Blockbuster in Chicago

One hell of a trade between Chicago and Atlanta today, power forward Dustin Byfuglien, defenseman Brent Sopel, right winger Ben Eager, and prospect Akim Aliu, to the Atlanta Thrashers in return for center Marty Reasoner, prospect Jeremy Morin, and the Devils' first and second round pick (which were acquired in the Kovie trade). The Blackhawks were in desperate need of a salary dump, however few expected it to be at the expense of Dustin Byfuglien. It's a good trade considering the nature of the move, Chicago got some good picks out of it. It's Atlanta who really profits from this move. The Devils pick wasn't a great one due to their record, and in return for almost nothing they received a veteran blue liner, an elite, crease crashing power forward, and an outstanding role player in Ben Eager. Though known as a checker, the Ottowa born winger has quite a scoring touch, and many think he would fit in many teams' second lines. Atlanta has really improved their roster with this move. Though they're far from being a cup contender, if they can ink Byfuglien and Eager to multi year deals they'll have good pieces in place. Nevertheless, the two are still role players, and Sopel is no youngster. If Atlanta is to truly achieve a level of strength, they must add to their blue line, and get some true top six forwards other than Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien.