Can't move Maatta. He looked too good last year and youth will be needed at D in the very near future; can't trade the "sure thing," 19yr old man on a ELC when Dumoulin, Despres, Harrington, and Pouliet are still unknowns at the NHL level to varying degrees.

Now, if the Jets asked about Sutter + Pouliet, I'd listen very closely. Kane would make Neal superflous so he could be moved for another piece or pieces to re-coup some of what was lost in acquiring Kane. Send Neal to a competitive team out West that struggled on the PP this past year & whose window is now. off the top of my head, i'd try to deal with Vancouver, Anaheim, or San Jose. Maybe the Wild too.

Sutter + Pouliet + Pick = Kane (WPG)
Neal = near-NHL ready Top-6 F prospect + pick + current 3rd line roster player
- s0rcerer1984

I wouldn't trade Pouliot for Kane. This kid has a ton of upside and looks to be a logical replacement for Martin down the road.

Also, I don't think Kane is the type of person who thrives as the face of a team. For all the talk that gets thrown around about how Malkin wants to be 'The Guy' so he wants out of Pitt., he really does seem to feel more comfortable not doing media stuff. This isn't to say he won't talk or shrinks from it when it is required; just that isn't that type of guy. Not everyone wants to be a leader and talk to the press or is fit for it.

Evander Kane strikes me as that kind of guy. He really hasn't done anything that is too terrible, but as the face of the Jets and its most talented player he is always going to get the tough Q's regardless of who wears the C. Similar to when Franics had the C in Pitt., but Jagr was clearly the best player.

I see a similar dynamic on Chicago as well. Patrick Kane is probably the Hawks most talented player, but Toewes is better as the C and answering the tough Q's to the media. It allows Kane to just do his thing without all the pressure that comes with being the face of a team.
- s0rcerer1984

I could see that as well with Kane. But you want to trade Pouliot for him so I'm afraid i can't talk to you anymore.

For the record, Maatta and Pouliot are off limits for me. 3 or 4 years from now everyone is going to look back and say "Man that Shero sure knew what he was doing when he drafted those 2 studs."

Decent read on Anton Zlobin, someone who should get a good look at camp this fall...

http://penslabyrinth.com/...geni-malkins-left-winger/
- rival22

Best thing about this guy is he seems like a player who raises his game in pressure situations....

Scores the memorial cup OT winning goal in 2012
5 goals 3 assists in 9 AHL playoff games this year including an OT winner in round 1

Personally I'm very high on Zlobin for the future... especially as a 6th round pick

Can we vote for another lockout this fall? Maatta and Pouliot out for 4-6 months, and Bennett out 4 months.

And who knows how long after that it will take these guys to get back to near 100% strength...
- rival22

Luckily, it's a long summer....

Because some fat ass radio personality makes poop up so he sounds important?
- canadianpenfan

Yes I can't stand the perception he and Rossi are creating for this team. I hate hearing this poop day after day. I'm emberassed that the pens put themselves in this position

Halak for 4.5/yr...well that means Miller at 8 somewhere. Like it or not Fleury will be here next yr. Halak was suppose to be the cheaper option.

MM has Pens connections, he is usually right about most situations, hes just very blunt about it. Going off about Neal requesting a trade may or may not be true, it could be a way for the Pens to get the fans against Neal when he is moved. Its not easy trading away a 40g scorer. With MM, the PG and Trib all reporting it and now Ryan Wilson, I think its safe to say Neal wont be a Pen next yr.

I could see that as well with Kane. But you want to trade Pouliot for him so I'm afraid i can't talk to you anymore.

For the record, Maatta and Pouliot are off limits for me. 3 or 4 years from now everyone is going to look back and say "Man that Shero sure knew what he was doing when he drafted those 2 studs."
- canadianpenfan

I feel the same way. It looks as if the Penguins got two legit career defenders out of that first round. The way Pouliot controls the game from the back is very similar to Letang, but more controlled in his breakout. He, as of now, lacks the meaner edge that Letang has but his power play control is unreal.
There were a few reports when we drafted Joe Morrow that it was Pouliot who actually carried Morrow and not the other way around like earlier reports suggested.

