Friday, July 21, 2006

Pens acquire Nils Ekman and Patrick Ehelechner

The Pens traded another draft pick in 2007 yesterday, this time to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for winger Nils Ekman and goalie Patrick Ehelechner.

First off, Ehelechner is just a prospect, and will either stay in Germany, or play for Wilkes-Barre.

Now, more intriguing, Ekman played last year on a line with Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo. Nils recorded 57 points (21 + 36) and very responsible defensively. Sounds to me like someone that can play with either Crosby or Malkin. He's 30 and has average size.

I'm liking more and more the moves that Shero is making. The acquisition of Ekman, coupled with the prior trade for Moore, is making me think that this guy really knows what he's doing (or, at least has a very well defined sense of what he wants to do).

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I agree that Shero seems to be making some good moves. Living in the Bay area I have been able to watch Ekman the past few years, and he should be a welcome addition to the Pens. Shero seems to be getting sound defensive players, both forwards and defenseman. I think with a few more pickups or trades the Pens could have a respectable team. I don't know what that means as far as more wins this coming season, but it seems they are moving in the right direction... now if we can just get rid of Thibault ;)