Sitting in their own building, where the hockey world was feverishly awaiting the next prospect hoping to become a future star, the Pittsburgh Penguins ended all doubt that Jordan Staal would not be traded.
The Penguins sent the 24 year old center to the Carolina in exchange for the Hurricanes’ first round pick (8th), center Brandon Sutter, and 20 year old defenseman, Brian Dumoulin.
The announcement came just before the Hurricanes were on the clock to make their eighth selection, which was turned into Pittsburgh’s pick of Derrick Pouliot; a defenseman from the Portland Winterhawks and former teammate of 2011 first round selection, Joe Morrow.
The deal was made just a day after sources leaked that Jordan Staal turned down a ten year, $60 million deal to remain in Pittsburgh. Jordan will become the top line center in Carolina where he will play with his brother, Eric.
Brandon Sutter will join the Pittsburgh Penguins as the projected third line center. In four seasons with the Hurricanes, Sutter has tallied 107 points (53 g, 54 a) in 286 games. Playing a full 82 games the past to seasons indicates Sutter is a healthy player while his three shorthanded goals shows he could be a viable piece to the penalty kill.
Brian Dumoulin was a second round pick by the Hurricanes in the 2009 draft. At 6’3 220, Dumoulin’s physical play is not as strong as it should be, however, his offensive prowess and skating ability are off the charts. In a nutshell, he looks to be in the same mold as Simon Despres. In 44 games with Boston College, Dumoulin registered 28 points (7 g, 21 a). He signed an entry level contract in April after winning a national title with the Golden Eagles his junior year.
Before making the 8th overall selection, Pens GM Ray Shero thanked Jordan Staal for his six years in Pittsburgh including a Stanley Cup in 2009.
Staal finished with 248 points in 431 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com
Discussion about this post