Penguins Acquire Neal and Niskanen for Goligoski

[antonio106]

So I guess this means they don't want Kovy anymore, eh?

[Spirit]

Awesome deal for the Penguins. Goligoski has a bright future, but with Despres coming, offensive D is the only place they can afford to part with a top prospect. James Neal will be a huge help to the team, and Niskanen is gravy. Goligoski has the offensive skill, but he's still very shaky in his own end, and doesn't provide any toughness whatsoever around the net.

[rondo]

Originally Posted by anti_shark

So is Gologoski any good? Is he a #2 defenseman?

He's close and coming into his prime years....probably a number 2 offensively. Defensively he's not bad just lacks a little size....Dallas must be tyring to do everything they can to keep Richards...

[Wadubbin]

Originally Posted by antonio106

So I guess this means they don't want Kovy anymore, eh?

No they do not.Thank the heavens!!!!Sorry..

[Kid Roberts]

Pens said they're really trying to get Kovalev. It's in the Tribune Review if you didn't see it.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by anti_shark

So is Gologoski any good? Is he a #2 defenseman?

He was a highly touted prospect and proved his metal here. He has really turned it on this year, and did well at the start of last season. He projects into a top 4 role maybe even a number 3 role. He also is a great skater, solid shot, and plays decent D. He has made some great strides from last season.

I personally think he will hit #2 dman territory. I honestly feel like he could turn into Letang minus Letang's nasty side. Plus he is American which always helps.

[steve1480]

Originally Posted by Wadubbin

No they do not.Thank the heavens!!!!Sorry..

Looks like they are....

While Neal will give the Penguins some badly needed scoring on the wing, the Penguins apparently plan to make a serious attempt to acquire right winger Alex Kovalev from Ottawa

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11052...#ixzz1EdMUX9aN

[Kid Roberts]

They wouldn't be playing tonight, would they ?

[Corpse]

Crosby>Neal.....They will be good together though, next year.

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by Kid Roberts

They wouldn't be playing tonight, would they ?

Nope. No flights into Pittsburgh right now, zero visability because of the snow.

Doubt the Pens go after Kovalev. I see no need for a disintrested in player.

[canuck2]

Wow....Neal has game for a young guy. dont know much about Goligoski.

[PilotsFan]

Originally Posted by canuck2

Wow....Neal has game for a young guy. dont know much about Goligoski.

Same here.

*scratches head* Not real fond of this deal, not one bit.

About the same feeling as when they (Dallas) sent Langenbrunner to NJ.

[canuckfan]

Amazed at how many young players have traded teams here in the days leading up to the deadline. Usually this time of year all you see is the vets and pending UFAs trading places, but this is crazy - I thought these kids, especially Neal and Goligoski, would be where they were for a long time.

Man, do I love this time of year - trades coming out of nowhere! When Crosby comes back, he's got a new young winner in Neal I'll be he can find some chemistry. Good trade for the Pens, not so sure about Dallas here...

[Dick Cheney]

I am definitely in the minority here, but I actually would like the Pens to get Kovalev. Yeah, he is inconsistent and lazy, but I'm sure he could turn it on for the last couple months with his former team to win another cup. He'll be gone after this year anyway, so I don't see how he hurts them. If he sucks, they can do what they did to Ponikarovsky last year, and scratch him. He'll be a lot cheaper too - probably only a 5 round pick.

[Mike Tython]

Originally Posted by thepolishkid88

Doubt the Pens go after Kovalev. I see no need for a disintrested in player.

Put a guy on a team with a shot, and that might be all he needs to get it in gear. If Sid gets back, I think Kovalev would look good on his right side, Neal/Kunitz on the left. Remember, Staal and Kunitz have a little chemistry with each other. All that hinges on a Kovalev deal happening, though.