Monday, February 28, 2011

Oilers Acquire Montgomery for Belle

The Edmonton Oilers announced a swap of AHL defencemen before lunch as they have sent Shawn Belle to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Kevin Montgomery. Montgomery is a 6'2, 188 lb rearguard that hails from Rochester, NY. A little more about the newest Oiler follows...


Montgomery spent two years with the US National Development Program in Ann Arbor before moving to the NCAA. That was a quick stay at Ohio State where he bolted from the Buckeyes after just 17 games and crossed the border to join the London Knights of the OHL.

The Avalanche used a 4th round pick on him while in his final year at the US-NTDP back in 2006. As a member of the Knights, Montgomery played two and a half seasons and ended with a 36-point in 46-game campaign in 2008-09.

Montgomery was a professional rookie last season in Lake Erie and recorded 7 points in 65 games. This season he's already reached 19 points and as has been the case for most of his career, almost all of his points are in the form of assists.

Hockey's Future describes the 22-year-old as a quality skater and solid 2-way defenceman.

At the very least the move makes sense for the Oklahoma City Barons who, after receiving Zack Stortini from Edmonton, was scratching Belle because they had too many veterans. Now they'll be able to dress Montgomery in that spot. Also, it's depth for the organization in case another move or two are coming before the trade deadline this afternoon.

No comments: