Audio: Pens GM Ray Shero talks acquisition of James Neal and says Niskanen was important to deal

RAY SHERO'S CONFERENCE CALL TIDBITS

-- Shero said that in the last month or two he has had talks with the Stars about several different scenarios. It was not until the past two or three days that the two sides discussed names.

Shero hinted at the deal just making sense and being a fit for both sides as the Stars were seeking a young puck moving defenseman.

-- Shero said this deal has nothing to do with Sidney Crosby's health.

-- Shero on not wanting to trade Alex Goligoski. "A lot of teams have called and told them I wasn't looking to move him, " Shero said on teams inquiring about Alex Goligoski. Shero indicated this was just one of those opportunites he couldn't pass up and might not be there at another time.

Shero had high praise for James Neal but referenced that Neal has room to grow, calling him an unfinished product. Says he needs to work on becoming more consistent but feels he has the ability to really flourish here and take it to the next level.

Shero Audio: Ray Shero Press Conference Audio

-- It was very important for the Penguins to acquire a defenseman as part of the deal and Shero referenced several times that getting Niskanen was very important to him.