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Dustin Penner - The Flying Fridge
Today, I started thinking about the upcoming 2010 NHL Entry Draft. While in the midst of thinking about some of the big names in the 2010 draft class like Taylor Hall or Ryan Seguin, it occurred to me to take a look back at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Specifically, I thought that it would be interesting to have a look back at the now infamous offer sheet deal that Kevin Lowe tendered for the services of one Dustin Penner. The offer sheet deal for Dustin Penner was contentious at the time. It sparked a lasting feud between Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe. At the time, the $21.25 million dollar deal over five years seemed pretty generous. Now, despite Penner's recent cold-streak, many would herald this as one of the few prescient moves made by the former Oilers GM. What happened to the three draft picks that Lowe gave up in the deal? Let's take a look... Brian Burke, former Anaheim Ducks General Manager
The feud between Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe started with some harsh words from Burke. At the time, Burke was quoted as saying, "I have no intention of speaking to [Lowe] anytime soon," He later accused Kevin Lowe of being "gutless" and accused Lowe of running the Oilers "into the sewer." This latter point might resonate with Oilers fans today as the Keving Lowe legacy does include the signing of too many spent forces for too many years. Burke then continued with accusing Lowe of throwing a "grenade" at the other 29 teams in the league with this deal. Burke told the LA Times, "You go right now from entry-level to what used to be the third contract, thanks to two offer sheets from Kevin Lowe." 
Kevin Lowe, Oilers president of hockey operations
On the other side of this conflict over Dustin Penner, was former Oilers general manager, Kevin Lowe who tendered the offer sheet. Lowe responded to Brian Burke's attack while interviewed by Bob Stauffer on the Team 1260 radio station. His response included calling Brian Burke a "moron" and a "media junkie." The NHL warned both then feuding general managers that they would have to end their public feud or face significant fines. 
The Deal...
Again the specific terms of the offer sheet deal included a 5-year $21.25 million dollar contract along with the Oilers top-three draft picks for the 2008 NHL Entry draft. Specifically, this included a first round, 12th overall pick in Tyler Myers, a second round, 43rd overall pick in Justin Schultz, along with a 3rd round, 73 overall pick in Kirill Petrov. Well, to be more accurate, it's impossible to predict who the Oilers would have selected with those picks, nevertheless those are the players that Oilers draft picks were used to select. 
Tyler Myers, Drafted 1st round, 12th overall, 2008, by the Buffalo Sabres
Tyler Myers was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres from Edmonton via Anaheim via Los Angeles 12 overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Basically, he represents the draft pick that the Oilers could have had if they wouldn't have made the offer sheet deal for Dustin Penner. He's listed as 6'8, 222, and this is his first season playing in the NHL. In 43 games played so far this season, Tyler has 6 goals and 20 assists for a combined 26 points. His plus/minus rating is an impressive +9. He's a player with a great pedigree including gold at the under 18 and under 20 world junior championships for Team Canada among several other accolades. What's more is that he has a great value contract at $1.3 million dollars over this along with the next two seasons. He's only 19-years old too. Hockey's Future had the following to say about him prior to being drafted: Myers has premier size and excellent potential as an offensive defenseman. At this early stage in his development, he is already a great skater, but needs to become a more reliable passer and point man. 
Justin Schultz - Drafted 43rd overall, 2008, by the Anaheim Ducks
Justin Schultz was drafted 43rd overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. He's a defenseman listed at 6'1 and 171 pounds who's also just 19 years old. During the 2008-9 season, Justin played in the BCHL putting up 50 points in 49 games. This season, he's put up nine points in 20 games playing in the NCAA for the University of Wisconsin. Hockey's Future provided the following talent analysis for him: Schultz has really good hockey sense, is very good at moving the puck, and has a special knack for creating offense from the back end. Obviously, the big knock on Schultz at 6'1, 163 is his size. He will have to get stronger and prove himself capable of handling bigger opponents before he is ready to play pro hockey. 
Kirill Petrov - Drafted 73rd overall, 2008, by the New York Islanders
Kirill Petrov was drafted 73rd overall in the 3rd round of the NHL's 2008 Entry draft by the New York Islanders from Edmonton via Anaheim. Kirill is a big winger listed at 6'3" and 209 lbs who's currently playing in the KHL. Like Myers, he has an impressive pedigree with gold and silver medals at the under 18 world junior championships for Team Russia. Additionally, he was named the best forward at the U18 WJC for 2007-8. This season, Kirill has 0 points in 8 games played in the KHL along with 10 points in six games at the U20 WJC. There's been some confusion as to whether or not his KHL team will release him to the New York Islanders. Again from Hockey's Future, they provided the following analysis on Kirill: Petrov has size, speed and skill. Standing at 6’3 and almost 200 pounds, the young forward is hard to knock off the puck and can deliver an impressive physical presence, if properly motivated... Overall, Petrov is an impressive and tempting package of physical presence, skating ability and soft hands, but who needs to further improve his defensive play and his decision making.
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