Columbus/Pittsburgh

[Virtual Jarmo]

To Pittsburgh:

David Backes (70)

To Columbus:

Joel Armia (84)
Montreal 1st 2012
Jonas Gustavsson (70)

Columbus accepts.

The logic behind this deal is to get younger and acquire two good players for one. Backes is obviously a terrific player and a hard hitting player with a lot of good intangibles. I felt that getting two forwards under 20 with this re-tooling process is a step in the right direction. Armia should boost (if he doesn't, I'll look like a complete fool) and I need to focus on opening up ice time for Danault. Once Danault's PL matures, I'll have 85 SH Armia on one wing and probably another of my acquisitions on the other wing. Armia's responsible enough defensively that he won't hurt me. If I can get Danault's PO to fully mature, or at least develop past his POT, he'll be a more balanced player than Backes with a higher CON as as much faceoff ability.

The pick can either be used to move up in the draft or take a player that I have keyed in on. Gustavsson is a salary dump and is an expensive backup for me, but one I will trust more than Budaj.

Hate to trade Backes, but glad he's going to the East.

[Penguin]

to Columbus Blue Jackets:
Joel ARMIA (84con)
Jonas GUSTAVSSON (70con)
Montreal's 2012 1st round pick

to Pittsburgh Penguins:
David BACKES (70con)


Reasoning:
I've had an eye on Backes since day 1 I got into the league and as soon as Adam made him available I jumped on the trade talks. Armia I personally felt like he could have went top 10 last year as he should boost into a serious powerforward with great consistency. But, he doesn't have that 99hitting that Backes has, which is why I had to add a first for Adam to budge. #19 could have got me something very nice from what I've scouted. And, Gustavsson is a throw-in for financial reasons.

Done!

[CapsGM]

[BSBullies]

This trade is Approved.

[Virtual Jarmo]

Entered.