The New York Rangers and the Phoenix Coyotes have made yet another
trade with one another. This time the
deal is a prospect for prospect swap with New York sending 2009 second round
pick Ethan Werek to the Coyotes in exchange for 2010 second round forward Oscar
Lindberg.
At this point Werek looks like the more offensive of the two
prospects. This season he recorded 24
goals and 28 assists for 52 points in 47 games played with the Kingston
Frontenacs of the OHL this season. The
problem for Werek has been injuries as he has had various injuries in his two
seasons since being drafted which made making the decision on signing him more
difficult. Seeing as how the Rangers had
to sign him this summer or lose his rights they decided to move him for another
prospect who would not require that decision this summer or a contract against
the 50 contract limit next year.
Lindberg, 19, played 41 games for Skelleftea HC, in the
Swedish Elite League (SEL) this season, scoring five goals with nine
assists. Lindberg is considered a very
good defensive forward who is excellent on faceoffs, but has developing
offensive skills. To speak to his
faceoff skills he was tops in the SEL at 69.6% this season. He can be left over in Sweden to develop next
year or be brought over to develop here, but the flexibility is very appealing.
Here is eliteprospects.com's profile of Lindberg:
A very smart two-way center. Takes care of his defensive responsibilities, but also contributes offensively with good speed, technical skills and playmaking ability. Not an overly physical player, but he gets involved. Pretty good shot, but not a natural scorer. A team player who is good at face-offs.
Lindberg also participated in the IIHF World Juniors
tournament for Sweden this year and despite playing a third line center role
was tied for the team lead with when he had four points in six games played.
