Norton/Dollas Switch to Familiar Places

March 12, 2001

It's deja vu all over again for Jeff Norton and Bobby Dollas.

In a swap of journeymen defensemen, the Sharks sent Bobby Dollas and a goalie Johan Hedberg to Pittsburgh in return for Jeff Norton. It is Norton's third tour of duty with the Sharks; for Dollas, his second with the Pen's.

Each team is looking to fill some holes pre-playoffs. San Jose needs an experienced powerplay quarterback until Gary Suter returns from injury. Pittsburgh continues in their quest to improve team toughness, and with the possibility of Darius Kasparitus moving on before the deadline, to increase their defensive depth. While neither player is likely to have much fantasy impact, if Suter's injury keeps him out for any extended period of time, Norton might get a chance to add to his point totals with some significant powerplay time. Still, don't sell the farm trying to acquire him. He won't likely stay a Shark much past the end of the season. 

The real bargain in this deal may turn out to be Hedberg, who, while not young, has had decent numbers in the IHL. With Pittsburgh's lack of depth at goalie, he may actually get a chance to try out with the big club, though it seems more likely that the Pen's will continue to wheel and deal up to the deadline, with the hope of acquiring the elusive playoff calibre goaltender they lack.