Instant Analysis: The Penguins Grab Ponikarovsky
As expected, Ray Shero buys himself a deadline winger, while Brian Burke acquires a big-bodied prospect that is close to being NHL-ready.
The Trade
To Pittsburgh: LW Alexei Ponikarovsky
To Toronto: LW Luca Caputi, D Martin Skoula
From Pittsburgh’s Standpoint
Alexei Ponikarovsky is a big body who fights hard for the puck, plays physically in front of the net, and possesses good hands around the goal crease. While not much of a puck-carrier, Ponikarovsky can protect the puck well behind the net and owns an above-average wrist shot. The 6′4″, 220-pound Ukranian is on pace for 25 goals and 54 points — both career highs. He has been one of the few plus players on a mostly-minus Leafs roster this season, which accurately reflects Ponikarovsky’s defensive consciousness. The deal should give Pittsburgh a top-6 forward group that is more skilled and more balanced than the group who won the Cup last year. If Ponikarovsky slides in alongside Evgeni Malkin on the second line, it will make the Penguins more difficult to target. Perhaps most importantly, the Penguins get a player with fresh legs that haven’t logged 100-plus games for two consecutive seasons.
From Toronto’s Standpoint
Luca Caputi was likely Burke’s second choice for a return (former Burke draft pick Eric Tangradi being the first choice), but still the Leafs come away with a very solid prospect. It was widely believed that any deal involving Ponikarovsky would see a second round pick as the primary piece coming back to the Leafs, along with a mid-tier prospect thrown in. However, the Leafs instead get a player who is very close to being NHL-ready, and has already displayed professional aptitude with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. In his sophomore year of professional hockey, Caputi sits second on the team in scoring with 23 goals and 47 points in 53 games. He will likely see time with the paper-thin Maple Leafs forward unit, perhaps even on one of the top two lines. In terms of the future, Brian Burke is wise to acquire a hard-working winger with size who can perhaps play across from Kessel. Because of Kessel’s selective work ethic and undeniable scoring touch, he absolutely must be complimented by hard-working, physical linemates.
Martin Skoula is the afterthought of the deal, more than likely a contract dump by the Penguins. He will battle it out with Jeff Finger for the final spot on the Leafs’ blueline, assuming Garnet Exelby is traded before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Penguins will be a very dangerous team once again in this year’s playoffs. Crosby and Malkin should each have quality wingers to play with which is a refreshing change for the Penguins. Ray Shero managed to hang on to his top wing prospect (Tangradi), and his first round pick in the process of significantly improving his team, adding Leopold and Ponikarovsky. The Leafs lose a 20-goal scorer, so needless to say they will take a hit offensively — if it’s possible to be less potent offensively, expect the Leafs to fall to those depths. When Brian Burke arrived in Toronto there were very few notable prospects in the system, but he’s since traded for Caputi and Aulie in addition to last year’s college free agent signings and a relatively strong entry draft.
Check out our Instant Analysis Archive for coverage of ALL trade deadline deals.
audio technica ath-m50 ebay on Mon, 29th Nov 1999 6:00 pm
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Thanks
Latia Szanto on Mon, 29th Nov 1999 6:00 pm
and then pitch nine innings of one-hit shut out ball the first time he faces us.
Wayne Brady on Fri, 5th Mar 2010 9:22 pm
Alex Ponikarovsky is the biggest waste of a body in the NHL.
Belkis Rosmarin on Sun, 28th Aug 2011 8:22 am
i have a blogger and my videos only show up half way? Like the video is cut in half?. what can i do to fix it?. i mean that the actual picture is cut in half.
Bonita Mickens on Fri, 9th Sep 2011 9:07 am
How do I become a blogger in the food and drink category?
happyday67 on Fri, 16th Sep 2011 2:50 am
Nice read. I have added this site to my favourites!
New HCG diet plan on Fri, 16th Sep 2011 10:32 am
This is so great. I always find such interesting stuff when I stumble onto this site again and again!
