Trade Deadline Today

Today is the NHL trade deadline and, traditionally, a very active day for player trades. Keep posted for my analysis of any trades made by the Pens.

Noon update: No blockbusters as of yet in the Atlantic but the Lightning sent Brad Richards - F and Johan Holmqvist - G to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith - G, Jussi Jokinen - F and Jeff Halpern - F.

The Sabres were unable to come to terms with Brian Campbell - F so they sent him to San Jose for Steve Bernier - F and a first round pick.

2pm Update: The Capitals acquired Sergei Federov - F from the Columbus Blue Jackets for prospect Ted Ruth - D. Looks like the Caps are stocking up to win the South. Federov is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. TSN is also reporting that the Caps have acquired Cristobal Huet - G from Montreal for a second round pick in 2009.

3:00 Update: Looks like the Pens are jumping into the fray. They have traded a 2nd round and a 5th round pick to Toronto for veteran defenseman Hal Gill. Rumor has it there is also a trade happening with Atlanta for Marian Hossa which will send Armstrong, Christiansen and Esposito to Atlanta. Will update when this is confirmed.

Update - The Hossa trade has been confirmed by TSN. In addition to Hossa the Pens will get Pascal Dupuis - F.

Analysis - There is quite a bit of concern that dealing Armstrong will have a bad effect on the teams chemistry. Colby ,while being very close to Sid, has a tremendous fan following and the concern could be warrented. Christensen is a go-to guy on the shootout as well. Hossa could very well take his place though so any concern about that is moot. Hossa is an unrestricted free agent after the season so if the Pens are not able to re-sign him to a long term deal then all they will get out of this is a rental forward for the rest of this season and Dupuis and will have given up three quality, young forwards, one of which was a first rounder, and a first round draft pick. Not sure if I like this deal or not but let's see where the chips fall on this one. Shero could be a genius or the goat depending on how deep the Pens manage to go in the playoffs.