Sharks/Hawks swap Top Talent

[RT14]

The San Jose Sharks have dealt their #1 forward and best playmakers in Peter Forsberg to the Chicago Blackhawks and in doing so have taken a turn for the worse for this season, but hopefully it pays off down the road...although there are certainly no guarantees.

To SJ:
Zach Parise C/LW, 22y 77ov - 1st line potential
1st round pick (Chi)
2nd round pick (Clb)

To Chi:
Peter Forsberg C, 33y 81ov - Dangerous playmaker, penalty killer
Bobby Sanguinetti D, 19y 8.0C
Matt Niskanen D, 20y 7.5C
CASH

The Sharks gave up their own first round pick to get Sanguinetti, so it was very difficult to let him go and Niskanen was widely known to be sought after by the Blackhawks GM, Becky (another Stars prospect). What this really came down to is the fact that the Sharks had 3 players that were still questionable as to their future in the NHL and this not only relieves them of a little more stress, but also gives them one of the top young centers in the league.

Giving up youth in a deal that is designed to get you youth is tough to do. If Sanguinetti and Niskanen both turn out to be great players themselves, and the Sharks newly aquired picks don't get them great prospects, this could look very bad down the road as they get the best player now and possibly down the road. The good news is that the next draft is said to be extremely deep and full of talent.

Only time will tell with the prospects, but one thing is for sure...Parise will make a great Centerman to build around in the future!

[CMPunk]

I KNEW you'd do it Becky!!!

[notoepik]

Heh, Spike knows me better than I know myself.

Forsberg is a risk, but we felt we could offset that risk with the addition of Niskanen, a prospect d man currently paired with Phillipe Boucher and Sangria-boy, who makes a wicked fruit drink for parties on the boat.

[notoepik]

This was a huge trade for both teams in terms of risk vs reward?

No comments?

[jam26]

I like the deal for San Jose due to the first pick in a good draft and because I really like Parise and think he will be a major contributor for years to come.

Having said that, if Forsberg can play all season for Chicago, he could be the difference-maker in helping that team make the playoffs. The true winner in this deal won't be known until we see how Sanguienetti and Niskanen pan out. Gutsy move for both teams.

[CMPunk]

I'm not a Forsberg fan, so I think the Sharks got the better deal. Peter is too injury prone, and they way the sim is popping out injuries after 4 games...Peter could get whacked anytime

[Sylvanfan]

Yeah, right now it does take a fair bit of guts to make a deal for a guy like Forsberg. Although I think he carries less retirement risk than say a guy like Selanne. I think eventually Forsberg will return and play for someone in the NHL this season and even next.

I really like Parise myself. Had Phaneuf been gone when the Flames drafted him Parise was the guy I was hoping the Flames would pick. I also like the fact that the Oilers passed him over for M-A Chickenboy, and JF Jacques how's that working out for the Oilers LOL. I probably would prefer Sangaria and Niskanen over the two draft picks though. Overall I think it's a pretty interesting swap that works for both clubs.

[KevanGuy]

I like the deal for the Sharks. I was actually looking at his roster the other day and thought he has to move some of his question mark guys. Forsberg, Neidermayer and Bondra are all risky guys to have around.

[Slava]

I think that San Jose gives up a lot here; not only the best player in the deal, but a couple of good prospects.

I like Parise, but in my eyes Forsberg is a top line forward today, and he will likely find a place to skate for the season.