| Douglas Benton. 27th February, 2008 - 12:17 pm
 The best overall player on the market was moved at the very end of Tuesday’s action as Marian Hossa will now try to help the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals. He was traded with Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, prospect Angelo Esposito, and a 2008 first-round pick.
First off, the Penguins get one of the most dynamic offensive players in the game in Hossa (26 goals, 30 assists) and with him comes Evgeni Malkin and at least an 80% Sidney Crosby. The Penguins should be able to score with anybody in the NHL now. I expect Hossa’s goal numbers to improve and make whatever line he is on almost unmatchable by the opposition’s top defensive line.
In Dupuis, the Penguins also get a solid forward who will give scoring depth and also has shown a defensive background at times dating back to his tenure with the Minnesota Wild.
On the Thrashers' side of this trade, they were looking to get value for a player in Hossa whom they thought they had no chance in resigning. Armstrong at right wing and Christensen at center are both interesting players in their mid-20s who have shown they can contribute in this league but shouldn’t be considered future stars.
Esposito, on the other hand, was a first round talent coming out, and from all accounts has a bright future. The Thrashers also get Pittsburgh’s first round pick which should be in the mid to late 20s come draft time.
The impact of this deal for Pittsburgh hinges heavily on how far they get this year and if they can re-sign Hossa to a long-term deal. Hossa makes Pittsburgh the favorite in the Eastern Conference right now. Goaltending and the health of Crosby are the only things holding them back from reaching the Cup finals.
In a polar opposite, Atlanta is waving the white flag in the mediocre Southeast Division and will look to rebuild around Ilya Kovalchuk.
Pittsburgh Penguins (A-) The Penguins pick up the best talent available and the risk is rather low. They now have a great shot at the conference championship this year, and if Hossa stays, they have the makings of an East dynasty. If he leaves, they still have a very talented young core which won’t be hurt by the departure of these three players.
Atlanta Thrashers (C-) When you are dealing a talent like Hossa, you just have to get more than what Don Waddell got. Atlanta got a talented young player in Espositio and a valuable first round pick, but at some point, you can’t be young forever and need veterans. Atlanta should have found the money to pay Hossa or if not, demanded a young NHL impact player and an above average prospect.
What do you think Hossa is worth? Email your thoughts to Douglas.Benton@realgm.com |
