Sportsnet was first to announce nine trades

TORONTO (February 28, 2011) – Rogers Sportsnet was the destination for breaking trades on NHL Trade Deadline Day as Hockeycentral Deadline 2011 was the first to report on nine deals. In addition, Sportsnet was the first to interview 15 players who were either signed or traded.

“Canucks were already in a good position, but now they have added depth, character and grit,” said Nick Kypreos, Hockeycentral analyst, Rogers Sportsnet. “The new addition of Chris Higgins will push Mason Raymond to be a far more effective player.”

“LA got the best player today in acquiring Dustin Penner,” said Doug MacLean, Hockeycentral analyst, Rogers Sportsnet. “Like him or not, he is a good addition that should help the Kings finally go deep in the playoffs.”

Sportsnet.ca also offered extensive coverage from multiple platforms such as the Hockeycentral iPad app with breaking trades and stories. The website also featured live streaming, live chats with Hockeycentral talent, trade tracker, email alerts, including Twitter and Facebook updates. For iPhone users, sportsnet.ca also presented breaking trades.

The following is a breakdown of all trades that were announced first on Sportsnet and sportsnet.ca during Hockeycentral Deadline 2011:

· Florida Panthers traded Radek Dvorak and a fifth round draft pick in 2011 to the Atlanta Thrashers for Niclas Bergfors and Patrick Rissmiller

· Phoenix Coyotes traded Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Rostislav Klesla and Dane Byers

· Edmonton Oilers traded Shawn Belle to the Colorado Avalanche for Kevin Montgomery

· Panthers traded Bryan Allen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Sergei Samsonov

· St. Louis Blues traded Brad Winchester to the Anaheim Ducks for a 2nd round draft pick in 2011

· New Jersey Devils traded Jason Arnott to the Washington Capitals for David Steckel and a second round draft pick in 2012

· Ducks traded Maxim Lapierre and MacGregor Sharp to the Vancouver Canucks for Joel Perrault and third round draft pick in 2012

· Thrashers traded Fredrik Modin to the Calgary Flames for a seventh round draft pick in 2011

· Thrashers traded Drew MacIntyre to the Montreal Canadiens for Brett Festerling

Sportsnet was also first to interview the following players right after the announcement of their trade or signing during Hockeycentral Deadline 2011:

· Chris Phillips

· Brad Boyes

· Radek Dvorak

· Niclas Bergfors

· Dennis Wideman

· Rob Schremp

· Rusty Klesla

· Scotty Upshall

· Chris Campoli

· Bryan Allen

· Dustin Penner

· Chris Higgins

· Freddy Modin

· Maxim Lapierre

· Jason Arnott

For all the scores, highlights, breaking news and inside stories from the NHL, tune in to Sportsnet Connected and log on to sportsnet.ca.

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