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NHL Trade Deadline: Ranking every team’s worst ever trade

By David Rouben

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings in action against the Edmonton Oilers at the Arco Arena on April 3, 1994 in Sacramento, California. The Kings defeated the Oilers 6-1. (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Images) /
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Feb 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) skates against the Dallas Stars during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Hossa scores a goal. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) skates against the Dallas Stars during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Hossa scores a goal. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

8: Winnipeg Jets (Atlanta Thrashers)

Even if this wasn’t a trade the Jets made, it was one that hurt the chances of the new franchise. Having Hossa and Dupuis might have gotten them to the playoffs more than once in five years, and could have even helped them to a playoff win.

Hossa was traded because he was on an expiring contract and couldn’t agree to an extension with the Thrashers; in truth, he probably wanted to play in front of a fan base. As soon as Hossa and Dupuis arrived in Pittsburgh, they played on Crosby’s wing. Hossa in particular destroyed everything in his path in the playoffs en route to a 26-point performance through 20 games and a Stanley Cup run. They came up short against the Red Wings, prompting Hossa to sign with Detroit the next season where they lost in the Final to Pittsburgh. You can’t get unluckier than that, but Hossa did finally win that elusive trophy with the Blackhawks the next season.

Pascal Dupuis, who has retired under unfortunate circumstances, will always be remembered as the player who scored both of Pittsburgh’s goals, including the Cup winner in their Game 7 triumph over Detroit. While he isn’t as big of a loss as Hossa, he’s certainly an upgrade over the players the Thrashers received.

Colby Armstrong never scored more than 40 points with Atlanta before signing with the Leafs, Angelo Esposito has never played in the NHL and is currently in Italy, and Erik Christensen got traded to the Ducks after less than a season. Perhaps the first round pick enticed the Thrashers to take the deal, but the Penguins could give it away knowing with confidence that it wouldn’t be a lottery pick. They selected Daultan Leveille who never cracked the team.

Even at 37, Hossa is still going strong. Sure, he’s got a great supporting cast but it takes skill to put up 60 points consistently the way he has. One only knows how quickly he could’ve turned the Jets’ fortunes around.

Next: 7: Columbus Blue Jackets

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