Predators Acquire Defenseman Grebeshkov from Oilers

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have acquired defenseman Denis Grebeshkov from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 47 games with the Oilers, he has six goals and 13 assists for 19 points. In 223 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and Edmonton Oilers, he has 16 goals and 66 assists for 82 points. He will be a restricted free agent this summer. Not a bad move for the Predators, as Grebeshkov brings plenty of offense to the team's blueline. He also brings plenty of skill on the power play to the Predators as well. This trade also shows that the Oilers are now in rebuild mode, so expect them to unload several players by the 3 PM trade deadline on Wednesday. There is currently speculation that the acquisition of Grebeshkov could pave the way for the Predators to trade defenseman Dan Hamhuis, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The rumor is that the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Hamhuis, but the Predators are rumored seeking a young defenseman in return, believed to be Ryan Parent. With the Flyers seeking defensive help, this situation could get interesting. Keep an eye on the Predators and Flyers in the coming days for a possible trade.