  Forward James Neal (above) was a part of the package the Stars sent to the Penguins in exchange for Alex Goligoski. (RONALD MARTINEZ/Getty Images) |
The NHL's pre-trade deadline dealing continued Monday as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars swung a three-player deal.
The Pens, in dire need of some offence with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin both injured, sent defenceman Alex Goligoski to the Stars for forward James Neal and blueliner Matt Niskanen.
Neal, 23, has 21 goals and 18 assists in 59 games this season. He was the Stars' third-leading goal scorer.
Niskanen, 24, has no goals and six assists in 45 games but is signed through next season at a reasonable price, $1.5 million.
Goligoski has nine goals and 22 assists in 60 games and led the Pens with a plus-20 rating. The 25-year-old has a cap hit of $1.83 million next season.
"We're very excited to add Alex Goligoski to our hockey club," Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said. "Alex is a legitimate top-four defenceman who will have a positive impact on our entire corps of blueliners. He has averaged over 20 minutes per game and can play in all situations."