I’m going to be sharing this. Facebook here we come!
Newest HCG plan
xiaorr456 on Fri, 16th Sep 2011 11:45 am
I will give this blog a A+ so helpful!
estradiol side effects on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 10:30 am
Eating less is not a healthy way, you just have to know the amount of food your body needs and pair it with exercise.Live in a healthy way!
xiaorr456 on Tue, 20th Sep 2011 10:56 am
Thanks for the great read. I will surely visit this site again
New HCG diet plan on Mon, 26th Sep 2011 10:48 am
This is so great. I always find such interesting stuff when I stumble onto this site again and again!
I’m going to be sharing this. Facebook here we come!
Plumber Valley Village on Mon, 3rd Oct 2011 3:06 pm
I likewise conceive so , perfectly written post! .
Air conditioning Canoga park on Tue, 4th Oct 2011 10:31 pm
- yo , Thank you a lot for making this website . I m into gambling niche and have located this internet site making use of search on google . Will probably be positive to share . I am affiliate and have identified your site very informational Several thanks , see ya. :S
Piratenkostuem on Fri, 7th Oct 2011 7:19 pm
full ack!
Travel Mysore on Tue, 18th Oct 2011 4:23 am
It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Teodoro Modeste on Sat, 22nd Oct 2011 9:16 pm
Which was kind of inspiring! Completely unforeseen. Now I know what I’m going to do tomorrow
nokia lumia 800 on Wed, 26th Oct 2011 7:55 am
I discovered your blog web site on google and verify several of your early posts. Continue to sustain up the superb operate. I just extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking for forward to reading extra from you in a even though!…
qrz on Thu, 27th Oct 2011 11:46 am
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
mysore city on Sat, 29th Oct 2011 7:20 am
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
mysore on Sun, 30th Oct 2011 11:40 am
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!
Hwa Yerdon on Wed, 2nd Nov 2011 7:02 am
hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve surely picked up some thing new from appropriate here. I did nonetheless expertise several technical issues working with this web page, as I experienced to reload the internet site numerous instances previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been asking yourself if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances occasions will quite frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and can appear out for a lot additional of your respective fascinating content material. Make confident you update this once more soon..
Cyril Radwanski on Wed, 2nd Nov 2011 11:09 pm
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your weblog supplied us useful information to work on.You’ve done a marvellous task!
increase backlinks on Sat, 12th Nov 2011 6:27 am
With every little thing that seems to be developing inside this area, all your opinions tend to be relatively refreshing. However, I beg your pardon, but I do not give credence to your entire theory, all be it radical none the less. It would seem to us that your remarks are not totally validated and in reality you are yourself not thoroughly certain of the point. In any case I did appreciate examining it.
Andy Abad on Sat, 12th Nov 2011 12:07 pm
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Kimber Rosalez on Sat, 19th Nov 2011 9:24 am
You are informed well. Lets hear more about this topic. What do you think?
Alexis Eska on Wed, 23rd Nov 2011 8:51 am
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back in the future. I want to encourage one to continue your great posts, have a nice day!
Leena Calzone on Thu, 24th Nov 2011 6:32 am
I also like Flash, however I am not a good designer to design a Flash, however I have software by witch a Flash is automatically created and no additional to work.
premium filesonic on Fri, 25th Nov 2011 6:26 am
I have mastered some new elements from your site about pcs. Another thing I’ve always presumed is that computers have become a specific thing that each family must have for most reasons. They offer convenient ways to organize households, pay bills, search for information, study, hear music and perhaps watch tv series. An innovative solution to complete these tasks is with a notebook computer. These personal computers are portable ones, small, strong and easily transportable.
side effects of asacol medication on Tue, 29th Nov 2011 4:05 pm
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
Danuta Demendonca on Thu, 1st Dec 2011 9:27 pm
Really obtained into this article. I found it to be exciting and loaded with exclusive factors of interest. I like to examine materials that tends to make me think. Some instances its a soreness to go through what folks wrote but this net website is very user friendly. I do not suppose you could give me any suggestions on tree climber pitfalls and how to cleanse it up a bit. At any rate thanks you for sharing this great content.
