The Pittsburgh Penguins have made their first trade of the day.
Marcel Goc from #Panthers to #Penguins I'm told. Picks in exchange for a 3rd and 5th pick.
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) March 5, 2014
Goc has been a great 3rd line center for the Florida Panthers this year, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists in 62 games. He should add some depth and grit for a Pittsburgh team who could use it. The 30 year old Goc has played 550 NHL games and 50 more NHL playoff games, so he's got a lot of experience too.
12 goals and 30 points would be a career high, he hasn't been a big-time point producer but is a guy who can add talent at even-strength and on the penalty kill, where his 2:17 per game this season has led Florida. Goc's 1090 faceoffs are also tops for the Panthers, and he's solid there too at 52.8%.
Goc's 103 hits also lead all forwards in Florida, so he'll bring a physical edge too.
Of course, he's a natural center, so what could that mean for Brandon Sutter, who's been in the trade rumors of late? Find out and we'll see at the 3 PM trade deadline.
Marcel Goc is pretty much a #fancystats all-star. Tough minutes and handles them very well.
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) March 5, 2014