Trade Deadline...Finally...Part 5

The day we've all been waiting for has finally come and gone. Some expected deals finally came to pass, most didn't happen at all, and one just surprised the heck out of everyone. For a list of every trade at the deadline head over to TSN.com or TheFourthPeriod.com, otherwise keep reading for an analysis of the biggest deals of the day.

Pittsburgh Penguins acquire F Marian Hossa and F Pascal Dupuis from Atlanta Thrashers for F Colby Armstrong, F Erik Christensen, F Angelo Esposito, and a 2008 1st Round Pick

Despite the fact that this deal involves a player that everyone knew was on the move, this is the most jaw dropping deal to occur during the deadline. It had been reported for a few weeks that the Pens had an interest in acquiring Hossa, but as TSN Insider Darren Dreger reported last night the Penguins did not make a significant offer to Atlanta GM Don Waddell until two to three hours before the official deadline.

The shocking aspect of this deal is the players that Pittsburgh gave up in order to acquire two possible rental players. Both Esposito and Armstrong were former 1st Round Picks, and Christensen has developed into a physical centerman that has moved between the second and third line for much of the season. Though Hossa's abilities outweigh those of the other three, the Pens have put a serious dent in their roster if Hossa decides to sign elsewhere over the summer.

Pens ownership and GM Ray Shero are likely taking Hossa's word that his decision on where to sign this summer will be based upon which team has the brightest future to win as opposed to the deepest pocket book because the Pens will not have much to offer Hossa financially. Consider that both Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal are nearing the end of their entry-level contracts and will be looking for hefty contracts, there may not be enough money to satisfy Hossa's contract expectations.

With such a risk, this deal absolutely means one thing: the Penguins believe they can win the Cup now.

As for Atlanta, they still have not solidified a number one centerman and they have just lost a huge part of their offense. However, the Thrashers have become a much deeper team from this deal as Armstrong and Christensen will make them tougher physically. If Angelo Esposito matches up to the hype that surrounded him when he was sixteen-years-old, this deal could prove to be either tremendously lopsided or extraordinarily even in three to five years. Either way, both teams are taking a significant risk.

Dallas Stars acquire F Brad Richards and G Johan Holmqvist from the Tampa Bay Lightning for G Mike Smith, F Jeff Halpern, F Jussi Jokinen, and a 2008 Fourth Round Draft Pick

Yet another player expected to be on the move, Brad Richards admitted to the press that he was relieved to be given a fresh start in a new city. In return for the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, the Lightning obtained a goaltender that they believe is ready to become a number one goaltender as well as some spare parts.

As reported earlier this week, the Stars obtained Richards to help in this year's playoff push and to become the team's number one center as Mike Modano steps into the twilight of his career. This will be Richards chance to prove his critics wrong as many have stated that he and his $7.8 million are overrated.

It is a bit of wonder that Tampa Bay went after Smith when other proven goaltenders were available (Dwayne Roloson, Ray Emery/Martin Gerber), especially since speculation throughout the season placed Marty Turco heading to Tampa for Martin St. Louis while Dallas would make Smith their new number one. Apparently us pundits had the right teams, but the wrong players.

Many around the league believe that Smith can handle himself well as the main backstop in Tampa, and it looks like he'll have his chance over the next fifteen games to prove them right.