Penguins/NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded James Neal to the Nashville Predators. The team will receive forwards Nick Spaling and Patric Hornqvist.
Hornqvist, 27, is the center piece of the deal. He had 22 goals and 53 points last season. He is signed for the next four seasons with a cap hit of $4.25 million. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Hornqvist was credited with 77 hits in 76 games. His career high is 30 goals in 2009-2010 and has 106 goals and 216 points in 363 career NHL games.
Spaling regarded as a third line forward who can play center and wing, had a career high 13 goals and 32 points last season. He was 52.7% in faceoff circle. Spaling not known as a physical player, was credited with 42 hits in 71 games.
He made $1.5 million and is an RFA.
By dealing Neal, the Penguins have not cleared any cap space and in fact have added salary.
