Not correct. We have had offers for him in the past but they were being stupid and greedy and didn't think they were enough. He will bring a lesser return now. But I think you underestimate what he will get.
- Iggysbff

You, meaning your organization overvalued him when his stock was falling. That is a fact. Teams offered third round picks, and your GM wanted a second and a top-end prospect, like one of your fans referred to earlier in this thread. He doesn't carry that value. Not close.

He is viewed as a third line guy; an enigma; a fragile player and is a pending free agent. That doesn't bring much in return. Could he prosper? Sure. However, I wouldn't be on it.

Fleury wearing a GoPro camera in yesterday's practice:

still unbelievable torn about this Kesler situation.

I think he would be a fantastic addition and really allow us to roll 3 lines. In the Boston series, Chara took down Malkin's line and Bergeron took down Crosby's line. That left Morrow-Sutter-Kennedy to do the damage and lets be honest, they aren't going to. This year if that happens we would have Pyatt-Sutter-Megna... does that make anyone feel better? No.

The problem with sutter is that he doesn't create offense, he needs to be playing with good players in order to be good offensively. Kesler is going to be good no matter what and he could even enhance the guys around him.

Not sure why people are concerned about $$. Sutter is an RFA where he will probably ask 4 million per season. Kesler is at 5, I think 1 million is a good edge to Kesler. We have seen in 2009, that having elite wingers on lines where you have 3 centers deep isn't true. In 2009, Crosby was with Kunitz and Guerin, Malkin was with Fedotenko and Talbot. Having Neal and Kunitz already makes that top 6 a huge improvement. The problem is the 3rd line, we haven't had a 3rd line play that kind of quality hockey since 2009. Getting Kesler will allow us to return to that model. I wouldn't mind if we moved Jokinen down to play with Kesler and you put a guy like Megna on his right wing. Is that a great 3rd line? Not really. but would that 3rd line be more than good enough to get the job done? Absolutely.

The problem for me is what the price might be. If you remember the Richards and Carter deals, those deals were for a 1st and 2 younger roster players. I actually think their value was higher because they were signed long term and were younger. I would assume that the asking price would be Sutter and Despres and then a minor prospect or a 1st if other teams drive the price up. To be honest with you, I would probably do that but I don't want to trade our first. I love Despres and I think he will be a stud. But at the same time, if he cant crack our lineup when our best 2 dmen are out, when will he? He doesn't have quality of play on his side when it comes to his trade value. He has potential and age, that's it. every year the penguins wait on him, he loses more and more of the trade value.

The only problem is that it still leaves a bit of hole on Sid's wing because I for one don't trust Gibbons in the playoffs. While Gibbons is fast and good, I just don't think he could be an effective player in the playoffs. Maybe you look at a cheap option at Brad Boyes in FLA. Having a pretty good season, signed to an affordable cap hit, and I don't think his name will be nearly as sexy as other guys. Maybe a 3rd or a 4th and a loser prospect.

Kunitz-Crosby-Boyes
Bennett-Malkin-Neal
Jokinen-Kesler-Megna
Glass-Vitale-Adams

I am okay with that team going into the playoffs and I truly believe that this team would be more suited to win the Cup versus last year's "all star" team.
- SuperHenderson13

No need to be torn about this. So, you add Kesler and Boyes to the mix. You know the cost of that? A 1st, Despres/Pouliot and another young asset like Bennett. Vancouver has already said no to Sutter being included. Boyes, probably a third and another tier C prospect.

So, no first, no second due to Murray deal last year and no third in this year's draft. Add in the fact you lose a top young D prospect and Bennett, you have very little else in the coming years to deal, unless you sell off a James Neal, or Malkin, or Crosby, or Maatta, core guys.

I don't know if I see a fit then with Pitts. Don't get me wrong I'd be fine with Dumoulin, but if there are other teams calling with prospects/picks that suit our organizational need better, I'd look there over Pittsburgh. Assuming they are of the same talent level as a Dumoulin.
- ystoil

The thing is despres would fetch much more than hemsky. I think That's why Ryan suggested dumoulin

You, meaning your organization overvalued him when his stock was falling. That is a fact. Teams offered third round picks, and your GM wanted a second and a top-end prospect, like one of your fans referred to earlier in this thread. He doesn't carry that value. Not close.

He is viewed as a third line guy; an enigma; a fragile player and is a pending free agent. That doesn't bring much in return. Could he prosper? Sure. However, I wouldn't be on it.
- Oneonta Penguin

I'm probably one of the biggest Hemmer haters out there. Just ask other Oil fans. I've wanted him gone for 7-8 years. unbelievable skill, just not too smart.

