I clicked back 3 times confused as **** until I read the description. Well played

Why would EDM do that??? Bad trade as Maatta has been inj for most of his career and Nurse is better. EDM also doesn't need prospects (Sprong). If EDM is going to trade RNH, its going to be for a better winger.

My justification:
Hornqvist is in his last year but is still a to 6 winger. Swaping him for RNH opens cap after this year for when the Mc David contract hit goes into effect.
I agree Nurse is marginally better than Maata BUT maata is already signed for a few more years at a reasonable contract for a mid pairing D man. Nurse is about to demand a raise to Maata money or more, I assume 4.5-5mil per season.
Sprong was included to offset the money retained on RNH and the skill differential between Maata and Nurse. I'm not trying to be a big PIT fan boy but Sprong will probably be a top 6 winger with sid for the 18-19 season. He also has great foot speed and an accurate shot (similar to Kessel but not quite as dynamic) that would pair well with McDavid.
Trade helps both teams

I think you have it back-wards, why would the Pens do this trade. Nurse might be cheaper, but Maatta has been way better, even with the injuries (which has only really impacted 1 season). Both are really young, but Maatta is established and signed for 5 more seasons at a reasonable rate.

Sprong is a top 25 prospect in the NHL at just 20 years old and he is ready to play at that level this year (though the Pens might wait till mid-year given their winger depth). Guy has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer and a 50-60 point player and in the right situation could do that this year. He's on his ELC and will obviously be pretty cheap for at least his first couple of years. Hornqvist is still a top 6 winger with 25 goal potential.

In return the Pens would get RNH (at a reduced rate) for 4 years. Nugent-Hopkins is good and the price being lower helps, but he's a 50 point player esp. if he's stuck in the 3C role (as he obviously will be with the Pens) and not a top PP guy. Nurse is young and has upside, but thus far hasn't shown himself to be an established NHL'er. His offensive game is non-existent, his possession numbers are below average, even in Maatta's worst year of his career this past year he basically played as well as Nurse has ever shown.

I could see like Hornqvist and a 1st for RNH, maybe another high pick as well, but it makes zero sense for the Pens to give up all of this for RNH

Well played Sir! Well played!

I forgot to rate you and 5 stars for the entrapment!