What if the Gaspar Zakrevsky trade NEVER happened?

[JB123 728]

Today we will be taking a look at perhaps the biggest trade of Season 77 in the VHLM that sent shockwaves through the league (in a way). This trade is fairly recent, having been agreed upon by the Rush and Hounds on the 28th of March. To better understand the significance of this deal, one must know the context in which it happened. 
 

Yukon was 5-9-0, and had given up the second most goals in the VHLM. However, they had also scored the second most goals themselves. Left wing Gaspar Zakrevsky had the most goals and points in the league. Center Lorgo Pompronkimishkonov was in the top three in both categories as well. With all the scoring on the Rush, there was still some gaping holes on defense. 
 

Mississauga had only lost once through 13 games, going 12-1-0. Their D-core was extremely good, with projected S78 #1 pick Hard Markinson as their top defenseman. Goaltender Luke Spinelli was giving up less than two goals a game. Their scoring was not bad, by any means, as they were tied with the Rush with 56 goals for. That being said, they still craved an elite scoring talent on the wing to complement their group. 
 

Thus, there were valid reasons behind the trade, from both sides. Without further ado, here was the trade: 

 

LW Gaspar Zakrevsky from Yukon to Mississauga for D Inunnguaq Kiak, RW Brighton Grisby, and a S78 3rd round pick. 

Basic Statlines: 
Zakrevsky in Yukon: 18-15-33 in 14 GP, +13

Zakrevsky in Mississauga: 12-31-43 in 45 GP, +15

 

Kiak in Mississauga: 0-4-4 in 13 GP, +3

Kiak in Yukon: 20-42-62 in 45 GP, +13

 

Grisby in Mississauga: 0-0-0 in 13 GP, +4

Grisby in Yukon: 10-11-21 in 45 GP, +14

Obviously, as shown by the stats, Kiak has made a noticeable impact for the Rush, while Grisby has been a solid depth scorer and has taken advantage of more ice time. Zakrevsky, meanwhile, has become more of a playmaker for the Hounds, as they have an excess of snipers. 
 

SO, NOW, THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT IF THIS TRADE NEVER WAS MADE? 
 

Well, first of all, there would most likely not be that much difference in the standings. Although, in my opinion, this trade has proved mutually beneficial, one or two players can only do so much (not to say that these players aren’t surrounded with talent, which is definitely untrue) in determining their team’s standing. 
 

Zakrevsky would most likely have a bit more goals, going off of his start-of-season pace in Yukon. This also is because of the players he played with and their play styles. 
 

Kiak would not have seen as much ice time and opportunity in Mississauga. The Hounds have a considerably greater amount of defensemen than Yukon, as they have eight while the Rush have three. 
 

Grisby might not have broken out in Mississauga behind all their offensive prowess. 
 

Overall, this trade was a win-win. It provided both teams better all-around skill. In addition, it allowed a change of scenery for some players involved, which led to more success statistically. We are yet to see how this entire trade plays out, but regardless, it has been an interesting one to cover. 
 

Word Count: 534 words 

Will claim capped next week

[Juice 641]

A banger of an article, I love the breakdown of both teams of where there strengths and weaknesses were, the stats breakdown, and that ultimately the trade was a win-win (seeing as I'm one of the GM's involved )

 

Wonderful article @JB123

[JB123 728]

Claiming Capped Week