Steve Downie traded by Tampa Bay Lightning to Colorado Avalanche

Every so often, the NHL trade deadline gets a little wild, it get a little crazy, and something unexpected happens.

The idea that pest and fan-favorite Steve Downie was expendable shouldn't be a complete surprise to people. His physical play and scoring ability would make him valuable for teams to add grit as long as they were also willing to accept the stigma of having Steve Downie on their roster.

It just so happens the Colorado Avalanche were willing to take that chance. The Bolts sent Downie to Colorado in exchange for defenseman Kyle Quincey.

And then things got a little crazy. The Bolts immediately shipped Quincey to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for the Red Wings 1st round draft selection in 2012 and defenseman Sebastian Piche.

Piche, in his third pro season, has been playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins fo the AHL. He will report to the ECHL Florida Everblades.

The official press release from the team is below the jump

LIGHTNING ACQUIRE FIRST ROUND PICK, D PICHE IN 3-TEAM TRADE
Downie Sent to Colorado Avalanche

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired a first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft as well as defenseman Sebastien Piche in a three-team trade today, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced. The Lightning traded forward Steve Downie to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Kyle Quincey. Tampa Bay then sent Quincey to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for their first-round pick and Piche.

The Lightning now have two first-round picks in 2012 along with a maximum of four and a minimum of three selections in the second round.

Piche, 6-foot, 202 pounds, has played in 42 career AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, recording five points (0-5-5). This season he has played in 22 games, notching three assists. Piche signed with the Red Wings as a free agent on April 12, 2009.

Piche has been assigned to the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.