I wouldn't trade Pouliot for Kane. This kid has a ton of upside and looks to be a logical replacement for Martin down the road.
- usethe1-2-2

Not saying I would unload Pouliet for anyone. Still, the Pens are deep at D and thin at F. If Maatta and Letang remain part of the Top-6 D for the foreseeable future & 3 out of the 4 of the following pan out as Top-6 D (Despres, Dumoulin, Harrington, Samuelsson) that is 5 of the 6 spots. You have to move someone or lose them via FA or waivers.

Kane is only 22 and signed to a pretty reasonable deal for 4yrs at $5.25M. Kane, Crosby, and Malkin are a pretty big 3 for any team to have. Also, Neal could be flipped to re-coup some of the value lost.

Just saying I would consider it.

I could see that as well with Kane. But you want to trade Pouliot for him so I'm afraid i can't talk to you anymore.

For the record, Maatta and Pouliot are off limits for me. 3 or 4 years from now everyone is going to look back and say "Man that Shero sure knew what he was doing when he drafted those 2 studs."
- canadianpenfan

Understandable and a very valid opinion.

But if this is the case, then pretty much any Top-6 F is going to be unavailable via trade. Despres, Dumoulin, and Harrington don't have that kind of value. And, as Ryan pointed out, W for W swaps are hard to do so Neal won't bring one back.

Yes I can't stand the perception he and Rossi are creating for this team. I hate hearing this poop day after day. I'm emberassed that the pens put themselves in this position
- dbell646

You would not make it as a Leafs fan living in Toronto.

You would not make it as a Leafs fan living in Toronto.
- canadianpenfan

Well I hate Canada so there's that aspect

Not saying I would unload Pouliet for anyone. Still, the Pens are deep at D and thin at F. If Maatta and Letang remain part of the Top-6 D for the foreseeable future & 3 out of the 4 of the following pan out as Top-6 D (Despres, Dumoulin, Harrington, Samuelsson) that is 5 of the 6 spots. You have to move someone or lose them via FA or waivers.

Kane is only 22 and signed to a pretty reasonable deal for 4yrs at $5.25M. Kane, Crosby, and Malkin are a pretty big 3 for any team to have. Also, Neal could be flipped to re-coup some of the value lost.

Just saying I would consider it.
- s0rcerer1984

I just think that Kane, who has been among trade rumors for a while, has too much going in the wrong direction to be a logical fit. He would fill a role, but at what mental cost.
Then again you make a good point about the depth of D. Dumoulin is truly coming into his own as a puck moving defender. He looks to be like a Ben Lovejoy, but with slightly better on ice awareness and less physicality. I think he is a great 5-6 defender for next season. Despres should do better when given the chance and Samuelsson has what it takes to be at this level as well.
I just don't think you trade pouliot right now. Let him play in the AHL next season for a few months and see how his shoulder is.

Understandable and a very valid opinion.

But if this is the case, then pretty much any Top-6 F is going to be unavailable via trade. Despres, Dumoulin, and Harrington don't have that kind of value. And, as Ryan pointed out, W for W swaps are hard to do so Neal won't bring one back.
- s0rcerer1984

I do understand what you're saying but I don't agree with that. Either way i would rather have a future blueline with those 2 guys than a replacement for Neal right now considering he's still on the team.

He doesn't HAVE to be traded. Just saying given the circumstances if a player like Kane was offered for him I'd jump on it.

Well I hate Canada so there's that aspect
- dbell646

I hate you.

I just think that Kane, who has been among trade rumors for a while, has too much going in the wrong direction to be a logical fit. He would fill a role, but at what mental cost.
Then again you make a good point about the depth of D. Dumoulin is truly coming into his own as a puck moving defender. He looks to be like a Ben Lovejoy, but with slightly better on ice awareness and less physicality. I think he is a great 5-6 defender for next season. Despres should do better when given the chance and Samuelsson has what it takes to be at this level as well.
I just don't think you trade pouliot right now. Let him play in the AHL next season for a few months and see how his shoulder is.
- usethe1-2-2

From what I've seen, I think Dumoulin will far surpass what Lovejoy is/was. Dumoulin looks like a solid 3-4 Dman with size. He and Despres don't have to be Top-2 Dman to succeed; Leave that to Letang and Maatta. Just be Top-4 Dman who can use their size.