Debra Lorusso on Sat, 3rd Dec 2011 2:11 am
It’|s genuinely an incredible and useful piece of details. I?|m satisfied which you shared this useful facts with us. Please stay us as much as date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Twana Ventry on Thu, 8th Dec 2011 10:49 am
You ought to be a component of a contest for just one of the most useful blogs on the web. I will recommend this blog!
Deandre Lemen on Sun, 11th Dec 2011 1:37 pm
Truly got into this article. I found it to be interesting and loaded with special factors of interest. I like to go through materials that tends to make me think. Some situations its a soreness to examine what individuals wrote but this web site is extremely person friendly. I do not suppose you could give me any suggestions on tree harvesting and how to cleanse it up a bit. At any rate thanks you for sharing this fantastic content.
record pool on Tue, 20th Dec 2011 3:26 pm
Hi there I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Google for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb job.
Infiniti FX35 on Wed, 21st Dec 2011 5:35 am
I must admit that:…
signs of drug addiction on Wed, 21st Dec 2011 10:26 am
health professional prescribed drug addiction signs and symptoms
Cameron Mclellan on Thu, 22nd Dec 2011 5:30 pm
Enjoyable page, I actually had a good time glossing over it, keep doing all the hard thoughts.
Dayna Boche on Fri, 23rd Dec 2011 5:12 pm
Hello there : I must say, I’m pleased with your site. I’d little difficulty moving by means of all the tabs and data was quite simple to reach. I came across what I wanted right away at all. Pretty amazing. Would certainly enjoy it in the event you add community forums or something that is, it will be the perfect way for your clients to interact. Congrats!
Vince Foste on Fri, 23rd Dec 2011 8:15 pm
Great post ! Thank you for, posting on my own weblog gentleman! I will concept an individual a long time. I didnrrrt appreciate in which.
Pearline Maccartney on Fri, 23rd Dec 2011 11:07 pm
Should you might information myself with virtually any tips on how you made your blog web site look this kind of good, I would personally be thankful.
Emilie Spurrier on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 1:57 am
Should you might concept me along with any tips about how you have made this web site website appear this kind of good, I would personally be thankful.
Keenan Bryar on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 4:39 am
Awesome publish ! Many thanks, posting on my blog page man! I am going to information you a little while. Some appreciate which.
Evie Buccieri on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 7:55 am
If you could information myself with any kind of suggestions regarding how you made this web site website seem this kind of great, I would enjoy it.
Norbert Poths on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 11:43 am
Thank you for taking this opportunity to mention this particular, Personally i think highly about this kind of i take pleasure in learning about this matter. If at all possible, because you acquire facts, make sure you add to this website with brand new info. My partner and i have discovered it really useful.
Wai Arey on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 8:07 pm
In case you can message me with virtually any suggestions about how you made this site web site seem this kind of great, I’d personally be thankful.
Carey Reifsnider on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 11:09 pm
Cool submit ! Many thanks, publishing on my blog page guy! I’ll concept you some time. I didnt understand in which.
Cliff Zin on Sun, 25th Dec 2011 10:59 pm
This can be a excellent site. Good finished graphical user interface and very educational content articles. We are coming back again inside a little bit, was looking for excellent blog.
Maranda Brotherson on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 5:44 am
Awesome post ! Many thanks, submitting in this little webpage guy! I will message you some time. I didn’t understand which.
Rashad Bezdicek on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 9:47 am
This particular submit was extremely effectively created, and it likewise includes numerous beneficial details. My partner and i enjoyed your specialist way with words this publish. You get this easy to comprehend.
Janeth Boniol on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 11:45 am
Good task on this article! I really like how you introduced your details and how you made it intriguing and simple to understand. Thank you.
