Claimed:Dorothy, we're not in Oslo anymore. [REVIEWED]

[atw2592 286]

The Oslo Storm has gone through a number of roster changes within the past few weeks, including acquiring multiple draft picks for the upcoming and future VHLM entry draft. While the Storm always seeks to put their best effort out on the ice, it is obvious that this season is a rebuilding year and there is just not enough effort on the team to be able to run the table. With that said, the Storm is set up for a big run in season 48 and maybe even as early as season 47 if things go their way in the upcoming draft. Here is a breakdown of the moves that got them there:

1. Oslo sends defenseman Marquis Hyvarinen and their S48 second round draft pick to Brampton for their S48 first round pick.

Without a need for Hyvarinen this season, Oslo wanted to get some value out of a potential contender. They did just that by finding a match in Brampton. They were willing to give up a high draft pick in return for an experienced veteran. Brampton even scored a S48 second round pick, which was a bonus item for their kindness.

2. Oslo sends defenseman Sam Weaver to Ottawa for their S48 second round draft pick.

While this may seem like a small trade, Ottawa actually might be getting an elite defenseman by the time the S46 playoffs begin. Sam Weaver has a ton of potential as a waiver claim who will be in the VHLM entry draft next season. He has a chance to make his claim for the number one overall selection with a solid season, obviously serving no purpose in Oslo. Thus, they got a S48 second rounder in return, filling the void left from the first trade.

3. Oslo sends Evgeny Nezhmetdinov, Artom Zhumbayev, and Mikhail Gribov to Moscow for Lenny Face, Lucas Galeano, Lucas Villa, a S48 second round pick, S48 third round pick, and a S47 third round pick.

Here is the big one. Oslo was looking for one trade to empty their talent in return for a bunch of draft picks. The result? Quite possibly one of the largest two team trades in VHLM history. A six-player, three-pick swap which solidifies the future of the Storm while bolstering the S46 roster for Moscow. This gives Oslo nine draft picks in the next two seasons (three in S47, six in S48) and puts them on track for a serious S48 run. On the other side, Moscow could end up being the team to beat in the playoffs if Zhumbayev and Gribov blossom into the stars some people think they could be. It is definitely a risky trade for the Red Wolves, but one that could pay off huge dividends too.

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

GRADER REVIEW: Very close to the word limit, but good enough. Nice analysis of a couple trades that help put the rebuilding Storm in a position to succeed in future seasons while also providing current new members and actives a different team with more activity and a chance to compete in the playoffs. I think we can all agree that Lenny Face has the highest upside of those three players Oslo received in the last trade!

[CowboyinAmerica 2,889]

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