The Vancouver Canucks have traded center Kellan Lain to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for center Will Acton. The Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks farm club) also received forward Mitch Holmberg in the swap.
#Canucks have dealt Kellan Lain to the #Oilers for Will Acton.
— TSN Radio Vancouver (@TSN1040) November 20, 2014
The #Comets have also acquired F Mitch Holmberg in the Lain/Acton trade. Holmberg has an AHL contract.
— Utica Comets (@UticaComets) November 20, 2014
Acton, 27, has played in 33 National Hockey League contests and accumulated five points in the process. Lain, 25, has played in nine NHL games and has one goal to go with 21 penalty minutes.
Lain was signed by the Canucks in March of 2013 due to his size and faceoff ability. In 86 American hockey League games, Lain posted seven goals and 20 points. Lain scored his first career NHL goal against the team he is now a part of, the Edmonton Oilers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1LKcv4R0R8
In July of 2013, Acton was signed by the Oilers to a two-year, two-way contract. The Minnesota native has played for the Oklahoma City Barons and the Toronto Marlies over the course of his 188 game AHL career. Many consider Acton’s successes in the faceoff circle to be the reason the Canucks traded for him.
The trade was met with lukewarm reaction from Canucks fans. (Actual quotes from Canucks message board)
“Was kinda hoping to see Lain grow and flourish and utilize his big 6’6 frame to his advantage as a checker. Minor move but at least Acton, who is supposedly good or decent at faceoffs, can help us in that department.”
“Wot?
I was interested in seeing Lain grow.
Acton any good at faceoffs? He is in AHL now does he stay there or does he come up and have to go through waivers if we send him down?”
“I dont really like this trade.
Friesen’s good game last night must have made it easy for Benning to pull the trigger letting Lain go.
Don’t really like the fact we gave up another big tough centre to a division rival, but depth is depth i guess.”
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @Markus_Meyer27. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for? GO!
Main Photo:
