RESPONSE TO CROSBY TRADE

From Fort Erie Falcons GM, Matt Young as posted on the CCHL homepage:
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High Risk vs. High Reward – The Sidney Crosby trade

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The week in the CCHL saw Sidney Crosby change addresses, with Sid packing up his gear and heading off to the northern region of Thunder Bay. To acquire Crosby, Thunder Bay had to part with the fast developing John Tavares and when-healthy star winger Marian Gaborik in the deal with Long Island.
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This is the definition of high risk vs. high reward. There is absolutely no doubting that Crosby is the best player in the game of hockey, however that best player is somewhat of a long term risk due to his current concussion problem. If Crosby is healthy, I’m not even sure we see this transaction happen but in the interest of protecting the long-term health of their franchise Long Island made the bold move and got a great return given the circumstances. In examining the return, one must note that the game’s 2nd best offensive player was moved last season for a package that was headlined by Chris Stewart and Ondrej Pavelec. I have to say it is a great move for Long Island in acquiring the young Tavares and Marian Gaborik, given what the market could have been for the injured center.
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After reading the above paragraph, you are probably thinking that I am against this move for Thunder Bay given that I really think Long Island improved their team with this deal; but I also think the same of Thunder Bay. It’s high risk for what should be a contending team for the CCHL championship and if healthy, Crosby could propel the team offensively in the playoffs. I also see the merit that Blake Wendt had in making the deal, as it is not every day a generational player and best player in the game becomes available to you. Despite the injury risk, you have to take the chance in acquiring the player if you believe the injury is not an injury that will be a detriment to the player for the remainder of his career.
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This transaction is one of those rare win-win trades for both teams – today. This trade could become very lopsided one way or the other over the long-term. There is no doubt Thunder Bay is hoping they bought low and win big with Sid the kid.