And we have had offers in the past for 1st rounders plus prospects but they turned them down. He's been healthy for the most part of the last 2 seasons now. You will be surprised what he brings in return. Especially since Edmonton will likely retain salary to help the acquiring team fit the cap.

No need to be torn about this. So, you add Kesler and Boyes to the mix. You know the cost of that? A 1st, Despres/Pouliot and another young asset like Bennett. Vancouver has already said no to Sutter being included. Boyes, probably a third and another tier C prospect.

So, no first, no second due to Murray deal last year and no third in this year's draft. Add in the fact you lose a top young D prospect and Bennett, you have very little else in the coming years to deal, unless you sell off a James Neal, or Malkin, or Crosby, or Maatta, core guys.
- Oneonta Penguin

I mean if sutter isn't included, there is no point in getting him. so if VAN already said no to Sutter, don't think much is left to discuss.

But I think people will be surprised at how little VAN gets for him compared to what people think they will get. Really only seeing 2 pieces of value going the other way.

another alternative that I've been thinking of. Could Dupuis be our 3rd line center next season? He can play 3rd line and considering he is coming back from a pretty significant injury, maybe a lesser role with less ice time would be better for him.

I mean if sutter isn't included, there is no point in getting him. so if VAN already said no to Sutter, don't think much is left to discuss.

But I think people will be surprised at how little VAN gets for him compared to what people think they will get. Really only seeing 2 pieces of value going the other way.
- SuperHenderson13

So much depends on what Kesler wants to do too... NTC's have a way of skewing the return (see Iginla), if a player pushes the issue enough.

Saw this the other day, and it's so true:

Ian Mendes ‏@ian_mendes Feb 27
I've said this before: No-trade clauses are not about keeping a player in a city -- it's about letting him hand-pick his next destination.

I mean if sutter isn't included, there is no point in getting him. so if VAN already said no to Sutter, don't think much is left to discuss.

But I think people will be surprised at how little VAN gets for him compared to what people think they will get. Really only seeing 2 pieces of value going the other way.
- SuperHenderson13

Exactly ... you are concerned over nothing. If Kesler were to come in Vancouver has to take Sutter going the other way.

I don't think Vancouver gets what their fans think. Kesler has made it known he wants out. Vancouver is forced to deal him. The only difference between the Staal situation and this, Shero was a smart GM during that. Gillis is an idiot and is bound to screw up.

Stop worrying about Kesler.

So much depends on what Kesler wants to do too... NTC's have a way of skewing the return (see Iginla), if a player pushes the issue enough.

Saw this the other day, and it's so true:

Ian Mendes ‏@ian_mendes Feb 27
I've said this before: No-trade clauses are not about keeping a player in a city -- it's about letting him hand-pick his next destination.
- rival22

I agree. Remember last year leading up to the deadline with Iginla... people thought they were getting a 1st and an elite and a good prospect. What did they get? a 1st and 2 loser prospects.

If Kesler says, I want to go to Pittsburgh (not saying he will, just an example)... Gillies really isn't going to have much leverage.

I'm probably one of the biggest Hemmer haters out there. Just ask other Oil fans. I've wanted him gone for 7-8 years. unbelievable skill, just not too smart.

And we have had offers in the past for 1st rounders plus prospects but they turned them down. He's been healthy for the most part of the last 2 seasons now. You will be surprised what he brings in return. Especially since Edmonton will likely retain salary to help the acquiring team fit the cap.
- Iggysbff

I'm not sure who is the biggest fool, your former GM who turned those alleged offers, or the GMs that offered you first round picks and prospects are fools. He hasn't been worth that in four years.

I'm willing to give him a chance for the first time in five years because I realize our cap situation, our collection of assets and our injuries. However, I wouldn't trade for him and give any combo of a high pick ad prospect, or a high end prospect or a high pick. Third and a decent, not great prospect (Ruopp). If you take on salary, a little more, but not a first, not Harrington, Despres, Pouliot, Bennett ... We have given up too much for rentals the last two years and got terrible results from them. No sense doing it again for a high cost.

I'm not sure who is the biggest fool, your former GM who turned those alleged offers, or the GMs that offered you first round picks and prospects are fools. He hasn't been worth that in four years.

I'm willing to give him a chance for the first time in five years because I realize our cap situation, our collection of assets and our injuries. However, I wouldn't trade for him and give any combo of a high pick ad prospect, or a high end prospect or a high pick. Third and a decent, not great prospect (Ruopp). If you take on salary, a little more, but not a first, not Harrington, Despres, Pouliot, Bennett ... We have given up too much for rentals the last two years and got terrible results from them. No sense doing it again for a high cost.
- Oneonta Penguin

I don't see him going to Pitt.

