The NHL free agent deadline happened a few days ago which means alot of player movement. This is a relatively new thing. The traditional strategies used by NHL clubs to acquire players still exists but it's become more difficult to re-tool your roster via a trade.

My team The Edmonton Oilers lost their best player from last season.

Dwayne Roloson came to the Oilers in a deadline trade with The Minnesota Wild on March 7, 2006 in exchange for the Oilers 1st round choice in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional draft choice.

That draft pick turned out to be center
James Sheppard.

When Dwayne Roloson came to the Oil with 19 games left in the 2006 season he pushed the Oilers over the top, in their patented "squeak into the playoffs finish".

He anchored the Oilers as the ran the playoff table and came within one period of a Stanley Cup. Unfortunately the Oil lost Roloson in game 1 to a lower body injury that would see him miss the remainder of the season.

Three seasons later Roli would part of the three goalie system that coach Craig Mactavish instituted when there was no clear number one. Mathieu Garon was the man most thought would take over failed to grab the spot with inconsistency. When it was Roli's turn he stepped up and played better than the others. He never complained about the three goalie system which gave each goalie less ice time. Most veteran goalies would raise a stink. Not Roli, he accepted it worked hard and and did his best when it was his turn.

He accepted defeat and even would take the blame in one goal losses.

Dwayne Roloson's class is magnified by the recent Dany Heatly situation. Danny Heatly could learn alot from Dwayne Roloson a humble player who realises that hockey is team game and you can only be one part.

The Edmonton Oilers have, perhaps, upgraded on Dwayne Rolosons talent by acquiring the best goalie available, Chicago Blackhawk Nikolai Khabibulin. But Dany Heatley proves in small way that it might be hard these days to replace a true pro, Dwayne Roloson. As Oiler fan, I miss him.