It’s really looking to me that the answer is going to have to be “Brian Murray”. I’m not sure if he’s the type of person to pull a Lamoriello, though.
Rangers also get a conditional draft pick
Rangers get Backman from the Blues for a 4th.
As far as the Pens trade goes…
The Pens really needed somebody with playoff experience. With Roberts down and Recci gone, Hossa will fill this role. He might even get a second wind, he seemed pretty happy to be going off to play with Sid.
I’m not sure if Hossa will find chemistry with anybody in Pittsburgh. It seems to me that Hossa, Crosby and Malkin are all players that need to have the puck on their stick to be effective.
I spoke with my inside source and he claims the team despises Paddock, but that Murray is buds with him and won’t axe him. So they’re stuck with him.
If they don’t start winning at some point they could miss the damn playoffs. They’re only nine points ahead of ninth and are playing about as badly as a team can play.
Apparently they were half right.
I’m thrilled. Every indication I got was that PAddock was an ass and hated by his players. I admit I’m surprised Murray had the guts (and ownership support) to make this move.
The more I think about the Wings deal, the more it makes sense. He’s just the sort of player the wings love to land at the deadline. They didn’t have to give up much to get him. He’s talented, but hasn’t been having very good seasons recently so if they resign him, it’ll be for a lower price. Then all they have to do is sit back and watch the resurgence happen.
Okay. Maybe I’m optimistic. I’m just happy the Wings didn’t send out a lot for a slightly higher chance to win the cup. Take Pittsburgh. No question that Hossa can help them, but can they resign him and Malkin? Not to mention trading away young talent can bite you in the butt when you can’t find the money to sign your old young talent when they become RFA/UFA.