Jay's Take: Before you get too excited and think #TheCupIsOurs, that's what I call sarcasm. Fraser is a big defenseman (6'4 220lbs), but he hasn't been good enough to crack the top six in Toronto. That's a red flag. Even though the Leafs blue line is an abortion, it's still better than Edmonton's. So while this isn't the blockbuster deal Oilers fans wanted to see Craig MacTavish pull off, there are some positives.
Fraser does have the size the Oilers need, and plays a very nasty game; which is something the Oilers don't have on defense, actually on the entire roster (with the exception of Luke Gazdic). Fraser will drop the gloves with anyone and he can hold his own. He can also clear the crease (that's a novel concept). The reality is though is he's nothing more than a third pairing guy. Even so, you have to ask yourself is he better and Philip Larsen or Corey Potter? Absolutely.
Abney is in the ECHL and probably will never see an NHL arena unless he buys a ticket. Hartikainen, while is a big forward, did little to impress in Edmonton and is actually in the KHL. So if they gave up nothing for a big defenseman who Eakins is already familiar with (he coach him in the AHL), he's worth kicking the tires.
Drop me an email at gimmeasign@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @JayPlatt.
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