Robt Krolikowski on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 9:38 pm
Great post ! Thanks for, submitting on my blog page man! I am going to concept an individual a little while. I didnrrrt realise which.
Josef Mattsson on Tue, 27th Dec 2011 12:40 am
In the event you can message me personally with virtually any suggestions regarding how you made this website site appear this particular good, I would be thankful.
Fidel Konstantinidi on Wed, 28th Dec 2011 6:21 am
In case you can concept me along with virtually any tips about how you have made this blog web site look this kind of excellent, I’d personally be thankful.
Hung Cummiskey on Wed, 28th Dec 2011 2:26 pm
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a great site.
Vinnie Bluhm on Wed, 28th Dec 2011 2:44 pm
That is a fantastic site. Good refined program and intensely useful content articles. We’re finding its way back in a bit, basically great weblog.
Zachary Pross on Wed, 28th Dec 2011 7:18 pm
This kind of post has been very effectively written, and in addition it consists of several useful information. I loved your specialist way with words this submit. You earn that very easy will understand.
Jacqulyn Bania on Wed, 28th Dec 2011 10:37 pm
Thank you for using this opportunity to speak about this, I believe strongly about this we enjoy learning about this kind of matter. If you can, because you acquire details, please enhance this weblog along with brand new details. We have found this very useful.
Dean Piazza on Thu, 29th Dec 2011 1:48 am
Generally I wouldn’t publish about weblogs, however i would want to point out that this particular post truly compelled me to do this. Great post!
Chrystal Majied on Thu, 29th Dec 2011 5:01 am
This kind of publish had been extremely effectively written, you’ll take pride in includes several useful details. We enjoyed your own professional way of writing this kind of submit. You’ve made that quite simple will comprehend.
Geraldo Karpinski on Thu, 29th Dec 2011 7:35 pm
This particular post has been really effectively composed, you’ll take pride in contains numerous helpful facts. I loved your expert way with words this kind of publish. You cash in on it a breeze will be able to understand.
Dorethea Roudebush on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 2:21 am
Thank you for taking this possiblity to speak about this particular, Personally i think highly about this kind of and I appreciate understading about this topic. When possible, while you acquire facts, make sure you help to increase this blog along with new info. We are finding this extremely useful.
Alvaro Maniatis on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 5:45 am
This can be a great internet site. Good finished user interface and incredibly educational articles. I am finding its way back in a very bit, basically great weblog.
Georgine Sarcia on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 9:26 am
I intended to compose you a little observation just to give thanks as before considering the remarkable techniques you’ve shown on this website. It’s remarkably generous of you to grant without restraint all that many individuals would have distributed for an ebook to earn some profit for themselves, especially considering that you might well have tried it if you decided. Those suggestions in addition worked as a great way to realize that most people have the identical dream similar to mine to understand more and more related to this issue. I think there are numerous more enjoyable opportunities up front for people who examine your blog post.
Gregorio Curreri on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 10:19 am
It is a great website. Good polished user interface and very useful articles. We are ever coming back inside a bit, wanted excellent blog.
Ricarda Kuchem on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 11:28 pm
This particular submit had been extremely effectively created, looked after includes numerous helpful details. My partner and i loved your own professional way with words this particular post. You have made that very easy to comprehend.
Leonia Posen on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 2:52 am
This particular submit has been really nicely created, and it also consists of several useful information. I enjoyed your own expert way with words this submit. You earn this quite simple will be able to comprehend.
Bailey Augustyn on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 6:21 am
This post has been very nicely created, and it likewise contains many beneficial details. I enjoyed the expert way of writing this submit. You’ve made it a breeze will realize.
Jordon Stine on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 11:11 am
Typically I can’t publish upon sites, even so want to declare that this post really forced myself to do so. Great submit!
Sanford Ericsson on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 3:46 pm
We appreciate you taking this possibility to talk about this kind of, I am highly about this particular and that i appreciate studying this kind of topic. If you can, as you acquire details, you should increase this weblog along with new details. I discovered this extremely beneficial.
