NEAL TO PENS, GOLIGOSKI TO STARS
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired winger James Neal and defenseman Matt Niskanen from the Dallas Stars for defenseman Alex Goligoski.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
Excellent trade for the Pens. Neal, a third-year NHLer, has already surpassed the 20-goal mark in as many times. An industrious winger with a knack around the opposing net, he's also signed through next season with a cap hit of $2.875 million. He should eventually excel alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin--Pittsburgh's two injured superstars. Niskanen has levelled off somewhat in his young career. Defensive problems have been at the root of his stock declining, but he still has time to turn things around. Pittsburgh has Kris Letang to run the power play from the back end, but Niskanen could provide depth there. We have a feeling GM Ray Shero isn't done yet.
What does it give the Dallas Stars
The Stars paid a hefty price for a sound offensive defenseman, a commodity that they were lacking from the blueline--veteran Stephane Robidas has been lugging the company's offensive line from the back for too long now. Moreover, in Goligoski, GM Joe Nieuwendyk also acquires a defender that isn't physical, and one that's prone to bobbles in his own end. Neal, most especially, and Niskanen are still young--both under 25 years of age--and have yet to reach their full potential. Neal is underrated; we would have hesitated in dealing him straight up for Goligoski, never mind adding another youngster (Niskanen) to the deal. Luckily, Goligoski is also young at 25, he does bring that much-needed offensive element to Dallas and he's signed for next season, as well (at a very affordable salary, which gives them financial flexibility moving forward).
Fantasy impact
