Thursday, January 8, 2009

John Tavares to London

TSN is reporting that John Tavares and defenseman Michael Del Zotto have been traded to the London Knights.

Sources tell TSN that the Oshawa General scoring star has waived his no-trade clause and approved a trade to the Knights after Generals' general manager-coach Chris DePiero and Knights' general manager Mark Hunter successfully concluded trade talks Thursday morning.

Sources also tell TSN that Generals' defenceman Michael Del Zotto, a first round pick of the New York Rangers, is part of the trade package going to the Knights.

Considered by many to be the first overall pick in this summer's NHL Entry Draft, Tavares was named the tournament MVP at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship, scoring eight goals and adding seven assists in just six games.


More to follow.

2:50pm: According to Loosepucks, the deal hasn't been finalized.

Just got off the phone with London GM Mark Hunter five minutes ago and he said, "We can not confirm (the John Tavares deal) yet because it is not finalized."

Just to clarify for some readers who have sent emails: OHL teams aren't able to consider a deal "finalized" until the league office approves it -- so this deal is likely done on paper, but still pending approval.


3:20pm: Nothing new but a couple of other trades have gone in the OHL.

In another Oshawa move today...
Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors have acquired defenceman David Corrente from the Oshawa Generals in exchange for the Majors third-round draft pick in 2009.

Niagara has sent goalie John Cullen to Kingston for a 5th round pick

Both are according to Loosepucks.

3:33pm: Okay TSN has updated their story.

Sources also tell TSN that Generals' defenceman Michael Del Zotto, a first-round pick of the New York Rangers, is part of the trade package going to the Knights that sees London send four second-round draft selections, two third-round choices, one forward, one defenceman and one goalie.

Pure Speculation you have to say Michael Zador is the goalie, Christian Thomas the forward, and Scott Valentine as the defenseman.

3:35pm: I just refreshed the page and those three names are correct. Goltender Daryl Borden is also going to London.

It appears the deal is done and the Hunters do it again. John Tavares will only be there for the rest of the season. What I like about this deal is they get Del Zotto for a year and half most likely. There defense is stacked. Here's London's current roster

Goalies

Trevor Cann
Daryl Borden

Defenseman

John Carlson
Michael Del Zotto
Kevin Montgomery
Vladimir Roth
Scott Aarssen
Matt Ashman
Steven Tarasuk
Matt Clarke

Forwards

John Tavares
Philip McRae
Nazem Kadri
Phil Varone
Jared Knight
Jason Wilson
Garett Hunter
Tucker Hunter
Mike Yovanic
Zac Rinaldo
Daniel Erlich
Justin Taylor
That's My Take

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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