Marian Hossa just finished a losing trip to the SCF with the Pittsburgh Penguins, then upon conclusion of the season immediately signed with the team they lost to (Detroit). I can't imagine how a guy can put in that much blood, sweat, and tears against another team at the ultimate stage and then proceed to desert his teammates and sign with the enemy. I can't think of any other examples of this in hockey, or any sport for that matter. I personally think he had his mind made up when he put up a hattrick against them in his best effort of the season with Atlanta, so it was just coincidence that he wound up playing them in the Finals, but either way that's certainly an interesting choice of teams to sign for given the circumstance.
his team? he's only been here since the trade deadline.. the only emotional attachment involving him were the fans.. but for him Karma is around the corner
Marian Hossa just finished a losing trip to the SCF with the Pittsburgh Penguins, then upon conclusion of the season immediately signed with the team they lost to (Detroit). I can't imagine how a guy can put in that much blood, sweat, and tears against another team at the ultimate stage and then proceed to desert his teammates and sign with the enemy. I can't think of any other examples of this in hockey, or any sport for that matter. I personally think he had his mind made up when he put up a hattrick against them in his best effort of the season with Atlanta, so it was just coincidence that he wound up playing them in the Finals, but either way that's certainly an interesting choice of teams to sign for given the circumstance.
Free agent Johnny Damon leaving the Red Sox for the Yankees.
I'd argue Sergei Fedorov (after spending 13 years with the team that drafted him, winning Harts, Selkes and 3 Cups) taking less money to sign with the Anaheim Ducks after they ousted the Wings in the 1st round, ending the Wings Stanley Cup defense, as a MUCH, MUCH bigger back-stab than Hossa spurning the Pens after playing there for a whopping 30 games.
I'd argue that point if I really thought either situation was a back-stab, but I don't.
Hossa doesn't owe the Pens anything. What I find funny is how many guys the Pens have lost off their team and the fact the Wings are adding to theirs...ironically with two former Penguins, Conklin and Hossa.
He was not a Penguins' player, no way he would start to care so much for the team in such short period of time. Detroit is a stronger team without Hossa, than Pens with Hossa. Now when Pens don't have Hossa but Wings do have, on paper it is a huge difference now and he is playing for the best team in the world for great money right now, it is perfect for him, how the **** can you blame him?
It hurts cuz he went to a team that offered more of what we were offering. Pens thought they had the winning team market cornered, and Hossa made the right choice. I respect the hell out of him and his commitment to winning.
I think this thread is going in the wrong direction... I did not call it "The Ultimate Backstab" because Hossa meant anything to Pens fans, I am trying to draw attention the scenario:
Player A plays for Team A,
Team A loses to Team B in the Finals,
Player A signs with Team B in the offseason.
Kind of the old "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" scenario. Still interested if anyone else can think of any other examples.
He said he would take less to go to a contender, which is exactly what he did.
I'm as big of a Pens fan as anybody, but you people are taking this way too far.
Okay a contender? Correct me if I'm wrong but wasnt Pittsburgh the 2nd best team in the NHL? Were they not inches away from forcing a 7th game? Do they not have 2 of the top 3 players in the NHL on their team and no older than 22? On paper if this team sticks together do they not have the markings for a dynasty? I think so. Most people do. So how exactly is it hard to believe that Pittsburgh wont win the Cup next year, or the year after that? I think they can, and with the lessons learned this year would you want to go up against that talent even sans Hossa? I wouldnt. Neither will Hossa
I think Sundin's antics with refusing to waive his NTC and then (presumably) going to another team anyway is way more of a backstab. That's just a giant ******* you to the Maple Leafs organization.
So how exactly is it hard to believe that Pittsburgh wont win the Cup next year, or the year after that? I think they can, and with the lessons learned this year would you want to go up against that talent even sans Hossa? I wouldnt. Neither will Hossa
Something's rotten in Denmark there...
Why wouldn't Hossa stay in Pittsburgh? That's a great question. He would have a nice long term contract and Crosby would do wonders for his numbers.
Why did Ruutu just jump ship after turning down offers from Pittsburgh? Orpik turned down a contract. Malone is gone. Roberts did not want back. Hall & Conklin: Both gone. Laraque on his way out.