IMO it wasn't wasting the value of an asset by not dealing Hemsky, it was keeping a vet around to help mentor and even step up when youngsters struggle.

in my perfect world, EDM re signs hemsky to a 2-3 year deal. I like having good hockey players on my team, whether it's the top 6 or the bottom 6. Pretty unrealistic that he resigns so the team that gets him, for likely a 45th+ pick, will be very lucky

You would be looking at a guy like Dumoulin or Samuelsson as the return, not Despres.

Penguins don't have a 2nd round pick either.
- Ryan_Wilson

the last thing EDM needs is another left handed D prospect (Marincin, Klefbom, Nurse, Gernat, Musil, Simpson)

No need to be torn about this. So, you add Kesler and Boyes to the mix. You know the cost of that? A 1st, Despres/Pouliot and another young asset like Bennett. Vancouver has already said no to Sutter being included. Boyes, probably a third and another tier C prospect.

So, no first, no second due to Murray deal last year and no third in this year's draft. Add in the fact you lose a top young D prospect and Bennett, you have very little else in the coming years to deal, unless you sell off a James Neal, or Malkin, or Crosby, or Maatta, core guys.
- Oneonta Penguin

If they said no to sutter then the conversation is basically over unless a third team is involved.

IMO it wasn't wasting the value of an asset by not dealing Hemsky, it was keeping a vet around to help mentor and even step up when youngsters struggle.

in my perfect world, EDM re signs hemsky to a 2-3 year deal. I like having good hockey players on my team, whether it's the top 6 or the bottom 6. Pretty unrealistic that he resigns so the team that gets him, for likely a 45th+ pick, will be very lucky
- TheNugeIsHuge

I actually hope he goes back to his native land in the Czech Republic and stays there. We all know what happens. You resign him to a contract overprice ... he doesn't do anything and next trade deadline, we hear Hemsky to Pittsburgh rumors again. It's like Toronto and Kulemin.

Big night for both teams should be fun. Headed to my daughters for food, family, fun and hockey. Throw in some wine and a chocolate lab on the couch and you get the picture. Lets Go Pens, beat those Hawks!!!

Kesler is coming kesler is coming

Kesler is coming kesler is coming
- dbell646

Then get him a napkin.

A big HELL NO on Hemsky. This team has way too many glass pieces on it.

Yes to Boyes and Kesler.

That is all.

Then get him a napkin.
- errey12

He prefers socks

If the Penguins want to take a low-asset flyer on a veteran wing from the former Cz. who is injury prone but first-line quality, why not Gaborik?

Dealing with Buffalo seems like a good fit after their first big move?

Stewart - Moulson - Stafford

Tallinder - Ehrhoff

Enroth - Halak

Any and all can be had for the right price, and Pittsburgh needs at least one of each kind of player.

Kesler is coming kesler is coming
- dbell646

Love Kesler, but not sure about the price tag of Sutter + Pouliet. It all depends on how much the organization thinks Dumoulin, Despres, Harrington, and Samuellesson will turn out. Maatta is a winner, but the Pens will need more than just him if Niskanen and Orpik leaves this offseason and Martin the next.

If the Penguins want to take a low-asset flyer on a veteran wing from the former Cz. who is injury prone but first-line quality, why not Gaborik?

Dealing with Buffalo seems like a good fit after their first big move?

Stewart - Moulson - Stafford

Tallinder - Ehrhoff

Enroth - Halak

Any and all can be had for the right price, and Pittsburgh needs at least one of each kind of player.
- Johnny Wrath

Buffalo is a poor match for a deal. Let's look at these names deeper.

Stewart - absolute malcontent; has underachieved for the last three years and is on the books for 4.125 million for next year. Buffalo wants a high end asset for him. That is a pass

Moulson - pending free agent, so basically is a rental. They will have a bidding war for him. A first round plus could be the final asking price. Pass because he is a rental.

Stafford - enigma to the max. If Hemsky would make you mad, Stafford would as well. Probably could be had for a third rounder. On the books for 4 million next year. Not worth it. crappy last two years.

Tallinder - not sure defense is a primary need. Probably goes for a second rounder. Something we don't have. You have to give up an asset that is decent for this rental.

Erhoff - LOL. On the books for 4 million per year for the next six years. If Buffalo dealt him, a first rounder plus. Not worth it.

Halak - rental goalie that will command a first round pick. Not worth it.

Enroth - if Vukoun comes back, he wouldn't see any time between the pipes.

Some of these names probably have to stay for Buffalo to reach the cap floor next year. They will be pushing to meet that mark. The free agent pool isn't good either, so they might have to sign some bad contracts again to reach the limit.

Bad matches all around. All of these names make no sense for a variety of reasons. Malcontents, enigmas, high price tag for the next six years, rentals worth high end assets ... I see no one.

Lets Go Pens!