This trade has to be one of the greatest win/wins seen in recent history.
Jake is pulling up statistical trees in Raleigh. 21 points in 14 games is ridiculous, and gelling like he has with their top line will make them deadly in the postseason. If he contributes to a deep run or re-signs in Carolina, then this looks like a home run and one of the best TDL "fits" in living memory.
Meanwhile, Bunting "only" has 13 pts in 16 games, but people are making comparisons to Kunitz for good reason. Scoring dirty goals around the blue paint, gels with Malkin's line as a perfect third wheel (btw 71 has six goals in his last six games) and Bunting's greasy, grinding style of play is seemingly rubbing off on everyone. That winning goal against TBL wasn't just clutch for the Pens season, it was symbolic with Bunting/Malkin parked on Vasi's doorstep until they got the loose change and scored to pull out a gutsy, emotional win. He wont ever be as productive as Jake, but damn I love him already.
It's just shocking to see how it worked out. Canes got a star, who is elevating their top guns to another tier of production. They landed the best TDL asset, without giving up one of their top tier blue chippers. Waddell picked the perfect time to go for a big fish. Pens got a miscast "lunchpail" player who has helped turn their season around and give new life to their stars. In a very bad spot, Dubas pulled out a crackerjack move.