Leetch an Edmonton Oiler?

[Flock of Moosen]

So Rangers fans, if this trade goes through what do you think about it.

My wife is a Rangers fans and she is really pissed after hearing about it. As a Devils fan myself I can say even though he is getting up there in age, he is one of the only decent team players you guys have. Sure, you have a bunch of talented stars, but they don't know shit about playing as a team. At least with Leetch he knows that it takes all 5 guys out on that ice to make it work, not just one superstar.

Anyway, here is the story. Keep in mind, this is not a done deal yet.

Rangers trade Leetch to Edmonton

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Rangers traded the rights to free agent Brian Leetch to the Edmonton Oilers after being unable to sign the defenseman before the Monday midnight deadline. But it could be a temporary trade.

The Oilers sent backup goaltender Jussi Markkanen and a fourth-round draft pick to New York.

Leetch has been a cornerstone of the Rangers' defense since joining the team after the 1988 Olympics. He can still re-sign with New York starting Tuesday.

The Oilers are unlikely to sign Leetch but will receive a compensatory draft pick in 2004 -- probably a second-rounder -- when he goes to another team.

Leetch, 33, is a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman. He earned $9.68 million last season when he played in just 51 games because of an ankle injury, scoring 12 goals and 30 points.

Markkanen, 28, was 7-8-3 last season with a 2.59 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage and three shutouts in 22 games last season. He was the backup goalie on Finland's Olympic team in 2002.