Significant Trade Deadline Pickups

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Feb 27, 2008

Significant Trade Deadline Pickups

Penguins grab Marian Hossa

Penguins G.M. Ray Shero acquired All-Star forward Marian Hossa from Atlanta in a deadline deal Tuesday that cost Pittsburgh forwards Colby Armstrong and Eric Christensen, 2007 first-round draft pick Angelo Esposito and this year's first-round pick. Pittsburgh also got forward Pascal Dupuis in the deal, but paid a big price for a possible rent-a-player in Hossa, who becomes a free agent on July 1.

Stars snag Brad Richards

The Dallas Stars tried to boost their offense and their playoff moxie on Tuesday by getting center Brad Richards (left) from Tampa Bay in a five-player deal completed hours before the trade deadline. The Stars gave up backup goalie Mike Smith (right), forwards Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern and a fourth-round pick in next year's draft for Richards and goalie Johan Holmqvist.

Sharks get Brian Campbell

The Sabres' All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell was traded to the San Jose Sharks along with a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for right wing Steve Bernier and a first-round pick in this year's draft. The Sabres made the trade after contract talks with Campbell broke off this past weekend. Campbell, eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, rejected the team's offer of a three-year deal worth more than $17 million.

Capitals add Sergei Fedorov to fold

The Capitals acquired six-time All-Star Sergei Fedorov from the Blue Jackets for prospect defenseman Theo Ruth. The Caps have struggled to find a suitable replacement for Michael Nylander all season, and while the skills of the 38-year-old Fedorov have clearly eroded, he can fill the second line role better than anyone currently on the roster. His playoff experience, and firm grasp of the Russian language, should be a plus down the stretch.

Mr. Huet goes to Washington

Washington GM George McPhee finally took action to address his team's glaring need in goal by nabbing former Montreal starter Cristobal Huet for a second-round pick in 2009. There's not much time left for the Caps to make a run on the Southeast title, but with Huet on board, they won't waste as many opportunities to make up ground as they would have had they continued to roll out Olaf Kolzig. The Canadiens will now rely heavily on rookie netminder Carey Price as their starter.

Flyers acquire Vinny Prospal

On Monday night, Tampa Bay sent Vinny Prospal to the Flyers for defenseman Alexandre Picard and a conditional pick in the 2009 draft. The left winger makes for a nice add to an offense that's been devastated by injuries, and he'll immediately slide into the first line slot vacated by the concussed Simon Gagne. Originally a draft pick of the Flyers (71st overall in 1993), Prospal becomes the team's most accomplished finisher, and the sixth scorer of 20-or-more goals on the roster.

Avs reacquire veteran Adam Foote

After failing to come to terms with his captain on a contract extension, rookie GM Scott Howson hit a home run in dealing veteran Adam Foote to the only team for which he'd waive his no-trade clause. His absence will leave a big hole both on and off the ice in Columbus, but a first rounder this year (if the Avs make the playoffs) or next will help smooth it over. For their part, the Avs bring home another aging veteran of their glorious past in an effort to sneak back into the postseason race.

Pens bulk up blueline with Hal Gill

Pittsburgh picked up the 6' 7" Hal Gill from the Maple Leafs for draft choices, a nifty addition particularly if the Penguins meet the New York Rangers in the first round - a distinct possibility. Gill is not especially talented, but he is exceedingly tall. He uses his size and leverage to make life miserable for some forwards, notably Rangers star Jaromir Jagr, whom Gill has bedeviled over the years.

Red Wings bolster defense with Brad Stuart

Detroit acquired Brad Stuart from the Kings for a second-round pick in 2008 and a fourth-round pick in 2009. Stuart's played a bit, well, distracted this season, but he's a far better return for the picks than Gill. When he's on his game, he's a nasty banger who can chip in on both special teams. When the Wings return to full health, he'll provide excellent value on the third pairing.

Islanders deal Chris Simon to Wild

Minnesota acquired enforcer Chris Simon from the Islanders for a sixth-round draft pick. Apparently the mauling they suffered last spring at the hands of the Ducks hasn't been forgotten. With Derek Boogaard, Todd Fedoruk and now Simon patrolling the wings, the Wild now have a goon squad capable of defending the honor of their more timid teammates...if not actually of playing hockey.