I'd do that in a heartbeat. We'd even retain half of Gagner's salary and throw in a low prospect as well to get that done.

absolute YES from Van. No brainer

People's baseless desire to eject Maatta has made them a bit... (*whistles* while rocking a hand)

OK this trade is bad. If you're trading Maataa and Rust at least get someone who is a legit NHL player. Gagner has been buried in the most of the season AHL because he can't crack the lineup and it isn't like VAN has a plethora of talented forwards. Goldobin is having a decent year and his healthy scratch was just a way for Travis Green to motivate him more. He does that a lot with younger players when they get complacent.

Have Vancouver retain on Gagner, try to get Stecher or Del zotto and this looks a bit better

Well, you freed up cap space with this trade. That's something.

Gagner has been playing in the AHL, but at the same time he has 3 points in 7 games. Rust has 6 points in 26 games. Also, Gagner only has one more year after this one, Rust has 3. As for defence, I think the Pens are good. If they acquire another, I don't know who they'd remove once Schultz is back. I agree though, maybe Nucks can retain or add a pick/prospect.

Don't like the trade itself?