I struggle to understand why you imply this deal is a bad one? He got only a 800,000 dollar raise and could have signed a 7 year deal closer to 11 mil with 29 other teams in the league after next season. Another grand slam for Shero to lock him up long term at a 'discount' rate. And remember, the deal doesn't start until 2014-15. caps expected to rise steadily after the fall next year... I expect in a few years Malkins deal will look like a steal.
- ChrisMS

Absolutely, it's a below market value deal.
So, who's replacing all of Letang's minutes in 2 years?

In my opinion far too much.
I don't know where people are getting these crazy scenarios but if Darcy has offered this he should have his head examined. Sorry just my opinion.
- BuffaloHardHat

Agreed.
Miller+8th+ a prospect not named Grigorenko, Armia or Girgensons is as far as I would go
Or maybe Ennis

Good on Pittsburgh on signing their guy in Malkin,just sign Letang now and your core is set.As far as the others go who cares. Pittsburgh needs to see what they have in their younger guys anyhow,that group of support players hasnt gotten it done. Pittsburgh will be better served with some young hungry legs in their lineup

Absolutely, it's a below market value deal.
So, who's replacing all of Letang's minutes in 2 years?
- jmatchett383

Letang sealed his own fate in the playoffs. He will be moved and replaced. Really good player, not an elite defender

In my opinion far too much.
I don't know where people are getting these crazy scenarios but if Darcy has offered this he should have his head examined. Sorry just my opinion.
- BuffaloHardHat

That's the price to pay though, this is the #1 pick overall. I would rather see him stockpile on another mid 1st round pick but if he did pull off the #1 I would have to give him credit.

Letang sealed his own fate in the playoffs. He will be moved and replaced. Really good player, not an elite defender
- sbroads24

Letang is fine ,and besides if you move him who does Pittsburgh have that can come close to replacing him,one bad playoff series against a great team like boston doesnt mean he sucks

Absolutely, it's a below market value deal.
So, who's replacing all of Letang's minutes in 2 years?
- jmatchett383

Pouliot, Maata, Despres, Doumolin are the future

Letang is fine ,and besides if you move him who does Pittsburgh have that can come close to replacing him,one bad playoff series against a great team like boston doesnt mean he sucks

- top shelf 15

They have a few really good prospects. That team will be a contender with or without Letang. he's a really really good player. Just not worth what he will get, and most likely Shero knows that

Pouliot, Maata, Despres are the future
- Emperor Filonius

Woohooo!!
I am glad you are sharing your future plans with us!

Pouliot, Maata, Despres are the future
- Emperor Filonius

Yep they should be replacing guys like Murray ,Enegglend,Niskennin and down the road Orpik.But Letang is a quality defender guys with his skillset dont grow on trees ,pittsburgh if they are smart will look at the overall picture with Letang and not judge him on one bad playoff series .

Woohooo!!
I am glad you are sharing your future plans with us!
- Sabresfan88

Hey, the question was asked....if you don't want Pens fans in here, tell your blogger to stick to the Sabres.

Woohooo!!
I am glad you are sharing your future plans with us!
- Sabresfan88

Giving up one Morrow for the other one is looking pretty bad right about now.

Hey, the question was asked....if you don't want Pens fans in here, tell your blogger to stick to the Sabres.
- Emperor Filonius

we do. he doesnt listen

Yep they should be replacing guys like Murray ,Enegglend,Niskennin and down the road Orpik.But Letang is a quality defender guys with his skillset dont grow on trees ,pittsburgh if they are smart will look at the overall picture with Letang and not judge him on one bad playoff series .

- top shelf 15

I forgot Harrington who will be in the Orpik kind of mold...the problem with Letang is he is likely to want Suter-esque type money, and I don't know if the Penguins can afford him at that price. He also has fallen into the habit (not just this past series) of making horrific decisions with the puck at least once or twice a game.

Hey, the question was asked....if you don't want Pens fans in here, tell your blogger to stick to the Sabres.
- Emperor Filonius

Relax... Sabres fans love to hear about the Penguins, and their future plans.

Relax... Sabres fans love to hear about the Penguins, and their future plans.
- Sabresfan88

That's what Gunner tells us.

We are presently without a blogger, so you might see us more often for a while. Isn't that exciting?

To move to Texas (some of the cheapest housing prices in the US), yes.
To move to ever-crumbling Russia, no.
- jmatchett383

the hockey teams are shockingly playing in well developed urban metropolis's

its like playing in winnipeg

Pouliot, Maata, Despres, Doumolin are the future
- Emperor Filonius

And which of those are expected to replace your Norris candidate adequately?

the hockey teams are shockingly playing in well developed urban metropolis's
- robz228

I wasn't describing the physical structures, more the way of life, general standard of living, and economy. And still, those 8-hour long plane rides of planes made of masking tape and elmer's wood glue must be a joy.

I forgot Harrington who will be in the Orpik kind of mold...the problem with Letang is he is likely to want Suter-esque type money, and I don't know if the Penguins can afford him at that price. He also has fallen into the habit (not just this past series) of making horrific decisions with the puck at least once or twice a game.
- Emperor Filonius

Pittsburgh will be a lot younger next season,its time really ,That supporting cast has run its course.It will be a transition year for Pittsburgh in that they will be playing a lot of their cheap young players in support of their vaunted overall corps which includes Letang.Besides the cap will start to go up again after next season

That's the price to pay though, this is the #1 pick overall. I would rather see him stockpile on another mid 1st round pick but if he did pull off the #1 I would have to give him credit.
- buffalokb

Would you rather have:

Eric Staal or Thomas Vanek?
Ladd or Stafford?
Crosby or Zagrapan?
Johnson or Pearsson?
Kane or Brennan?
Stamkos or Myers?
Tavares or Kassian?

Shall I go on?

You get the #1 because its a centerpiece to build around. stay put and you get mediocrity, which is exactly what we have now. Lets trade down and stock pile more mediocrity! Yeah!

I wasn't describing the physical structures, more the way of life, general standard of living, and economy. And still, those 8-hour long plane rides of planes made of masking tape and elmer's wood glue must be a joy.
- jmatchett383

is there really a point to having a conversation if you are only going to use far fetched extremes?

i'll try my hand at this.

i for one, would rather play in russia where the government isnt spying on my family through my verizon wireless!

So its basically grig, #8 and A prospect. IF mackinnon is the next Stamkos then you pull the trigger. if the prospect in demand is Armia, then maybe no.
- RynoBull

It said defensive prospect, so not Armia.

So if Crosby and Malkin get hurt that's pretty much it for the Pens season

Would you rather have:

Eric Staal or Thomas Vanek?
Ladd or Stafford?
Crosby or Zagrapan?
Johnson or Pearsson? (bad example)
Kane or Brennan?
Stamkos or Myers?
Tavares or Kassian?

Shall I go on?

You get the #1 because its a centerpiece to build around. stay put and you get mediocrity, which is exactly what we have now. Lets trade down and stock pile more mediocrity! Yeah!
- RynoBull

ill also take stay put and be in the same place youve been the last 12 years.
Yes, lets get more players we all really like and never make an all star game except for in our hearts