Wow... Pittsburgh just became a serious Stanley Cup contender. They have reportedly acquired superstar winger Marian Hossa (and winger Pascal Dupuis) from Atlanta in exchange for a 2008 first-round pick, forwards Colby Armstrong and Ryan Christiansen, plus the 20th overall pick in 2007, Angelo Esposito.
Analysis: Listening to the talking heads on TSN, they feel the Penguins gave up a lot for one player who is eligible for free agency on July 1. Rangers fans will remember that Hossa was completely invisible during the first round of last year's playoffs, but still....
Allow yourself for a moment to imagine a line of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marian Hossa. Putting aside the chemistry factor, what a line that would be.
There are questions surrounding the potential of Angelo Esposito, who was once projected to be one of the top five picks in last year's draft. Christiansen and Armstrong are solid players, but neither is a future star.
The bottom line is, it's a gamble, just as every trade is a gamble. If Hossa helps the Penguins go deep into the playoffs, it's a brilliant move. If not, it's a disaster. But it sure will be fun to watch. Rangers and Islanders fans can't be happy about this...