Today through Wednesday is probably one of my favorite times of the year. I’m a die hard Pens fan. My g/f can certainly attest to this. I haven’t missed a game, I alter plans around games, and I make sure I see everything I can. Luckily, I’ve been able to convert her into a fan, and it’s all been great. Yesterday’s game was amazing even though the USA didn’t win. At least Crosby got the game winner.
These next two and a half days are going to be entertainment filled. The NHL trade deadline brings out all of the wonky sites, with stupid NHL rumors, and everyone eats it up. It’s always fun to play what if, but after awhile, it becomes highly stale. Particularly, there’s one site that’s full of crap. TIOPS. I won’t even give you the link because it’s not worth it, and them making money on incorrect rumors is stupid. It’s always wishy washy, but they’ve accustomed the yinzer crowd and sucked people in. They are no more insider than I am, yet they continue to report garbage.
The same with Ecklund, he’s just a joke. NHL fans know him by name, and he’s another site to just flat-out ignore. I’m telling you this because if you’re a hockey fan, and hear any rumors with those names attached, continue to ignore and look the other way. It’s not worth getting excited about, and it’s even worse when a station like KDKA picks them up and speculates on it and gives credit to the site. It just makes no sense, and it’s harsh way to grab unsuspecting readers.
Either way, the Penguins, have actually made a move today. They’ve traded their 2010 second round pick for Jordan Leopold. All in all, it was a quality move by Shero. He’s given practically nothing away, for an underrated player. Here’s a little more info on the new #4 of the Penguins:
The 29-year-old Leopold signed a one-year contract with the Panthers in July. In the summer, he was part of a deal that sent the rights to defenceman Jay Bouwmeester to Calgary.
Leopold has seven goals and 11 assists in 61 games for Florida this season. The Minnesota native has played in 416 games in his NHL career.
Also, it’s apparent that he actually wanted to play for the Penguins. He had an altered NTC, and one of the teams he wanted traded to was the Penguins. Good for him, he’s been on some crappy teams, so here’s to it working out for him. I’m excited for these next three days, and one rule of thumb. No matter what you hear, speculate it as rumor, at least until it’s official. Go Pens!
Jordan Leopold, formerly of the Panthers.
Mon, Mar 1, 2010
Sports