Hossa Trade Has No Down Side
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Feb 27, 09:20 AM | Hype this story!
It seems there are two groups of Pittsburgh Penguins fans this morning: one whose members are drooling over the acquisition of Marian Hossa and one whose members are worrying about the assets traded to get Hossa.
I fall into the first group.
You see, there really is no down side to this trade, and let me explain why.
There are several scenarios that could play out with Hossa, some of which would be spectacular, while others would appear to be devastating. Below I will outline them and explain how, despite appearance, all are good.
Scenario 1: Penguins re-sign Hossa before July 1
The positive is clear in this situation: the Penguins would have a long-term solution for the wing of Sidney Crosby.
The only possible downside is that Hossa’s contract could make things difficult for the Penguins to retain other essential elements, such as Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal.
But does anyone really think Penguins general manager Ray Shero would risk losing his young, homegrown, elite talent for a near-30 player acquired through trade?
Scenario 2: Hossa goes to the highest bidder on July 1
Obviously, this is the big worry of many fans, especially considering Hossa’s early remarks yesterday that he had not yet thought about re-signing with the Penguins (as if he’s supposed to know his future with the team an hour after being traded and before meeting the new coach, general manager and players).
But think about the positive side of this trade if Hossa walks. First off, they shed $1.2 million in Armstrong’s contract and $750,000 in Erik Christensen’s contract — a total of nearly $2 million in savings. That money easily could be put toward a second-tier scoring forward along the lines of Petr Sykora.
Sure, trading last year’s first round pick, this year’s first round pick and two roster players for a Sykora-type player doesn’t seem to make sense, but it does when considering that Hossa more-than-likely will help the Penguins advance in the playoffs and, possibly, give them a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
The lost draft picks can be partially replenished through small trades that commonly are made on draft day. Maybe, if Ty Conklin re-signs, Dany Sabourin is traded for a fifth rounder or Jonathan Filewich is traded for a third rounder. You get the picture.
Sure, the loss of two high draft picks (Angelo Esposito and the 2008 first rounder) likely won’t be able to be made up, but the Penguins have more young depth on their roster in Crosby, Malkin and Staal than most teams have on their entire system. Losing a few high picks won’t be that devastating — so long as this doesn’t become a habit.
Scenario 3: Penguins trade Hossa after the season, prior to July 1
And, lastly, this possibility seems unlikely, but it could happen. There are two ways: a sign-and-trade or a draft day trade for early negotiation rights.
If this scenario plays out, the Penguins likely would get a first rounder and more in return for Hossa, who is widely considered to be one of the most coveted impending free-agents in hockey. General managers will be chomping at the bits to have a chance at early negotiation rights for this superstar.
As with “Scenario 2,” this scenario also gives the Penguins an additional $2 million to work with when bringing in a free agent scorer.
With all three scenarios considered, clearly the most beneficial option would be to retain Hossa. Not only is he an offensive force, he is (relatively) gritty, controls the puck well, and plays a great game defensively.
But, in reality, if he goes, there are many positive possibilities that will, without a doubt, help to lessen the blow.
Regardless of your personal feelings of this trade, it has been made. My suggestion: sit back, relax, and enjoy what surely will be one of the most dynamic offenses in the entire NHL for the next few months.
It will be fun!
Comments
DaBich
Feb 27, 10:02 AM
That last paragraph says it all. It can’t be undone, so enjoy the ride.
Bring it on!
Tim
Feb 27, 10:50 AM
I agree, well said Matt. I understand that we have grown attached to these players, but when you have a chance to make your team dangerous on both ends you have to pull the trigger. The whole point is to win the cup right?
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 27, 11:00 AM
It sure is, and I think they did that without, for the most part, hurting their chances of doing so for years to come.
They made this trade without giving up any significant roster players, such as Ryan Whitney or Jordan Staal. And they did it by dealing Angelo Esposito, a prospect whose stock is rapidly falling, and a first round pick which looks to be in the bottom ten, at best.
