The first blockbuster trade of Joe Nieuwendyk’s time as the Dallas Stars general manager has now been made. Forward James Neal and defenseman Matt Niskanen has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Alex Goligoski, per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
Per the Dallas Stars, the trade is now official.
My initial reaction is that this trade proves three things: James Neal is not as valued as many felt he was by the Stars, Matt Niskanen is more expendable than a draft pick and the Stars are more than prepared to re-sign Brad Richards.
We’ll have more on this trade very soon.
Discuss below and vote on the poll.
Do you agree with the trade?
| Yes. Goligoski is who the Stars needed. | 162 |
| No. James Neal is too valuable. | 367 |
| We’ll see. | 244 |