Penguins Acquire James Neal And Matt Niskanen From Stars For Goligoski

To Penguins:
James Neal
Matt Niskanen

To Stars:
Alex Goligoski








Review:
In a surprising deal, the Penguins seemed to have finally gotten someone to take the role of Crosby's winger, in the 23 year old, James Neal. Neal has been an important part of the Dallas Stars club, which is why it was so surprising to see him moved. He has a terrific shot and great size which helps him force his way to the places he needs to be to take his shot. So far in his 3 year career, he has reached the 20 goal plateau each season. Last season he had a career high 55 points and being on Crosby's wing should mean that his stats will be inflated when Sidney returns from injury. Although he gets paid $2,875,000 he should be well worth it and I can definitely see him being the top 6 winger the Penguins have been looking for. Along with Neal, the Penguins were able to bring in 24 year old defenseman, Matt Niskanen. Niskanen, who is best remembered for his infamous fight with Sidney Crosby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX1r6fQjBq4 
(which should create a bit of a comical reaction to this move). 
But, in all honesty its a very smart, low key move that they also get Niskanen. The past two season's have not been to kind to Niskanen but in 2007-08 he put up 26 points and 2008-09 he put up 35 points. His skating is top notch and has decent offensive ability as shown by those two seasons previously mentioned. Although the Pens got these two good players, they were forced to give up a very solid defenseman in Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars. The 25 year old Goligoski, has very good mobility on the back end and his terrific puck moving ability is probably his biggest asset. But what bothers fans are his turnovers and the fact that he can get easily knocked off the puck. His size, 5'11, sometimes causes him to get over matched and when he is under pressure he can make bone-headed decisions and it shows with his 31 giveaways. But, there is no denying it, he puts up a lot of points. Last year he put up 37 points and so far this season he has 31 points and is a plus-20. He is on pace to put up a career high 42 points, which would be impressive. 


Short-Term Review: Penguins, They were able to get a top line winger for Sidney, who will put up a lot of points, and a decent defenseman with upside to take Goligoski's spot. The Stars do get a strong offensive defenseman in Goligoski but it comes nowhere close to making up for the loss of Neal and Niskanen.


Long-Term Review: Penguins for sure, they get a terrific 23 year old forward in Neal that will be a talented top 6 winger for years to come and a 24 year old defenseman that still has upside in Niskanen. Although Goligoski is still young at 25, I really love the addition of James Neal for the Penguins and I would have expected the Stars to get more for him alone, let alone add another player to the deal.