It was the first trade by Penguins new general manager Jim Rutherford — James Neal to Nashville for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling on the first day of the 2014 NHL entry draft. Some hockey people will tell you Rutherford’s later deals for Phil Kessel, Carl Hagelin, Justin Schultz and, especially, Trevor Daley for Rob Scuderi were better. But I’m voting for the Hornqvist addition because of the edge and toughness he has brought to the team. Rutherford won’t pick a favorite — that’s like trying to pick between his children — but he clearly loved the Hornqvist acquisition, too.
Ron Cook: The Hornqvist-Neal trade has been a success for both teams
