Sports

Puck Droppings: Marian Hossa joins Crosby and Malkin in Pittsburgh

by ryan | February 26, 2008 at 02:05 pm

768 views | 0 Recommendations | 3 comments

The Pittsburgh Penguins are contenders. Crosby, Malkin, Sykora, and now Hossa. Pittsburgh gave up a lot for Hossa, who's contract expires in July, but it could be deal that takes them to the Stanley Cup. Ty Conklin is one of the best goalies in the NHL and Fleury is back in action. The biggest challenge they face is reincorporating Crosby into the lineup. Will Malkin maintain his prominence when the spotlight is back on Crosby? I think Crosby's natural modest and leadership leaves room for the egos and showmanship of the new guys. And, bottom line, they all want to win and they have the skill to do it. If Ottawa continues to falter, Pittsburgh will dominate the East and have to face off against a tough Western team in the finals.

Marian Hossa, considered the top catch before Tuesday's NHL trade deadline, is the newest member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh also receives forward Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers for forwards Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, prospect Angelo Esposito and a first-round draft pick.

Hossa, who didn't have a no-trade clause, is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He is earning $7 million US this season.

The right-winger was second in Atlanta Thrashers scoring this season with 26 goals and 56 points in 60 games.

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armchairsports

at 15:35 on February 26th, 2008

This may be a good move, with the a good chance of re-signing Hossa. Even Hossa has to be realistic that if he stays with the penguins he's not going to get better money than Sid - and asking for a huge pile to be the third best player on a team will take some b*lls. That situation doesn't exist on a lot of teams. At least we'll get to see if he's really just in it for the cash or if he's willing to take a cut to stay with a up and coming team. On the other hand if Hossa goes soft in the playoffs he'll have trouble getting big money anywhere this summer.

The penguins gave up two character guys with some secondary scoring and a decent (but fading) prospect. Down the stretch they'll be a team to watch in the east. This move also probably buried the Flyers, who are decimated by injuries and who will now have to battle the Devils, Rangers and Penguins for a spot in the final eight. This move, and the return of Crosby should make the Pengiuns the class of the east (offensively anyway). With several games left against the Devils we'll get an early sign of whether this deal really puts the Pens over the top.

kid_diamond

at 10:11 on March 11th, 2008

All Star weekend was Hossa's last great effort as a Thrasher. He had the support of the crowd and he displayed the skills that we got to witness on a nightly basis after we aquired him.

As a Thrashers fan, i will truely miss Dupuis, he was a hard working guy who always gave everything on every shift. Hossa is one of the most talented wings in the game and finally getting to see him play with a good center will be amazing.

kid_diamond has contributed a photo to this story.