Well, with about 5 minutes until the NHL Trading Deadline today, the Pens pulled what has been dubbed a “Blockbuster Deal”. If you haven’t heard the news (broke at 3pm today) and are reading my blog instead to hear this (you’re pathetic) but the Pens acquired namely Marian Hossa, along with Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers. For them, we gave up Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito, & a 1st round pick. At first glance….a lot of people (including myself) were like….awww man that’s a lot! But it took me about 15 minutes to let my emotions cool over losing Colby and realize that we just got one of the BEST wingers in the NHL to play alongside THE BEST player in the game!!! And Dupuis is a great 2nd – 3rd line forward depending on the role the Pens put him in. And we’re not finished! Shero also dealt away a 2nd & 5th round draft pick for 6’5, 250 defensmen Hal Gill from Toronto. The Pens needed a big D-man to stand in front of that net. You can’t teach size like that and toughness like that goes a long way in the playoffs. Kudos to Ray Shero and the Pens for making such a bold move that I feel will impact the Pens & Pittsburgh in a great way moving through the end of the season and into the playoffs!

Does this remind anybody of a few trades made…oh….circa 1991 !?!

Click above to read the NHL News Release.