The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded forward Patric Hornqvist to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Michael Matheson and Colton Sceviour.
The 33-year old Hornqvist was drafted 230th overall in the seventh round of the 2005 draft by the Nashville Predators. He carries a $5.3 million cap hit for another three seasons.
The 26-year old Matheson was drafted 23rd overall in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Panthers. He carries a $4.875 million cap hit for another six seasons.
The 31-year old Sceviour was drafted 112th overall in the fourth round of the 2007 draft by the Dallas Stars. He carries a $1.2 million cap
Thoughts from the media
Satiar Shah: “On the surface the Pens would be taking on $32M in real money for the remaining 6 years of Matheson’s contract while shipping out the $15.9M Hornqvist is owed over the next 3 years. The key is Pit saving $1.8M in real cash this season & clearing a ~500K cap, if it’s a 1 for 1”
Adam Gretz: “I feel like Matheson is probably fine as a third-pairing defender but his contract, especially if it is on the same team as *Jack Johnson’s* makes this seem like a questionable decision. But when did that ever matter here.”
Jesse Marshall: “The Hornqvist lost stings but more in hindsight. Always tough to lose such a critical piece to success, but with injuries piling up and the decline in play starting, it makes complete sense from a business perspective.”
Jesse Marshall: “Which takes us to the contract on Matheson. The term is wildly confusing to me. I am not sure I understand what it was about this specific player that tipped the scales so much, especially taking the contract into consideration. Again, separating contract from player here.”
Bill Whitehead: “It appears Bill Zito’s first priority was making FLA fans’ offseason a pleasant one by getting Mike Matheson off the roster and making the Cats tougher. Mission accomplished on both fronts.”
Patric Hornqvist
Michael Matheson
Colton Sceviour