On Monday the Pittsburgh Penguins made a big splash in the week leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline. They sent D Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars for F James Neal and D Matt Niskanen. I have mixed feeling about this trade. I'm one of the biggest Goligoski supporters out there and it hurts to see him go especially since he is having a spectacular. Goligoski was our 5th defenseman making only 1.8 million. His stats speak for them self, 5th in team scoring with 31pts and a team leading +20(tied with Crosby). In my eyes at 1.8 millions and those numbers as a 5th defenseman Goligoski is a steal. Its hard to find around the league a number one or two guy that has those type of numbers. I like the addition of Neal to lineup. He brings size, speed, a heavy shot and isn't scared of running through someone to get to the puck. I think he will be a nice fit with Sidney Crosby(concussion) and Chris Kunitz(upper-body injury) once they return from injury. As for Niskanen hes a guy in need of a change of scenery and hopefully Pittsburgh is the change he needs to revamp his game. I understand since the injury to Crosby and Malkin we've been struggling to score and that's what Neal brings to the table at 6' 2" 210lbs and only 23 years old. I just cant justify downgrading your defense for a scorer when we still are winning games and hold a solid playoff position in the current situation were in. I feel like it was a deal that didn't need to be made. You take away someone that logs quality minutes quarterbacking your powerplay and he by no means a defensive liability out there. Like I said I have mixed feeling, its hard to see Goligoski go but Neal will fit in well and hopefully it all works out in the end.
I agree with you I don't know why the Penguins traded Goligoski. They traded one of their top defenseman for another forward. I defiantly think the Stars got the better end of the deal.
ReplyDeleteThe Pens have a solid D group as it is. Goligoski was filling a 3rd pairing role. He is supposed to be a top pairing player. Goligoski wasn't performing how the Pens were expecting or even me for that matter. I thought Gogo was gonna shoot off and Letang plataeu. The Penguins needed the winger in Neal who needs someone to set him up, Crosby most likely. Plus the pens got Niskanen who isn't a bad D man at all. Besides some players need a change in scenery. I think Gogo got a goal and assist and both his first two games with the Stars. Think the trade worked out for all parties involved.
ReplyDeleteI can see where you are coming from thinking that the Stars got the better deal but you can't just look at this year. In the years to come, Neal is going to flourish in Bylsma's system especially playing with Sid. Sid finally gets his winger with Neal. I think if you throw Kunitz on a line with those two then it will be one of the tops in the league. Kunitz will do all the dirty work in the corners and Crosby will swoop in and make a sick play to Neal for the goal. I love Niskanen. He is playing great for the Pens. I was worried about him but those worries faded very quickly. He plays his hardest every night. Goligoski is going to have a great career with the Stars. A much better career than he would have had with the Penguins. We have some great D prospects who will be in the lineup as early as next season. Goligoski was a scapegoat in the eyes of Pens fans. That really got to him. He needed a change of scenery and I wish him all of the best.
ReplyDeleteI definently have to agree. Now that the Pens are in the playoffs i have to say that they could have used Goligoski. he was an outstanding defensmen and i beleive that is the Pens weakest point right now, after that 5-1 and 8-2 losses at home.
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