Hossa Trade

They deadline was coming up, and it seemed that the Penguins were going to stay put. When, suddenly, they shocked the hockey world, by acquiring all-star Marian Hossa in a trade with Atlanta. The Penguins sent forwards Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen, as well as first round draft pick Angelo Esposito and a first round draft pick next season. The Penguins got back wingers Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis. Also, the Penguins traded 2nd and 5th Round draft picks to Toronto for veteran defenseman Hal Gill.

First, I will start with the negatives of this trade. The Penguins gave up an emotional locker-room leader and Sidney Crosby's best friend Colby Armstrong, who had recorded 24 points this season. Then, they gave up Christensen, who is tied for shootout goals this season and is a promising young player. Then there is Angelo Esposito, who was considered by some to be the best player in last years NHL Draft. Then, the Penguins gave up a first round draft pick, to go along with the 2nd and 5th round picks for Gill. So, a lot was given up by the Penguins to acquire Hossa. Also, ther eis some doubt of the Penguins ability to resign Hossa for a long-term deal this summer.

Now for the positives. This, in my opinion, is a fantastic move by the Penguins. First, Colby Armstrong is a great leader and has a great personality. He is funny and is close to our star player. I love what Colby brought to the team. But, this is hockey, not a social club. While I will miss Colby greatly, I am excited to see what Hossa brings to the table. We are talking about a 30+ consistent goal scorer. He already has 56 points this season. Armstrong and Christensen have combined for 44 points this season, 12 less than Hossa. Christensen has not really produced, except for in shootouts. Well guess what? There are no shootouts in the playoffs. Plus, Dupuis is a promising player, who skates fast and bring a great presence to the wings. Then there is Gill, who was traded for draft picks. Gill brings a big body (6'7"- 255 lbs) to the defense. He is a tough player who will be a perfect match for Gonchar or Whitney. Then, there is Angelo Esposito. Last year, we drafted Jordan Staal first. He produced. Esposito is a lazy player who might never amount to anything. His potential went from great to questionable. Finally, there is the first round draft pick. If the Penguins go deep into the playoffs, which they should, that draft pick wil be so late that it doesn't really matter.

So, all in all I give this trade an A-. If not for the fact that the Penguins lost a great leader this would be an A for sure. Hopefully the Penguins can mesh this late into the season and make a run towards the Cup. With top players like Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, Gonchar, Fleury, Staal, Conklin, Whitney and Sykora (gasp) this team has to be considered the best team in the East now.