I hope the Thrashers are doing the right thing because people are openly flipping out.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2141230

How good is this Hossa guy on the real? I can read stats and all but I need one of you Hockey freaks to give me an honest take.

Edit: Also, congrats on running away to Canada on those murder charges speedy.

Hossa is the real deal. Has had a bit of a penchant for disappearing in the playoffs though. He's big, he can skate, and he can put the puck in the net. A quintissential power forward, who is tough to knock off the puck. He should fit well with Kovalchuk, as long as there are enough pucks to go around, (if they do play on the same line). His signature move is beating defencemen wide with speed, but he doesn't mind the heavy traffic in front of the net. I expect the new rules and crackdown on obstruction, (if they actually follow-through), will suit his game well.

The real question is whether he is worth Iginla/Forsberg type money...statistics say yes, but his lack of playoff success, despite a lot of talent around him, does give me pause.

Right now I'd call the trade a wash, but I'd lean towards a win for the Thrashers, because Heatley has done nothing since the "accident"

Yeh, I'd say Hossa is the real deal - but he isn't the guy you build a franchise around like Heatley (although, given his last couple of years, Heatley might not be that guy anymore either). So there's a bit of an "if" factor at work. If Heatley can return to form, if Heatley isn't damaged goods, then Ottawa is the big winner in the trade. But Atlanta did okay - Hossa and a top 4 defenceman (DeVries) should add a lot to the Thrashers.

A fair trade in my opinion. Both about the same age, still fairly young for an upside, and in Hossa's sake, that's a bit scary to think he may still have an upside.

Like the other heads said...Hossa is a real good player, but does disappear some times...I think the Sens made out a little better in Heatley...Now the Sens got some cap room to try and sign Redden..Pretty good move if it works out...

Sometimes change is good.

I think both players will benefit. I question Hossa for the play-offs...

As Ex-liontamer said. he seems to disappear.


Can't wait for the new season & the new "rules".

Hockey rule #452 (aka the Craig Mactavish rule): forwards with American teams who kill people while driving drunk who are then traded to a Canadian team go on to win lots of Cups. Bet on Ottawa

Ottawa gets a bit cheaper & bit less European & ATL gets an All star in return & a defenceman that they needed to go with crappy ass Modry & Havelid. Win win.

I really wanted Redden here in LA & I think this all but ends that. Big Dmen that can haul the puck & score are gonna be so valuable in the new conf heavy schedule and no clutching & grabbing NHL & we have an injury prone 180 pounder.