Neal with it Unfortunately, it's leaving, not coming.
The Stars traded forward James Neal and blue-liner Matt Niskanen to the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Alex Goligoski.
Neal, 23, had 21 goals and 18 assists in 2010-11. However, so far his is young career, he ran pretty hot or cold. He had just one goal and one assist in February as the Stars try to right the ship.
Niskanen, 24, was the first-round pick in 2005. He jumped to the NHL in 2007 and posted a +22 in his rookie campaign playing in 78 games. Since, he's had a -27 in three disappointing seasons and has, accordingly, lost the faith of management and what little fandom that can actually discern what defensement do in hockey.
The trade might be a money saver for the penny-pinching Stars. Both Neal and Niskanen signed two-year deals before the season. The total cost was $10.75 million. At least with Neal you got something. Niskanen, however, was a bit of a waste.
Of Goligoski, I know nothing. He's signed through next season for about $4.2 million. He's 25 and, based on all accounts, is like a successful Niskanen.
He's a defenseman with the ability handle the puck. He had 37 assists and a +7 last season. This season, he's upped the ante with a +20, nine goals and 22 assists.
Defensively, it's clear the Stars are better. Putting Goligoski back there with Trevor Daley, Nik Grossman, Stephane Robidas and Karlis Skrastins will make their blue line only better ... and hopefully their offense.
No matter how much I like Goligoski, giving up Neal and Niskanen seems like a lot. But this is a team that scores goals. They just can't prevent them.
