Quoting: kous
That was a long time ago and at the end of the day they gave up a 1st and a prospect. Colby Armstrong and Eric Christensen did not add much value to the deal. One thing you don't take into consideration is that Dubas knows the Leaf's prospects well and might covet players that might not be highly rated.
At the end of the day most GMs make their biggest mistakes at the trade deadline.
How do you figure Armstrong and Christensen didn't bring value?
Player A:
25yo, former 1st round pick with:
37 goals and 98 points in 181 games
That goal (0.82) and points (2.17) per 60 would rank 171st and 138th if compared to this season
Player B:
24yo former 3rd round pick with:
33 goals and 66 points in 143 games
That goal (0.92) and point (1.85) per 60 would rank 141st and 189th if compared to this season
Player C:
28yo former undrafted FA with:
81 goals and 162 points in 419 games
That goal (0.77) and point (1.55) per 60 would rank 188th and 228th if compared to this season
All 3 players make around 1MM
Comparable players based on those stats:
Player A: Nino Niederreiter (but cheaper)
Player B: Kevin Hayes (but cheaper)
Player C: Jimmy Vesey
Player A is Armstrong, B is Christensen, C is Dupuis
So the Pens gave up two, young middle 6 guys who were under 25 and had lots of upside. Now, they didn't add much IN HINDSIGHT, but at the time they were young pieces this team was building with.
You are correct in that it was a long time ago, but I challenge anyone to give me a better comp. 29yo winger, making 6MM on an expiring deal, who has just had two prior seasons of 35+ goals and is on pace for that again by the trade deadline.