence and plays like he used to. Edmonton's gotta be the smallest team in the league, if not, pretty close to it. The more Vandy's and the less O'Sullivan's is a good thing. Especially when it's likely the Oilers will have a ton of rookies in the lineup this year.