Pens acquire Okposo

[Goffie]

The Pittsburgh Penguins are happy to announce the aquistion of Kyle Okposo from the Florida Panthers. The Pens dealt away the Ducks 1st 07; a pick with the possibility of landing very high in this years draft to get Okposo along with an 08 2nd, but it is a move that the Pens are pleased with. "We like Kyle a lot, we fell he has the potential to be one of the best power forwards in the game, and he is often compared to Jarome Iginla, and we like that comparision."

[MJK]

The Panthers do NOT like it when young prospects in the first year of their contracts are already signed. The Panthers would rather keep those players in the ECHL as long as possible becuase they serve no purpose playing in the AHL with a 55OV rating.

SO, with Okposko being a year away from the NHL, the Panthers decided to obtain a top 1st round draft pick in 2007.

I think it works for both clubs.

[Sylvanfan]

The one thing I don't like about the Iginla comparison is that when Iginla was 18 the season after he was drafted he stepped up and starred for Canada at the World Juniors. Okposo struggled for the U.S. and the team didn't start winning until his line was given a dimished role. I still think Okposo has some intriguing potential, but the Iginla comparison's are overblown in my opinion. But as a freshman he's put up a decent season so far. But if you look back at what say Tomas Vanek did at that age compared to Okposo there is a pretty big difference. I guess we'll find out in time if he is as good, better, or worse than advertised.