Inside Analysis: Trade Deadline Winners & Losers

Penguins acquired D Andy Wozniewski from St. Louis for D Danny Richmond. Wozniewski, 28, (6-5, 225 lbs) appeared in one game for the St. Louis Blues this season. Wozniewski has been assigned to WBS.

At noon on Wednesday the Pittsburgh Penguins claimed RW Craig Adams off of waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks.

At 2:00 p.m., after weeks of talking, the Penguins acquired Bill Guerin from the Islanders for conditional draft pick. Guaranteed fifth round pick, Fourth round pick if the Pens make the playoffs, third round pick if Pens win a series.

The Penguins assigned Bill Thomas and Miroslav Satan to WBS.

Acquired F Chris Kunitz (2-26-09), F Bill Guerin, RW Craig Adams, D Andy Wozniewski

Analysis: The Penguins made a low risk move just hours prior to the trade deadline acquiring Islanders forward Bill Guerin for a conditional draft pick that at the worst can be a third round pick. Guerin 38, (16 goals on the season) is on the downside of his career but he provides an element that the Penguins lack. A right handed shot down low on the power play, veteran presence in the locker and some grit on the top two lines.

Only 3 goals since December 27th is a concern but Guerin is a better option than what the Penguins currently have. With the addition of Guerin, they are better equipped for the playoffs. The additions of Kunitz and Guerin put players like Dupuis, Kennedy and Cooke in roles that they should be in. There will also be some more competition on the bottom two lines which is never a good thing.

What they didn’t address: Adding a physical defenseman was a need but the asking prices for very high even for borderline top four defenseman. The Penguins were also very active in adding a grit 3rd/4th line player but failed to land some of their top targets. The asking price was too high for Chris Neil, Jarkko Ruutu, and the Av’s didn’t like the Penguins offer for Ian Lapierre. The Penguins nearly missed out on forward Travis Moen. The Sharks, Panthers and Penguins were the finalist for him. The Penguins are playing it off that Craig Adams will provide that presence.

Are the Penguins a Stanley Cup contender? Not yet, but they are a better team than they were two weeks ago. Another thing to consider is the East didn’t do much at the deadline. Boston basically stood pat and they seem to be coming back to the pack, Washington didn’t address their needs. New Jersey is the only team the Penguins wouldn’t want to see in the first round. The Penguins morning skate will be at 11:30 a.m. Will update on the lineup soon after. Crosby is not expected to play.

When Crosby is back all signs point towards Crosby centering Kunitz and Guerin.

Acquired F Olli Jokinen, D Jordan Leopold

Analysis: The additions of Jokinen and Leopold may not put the Flames at the level of Detroit and San Jose but they are a serious contender in the Western Conference now.

Acquired F Travis Moen, D Kent Huskins

Analysis: The Sharks wanted to add grit and they did with the addition of Moen. Moen is the kind of player who is a great asset down the stretch and in the playoffs because of his physical play. Would have been a great addition to the Penguins.

Acquired F Patrick O’Sullivan, F Ales Kotalik

Analysis: Eric Cole had no intention of re-signing with Edmonton and the Oilers were able to get a young forward in O’Sullivan who has 30 goal potential. The addition of Kotalik improves their top two lines and will help their power play.

Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Antoine Vermette from Ottawa Senators for Pascal Leclaire and a second-round pick

Analysis: This was a trade that benefits move teams. Vermette needed a changed of scenery and will hopefully reach his potential in Columbus. Ottawa needed a number one goaltender and I think they got one with Pascal Leclaire.

Analysis: Did not replace Robert Lang down the middle.

Analysis: A team that needed to bolster their blueline to take the next step.

Analysis: Did not address their goaltender situation and Kyle McLaren is not the answer on their blueline. Upshall and a 2nd round pick for Daniel Carcillo?

Analysis: Adding a Bouwmeester would have put them in the Detroit, San Jose, Calgary argument. They just missed out on him.

Acquired Eric Cole; Traded Justin Williams to LA, Traded Patrick O’Sullivan to Edmonton

Analysis: Adding Cole makes the Hurricanes a better team now and there has been some talk for a couple weeks when it was leaked the Canes were in on Cole, that he will likely re-sign with the Hurricanes.

Acquired D Derek Morris, F Nik Antropov, F Sean Avery (3/3/09)

Analysis: I seem to be in the minority on this but I think the Rangers improved their team. Adding Derek Morris bolsters their blue line, but the wild cards are Antropov and Avery. The Rangers don’t know what they’re are going to get from Avery. Antropov is an under-achiever but the Rangers need help on their top two lines. On paper though, they have improved their team.