Not bad.
KG
Feb 27, 12:23 PM
It is a trade that had to be made. If you would have told me that we were going to acquire Hossa, I would have said Staal or Letang would have been involved.
In my opinion we dealt quantity not quality per se for Hossa. Army/EC are solid guys, but outside of Pittsburgh, these are a couple of 3rd liners in their mid 20’s..No real loss there. To me Kennedy is developing in another Armstrong and for a fraction of the cost.
Espo and a 1st is quality. But you have to give to get.
The fact that we didn’t have to give up any of the young core guys, makes this a solid move in my opinion.
I give Shero and ownership a lot of credit.
Eric
Feb 27, 09:44 PM
The Penguins made a move, a great move. A move that screams confidence. I haven’t heard a Penguins player mention that they’re upset at how they now have a better chance to win the Stanley Cup. Sure, they’re sad the lost Armstrong – Sidney Crosby’s best bud. But last time I checked, I never saw any indication that Crosby plays hockey to make friends. I’ve always heard that everyone wants to win. This move helps.
They made a statement trade. A statement that has now sent a message to the rest of the Eastern Conference. Ray Shero, put the Penguins in even a better position of a team that is proving it wants to win. Rather than saying it. The Canadiens, a team expected to be the front runners for Hossa, took a solid step back in their moves. The Sabres solidified their position in the league as a team that will do anything possible to win, as long as they don’t have to spend a buck. I am reinforced in feeling that players on the open market still don’t like the situation in Buffalo. As stated in a survey by THN, Buffalo was amongst the least desirable team to play for. With a GM who keeps building for a future that might never come, the day that Ryan Miller decides to leave, will be hurt by a reputation of not having the balls to make such moves the Penguins did.
On the other hand, Ray Shero, made an example of his skill with his trade. Future free agents will now see the Penguins as a viable option. With a strong fan base in a non-traditional hockey market pre-1990’s, a core group of marquee stars, and a GM who will do what it takes to bring success to the Penguins.
DaBich
Feb 28, 05:39 AM
KG ~ I feel Kennedy will surpass Colby’s skill in a year or so. That kid has balls, too. I give him a lot of credit.
The Lord
Feb 28, 12:55 PM
Yes we saved $2 million on Armstrong and Christianson, but Hossa’s contract is at $7 million a year. Plus, Atlanta was negotiating with Hossa and couldn’t make a deal, so what makes you think the Pens can? It’s great for Sid. This was an ownership call to go after a high profile player. It’s about the experience of going deep into the playoffs. Now, we just have to go deep in the playoffs for the deal to be worth it. Hopefully we sign Hossa.
Eric
Feb 28, 06:42 PM
I honestly don’t expect to retain Hossa. It would probably be lovely to have him, but I think he’s salivating over the biggest pay day of his career.
I will say if we don’t sign him, and he helps us to a solid conference finals position – I’ll be content. I, like most Penguins fans, am hoping for the glory. But, understand that it’s a difficult task to accomplish, especially when the West has several strong teams. I’ll just be able to accept them making it to the Eastern Finals… hopefully.
Matt Bodenschatz
Feb 29, 11:46 PM
Essentially, what it comes down to is that the Penguins have proven to be willing to make moves when needed. Whether or not Hossa re-signs is a moot point, as I think it is now clear that Crosby will have a legitimate scoring winger next season. If Shero can’t lock in Hossa for a reasonable price, I fully expect Shero to target another free agent…or possibly two, to fill the void.
Whatever happens, the trade ends up being fine, as Esposito’s stock is falling, the first rounder will be mid-20s at best, Christensen has had enough time to prove himself (yet hasn’t), and Armstrong is just a shell of the player who broke into the league as a physical, energetic player with a scoring touch. The future wasn’t mortgaged, and, in fact, a statement was made that winning the Stanley Cup is a priority this season and will be for the next few seasons.
Commenting is closed for this article.