With the 3 PM deadline coming and passing, a huge deal was completed by the Pittsburgh Penguins. They acquired star right wing Marian Hossa and left wing Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for center Erik Christensen, right wing Colby Armstrong and prospect center Angelo Esposito along with a 1st Round Pick.

Analysis: It was rumored last night that Hossa’s likely destination would be the Canadiens. Instead, the former Senator is on his way to the Penguins to team up with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. For as good a player as he’s been, Hossa’s never fared too well in the playoffs. We’ll see how he does this time around surrounded by superstar centers.

A couple of other deals went down as well:

1.NYR acquire D Christian Backman from Stl for a 4th Round Pick.

Analysis: The Blueshirts desperately needed another defenseman with Paul Mara sidelined and get a serviceable one for a cheap price.

2.Pit acquires D Hal Gill from Tor for a 2nd Round and 5th Round pick.

Analysis: The Pens get the physical stay-at-home defenseman to bolster their blueline. Leafs do alright getting two picks in return.

There’s less than an hour left until today’s 3 PM deadline and already we’ve seen some pretty significant deals go down.

Let’s take a quick look and break them down: 

NHL DEADLINE DEALS 

1.TB trades C Brad Richards and G Johan Holmqvist to Dal for G Mike Smith, F Jussi Jokinen and C Jeff Halpern. 

Analysis: As expected, Richards became a Star. Now the former Conn Smythe winner will be looked to put Dallas over the top. Recent first round exits factored in. They didn’t lose any prospects. Just some decent players. Tampa gets a decent package. Jokinen’s a nice player but the deal hinges on Smith, who must fill the void in net. Why didn’t they get any draft picks???

2.Buf trades D Brian Campbell to SJ for F Steve Bernier and a 2008 1st Round Pick.

Analysis: Another Sabre leaves Buffalo. If you root for them like new blogger Sambone does, you got to wonder when exactly they try to win. Oh. The return’s solid. But still, the more things change… the Sharks add a quality blueliner who can boost their PP.

3.Mtl trades G Cristobal Huet to Wsh in exchange for a 2009 2nd Round Pick.

Analysis: Can anyone explain this one?!?!?!?!?!?! So the Habs are pinning their Cup hopes on rookie Carey Price already? Is he the next Roy? Maybe the Caps have had enough of Olie the Goalie.

4.CBJ trade C Sergei Fedorov to Wsh for prospect Theo Ruth.

Analysis: No surprise that the experienced 38 year-old Fedorov was moved. He can still help the Caps. Especially being united with fellow Russians Ovechkin, Semin and Kozlov. Who is Theo Ruth and is he related to The Babe?

5.CBJ deal D Adam Foote to Col for a 2008 or 2009 1st Round Pick

Analysis: Another experienced Cup winner leaves Ohio to try to rekindle the magic with the Avs. With Foppa back too, when are Roy and Val Kamensky unretiring?

6.Ott gets F Martin Lapointe from Chi for a 2008 6th Round Pick.

Analysis: Former Wing gets another chance to win another Cup. How much does the gritty forward have left to help revive suddenly struggling Sens?

7.Blues acquire F Cam Janssen from NJ for D Bryce Salvador.

Analysis: The writing was on the wall for Janssen with Devs all set up front. He goes back home while Lou Lamoriello adds another average blueliner. Could signal the end for Vitaly Vish-crapsky.

8.Chi acquires F Andrew Ladd from Car for F Tuomu Ruutu.

Analysis: One gritty complementary forward for the other. Unless there’s something I’m not seeing, I don’t see how this benefits either team.

9.Van trades C Matt Cooke to Wsh for F Matt Pettinger.

Analysis: Why would the Canucks deal away Cooke? Pettinger is okay but it just doesn’t seem to make much sense. Salary dump???

10.SJ trades F Rob Davidson to NYI for a 7th Round Pick.

Analysis: Just a depth forward for bruised and battered Isles. Given that they inexplicably re-signed Mike Comrie for one-year $4 million, it seems like they’re content.

11.Fla trades D Ruslan Salei to Col for D Karlis Skrastins and a 2008 3rd Round Pick.

Analysis: I kind of like this deal for the Panthers as Skrastins isn’t too bad and they got nice value for Salei. Avs are loading up but who’s stopping the puck?

12.Fla trades for D Wade Belak and sends a 2008 5th Round Pick to Tor.

Analysis: Panthers acquire character goon. One of the most popular Leafs heads south. At least it’s not Darcy Tucker.

That’s all I have for now. If there are any more as I’m sure there will be, I’ll try to update if I can from work. I have a playoff basketball game and an Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood concert tonight at MSG. So I’m not sure when I’ll be back tonight. But I’ll definitely have more on what happens including deadline winners and losers.

Stay tuned! :D