Gavin Okonek on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 7:53 pm
If you could message me personally together with virtually any hints how you made this blog website look this particular great, I would have fun here.
Geri Zundel on Sun, 1st Jan 2012 9:28 am
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
Krakow on Tue, 3rd Jan 2012 8:55 am
I personally enjoyed studying it. I ought to understand alot more about this subject. I’m appreciating time and effort you put in your blog, due to the fact it is great website just where I am able to discover lots of handy facts.
Geraldo Boren on Sun, 8th Jan 2012 6:22 am
Fantastic items from you, man. I’ve bear in mind your stuff previous to and you’re simply extremely great. I actually like what you’ve received right here, really like what you are stating and the best way through which you say it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it wise. I cant wait to learn much more from you. This is actually a great web site.
showing on cam on Mon, 9th Jan 2012 1:54 am
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn
visor on Fri, 13th Jan 2012 7:18 am
Yo I really find useful your blog. I linked to your WordPress blog on my main site about the PSP3000 so my visitors will look at your website hopefully.
Facebook Profile on Mon, 16th Jan 2012 5:19 am
Q. What’s the difference between a man and ET? A. ET phoned home.
Brendon Mccarrel on Tue, 17th Jan 2012 4:17 am
It’s arduous to find educated folks on this subject, but you sound like you already know what you’re speaking about! Thanks
Johnathan Joseph Authentic jersey on Tue, 17th Jan 2012 4:44 pm
You might locate two to three new levels inside L . a . Weight loss and any 1 someone is really crucial. Initial stage could possibly be actual melting away rrn the body. shed weight
Persönlichkeitstest on Tue, 17th Jan 2012 6:26 pm
Thanks for your advice on this blog. A single thing I would wish to say is the fact that purchasing electronic products items in the Internet is not something new. In fact, in the past ten years alone, the market for online electronic devices has grown a great deal. Today, you can get practically any type of electronic gizmo and gizmo on the Internet, ranging from cameras plus camcorders to computer components and gambling consoles.
eve review on Fri, 20th Jan 2012 3:20 pm
Botting is an practically universal difficulty in the MMO scene, disrupting in-game economies and usually funding shady RMT operations. EVE Online has usually been a huge target for the RMT market as much of a character’s progression relies on in-game currency.
Picture frames on Sat, 21st Jan 2012 2:09 am
It really is a great collection of info you mentioned in this article, I really believe that we could count on a whole lot more soon.
Bubble Spinner on Mon, 23rd Jan 2012 11:15 am
Great article, I will bookmark Instant Analysis: Ponikarovsky A Penguin, Caputi A Leaf | HOCKEYCENTRIC.
how to undelete files on Wed, 1st Feb 2012 11:25 am
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say you have done a great job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog!
ayurveda diabetes on Thu, 2nd Feb 2012 10:37 am
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you present. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
local 5k races on Thu, 2nd Feb 2012 11:35 am
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
configuration ip address on Thu, 2nd Feb 2012 1:40 pm
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Know more about Buy k2 on Fri, 3rd Feb 2012 8:07 pm
Hello. I wanted to ask 1 thing
Tianna Mongiello on Sat, 4th Feb 2012 3:11 pm
I like this website very much, Its a real nice office to read and incur info. “You know that children are growing up when they start asking questions that have answers.” by John J. Plomp.
Donnie Gane on Mon, 6th Feb 2012 2:01 pm
Awesome writing style!
nl hotel on Tue, 7th Feb 2012 4:21 pm
Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Novella Spakes on Wed, 8th Feb 2012 5:02 am
Can I recently say thats a relief to discover a person who basically knows what theyre preaching about on the web. You actually recognize how you can bring a challenge to light and function out it necessary. The very best way to should see this and see why side of your story. I cant believe youre no much more common just for the reason that you definitely hold the gift.