A.J. Messier/NHLI via Getty Images(PHILADELPHIA) — The Pittsburgh Penguins overhaul continues as they’ve traded winter James Neal to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling.
Neal had been with the Penguins since 2011, and was a major offensive weapon for the team the past few seasons.
In 59 games this season, Neal scored 27 goals and had 61 total points.
“In this deal, we got to drop our cap a little bit with Hornqvist,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “We like Hornqvist as an all-around player. Hornqvist plays at the net, goes to the net, works the corners. We like his all-around play.”
Hornqvist had 22 goals and 31 assists in 76 games this season. Spaling had 13 goals and 19 assists in 71 games for Nashville this season.
After a disappointing end to their season, the Penguins shook up their team by firing general manger Ray Shero and head coach Dan Bylsma.
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