Harrington looks like the next Rob Scuderi, but with far better puck skills. Another 3-4 Dman, but who lacks elite puck moving skills. Still, not so back with the puck that he won't find a solid role for himself in the NHL.

Of the group only Samuelsson looks like a 5-6 Dman to me with a ceiling simialr to Lovejoy or Strait.

From what I've seen, I think Dumoulin will far surpass what Lovejoy is/was. Dumoulin looks like a solid 3-4 Dman with size. He and Despres don't have to be Top-2 Dman to succeed; Leave that to Letang and Maatta. Just be Top-4 Dman who can use their size.

Harrington looks like the next Rob Scuderi, but with far better puck skills. Another 3-4 Dman, but who lacks elite puck moving skills. Still, not so back with the puck that he won't find a solid role for himself in the NHL.

Of the group only Samuelsson looks like a 5-6 Dman to me with a ceiling simialr to Lovejoy or Strait.
- s0rcerer1984

Really looking forward to seeing him with the big club.

From what I've seen, I think Dumoulin will far surpass what Lovejoy is/was. Dumoulin looks like a solid 3-4 Dman with size. He and Despres don't have to be Top-2 Dman to succeed; Leave that to Letang and Maatta. Just be Top-4 Dman who can use their size.

Harrington looks like the next Rob Scuderi, but with far better puck skills. Another 3-4 Dman, but who lacks elite puck moving skills. Still, not so back with the puck that he won't find a solid role for himself in the NHL.

Of the group only Samuelsson looks like a 5-6 Dman to me with a ceiling simialr to Lovejoy or Strait.
- s0rcerer1984

Watching Lovejoy in his expanded role on the Ducks, I would be happy with that from Dumoulin. Right now though, we have Martin, Letang, and Maatta top three. Any combo of Dumoulion, Despres, and Bortuzzo to fill out the six works. Then Samuelsson and Harrington fight for time. Harrington might need another season in the AHL though to work on his puck movement. Samuelsson looks like a player who will fill a Niskanen type roll from two seasons ago as an offensive minded 5 or 6 guy.

With all of that said though, if Pouliot is ready to make this team and becomes a top four established player, you explore trading the veteran Martin or see what a package for Letang brings. That is why I don't trade him yet.

One more thing on Harrington, he is considered to be a very high character guy and even as a first time AHL player, was considered a tremendous leader in the locker room. He has been a leader on every team that he played for so to hear that is very promising.

One more thing on Harrington, he is considered to be a very high character guy and even as a first time AHL player, was considered a tremendous leader in the locker room. He has been a leader on every team that he played for so to hear that is very promising.
- usethe1-2-2

He is captain material, he'll have an A on this team.

He is captain material, he'll have an A on this team.
- canadianpenfan

It won't be long before that happens.

It won't be long before that happens.
- usethe1-2-2

Hope not. Very real possibility that we have 3 ELC's on the blueline at the same time making major contributions. That would provide some serious roster flexibility.

Watching Lovejoy in his expanded role on the Ducks, I would be happy with that from Dumoulin. Right now though, we have Martin, Letang, and Maatta top three. Any combo of Dumoulion, Despres, and Bortuzzo to fill out the six works. Then Samuelsson and Harrington fight for time. Harrington might need another season in the AHL though to work on his puck movement. Samuelsson looks like a player who will fill a Niskanen type roll from two seasons ago as an offensive minded 5 or 6 guy.

With all of that said though, if Pouliot is ready to make this team and becomes a top four established player, you explore trading the veteran Martin or see what a package for Letang brings. That is why I don't trade him yet.
- usethe1-2-2

Martin is currently 33 and signed for 1 more yr at $5M. I doubt he gets resigned at all and if he is its with a NTC. Absolutely no way that Pouliet establishes himself as a Top4 Dman so much so that Martin gets traded next season. Even if he wasnt injured that wouldn't happen.

It won't be long before that happens.
- usethe1-2-2

It's a month old so you might have seen it already, but hockey futures did a nice write up on the prospects. They actually rate Harrington as our top defensive prospect which is good considering Pouliot just won WHL dman of the year. Everything they say about Harrington is exactly what we're lacking.


The 2013-14 season was a good one for many Pittsburgh Penguins prospects. Over 500 man games lost to injury at the NHL level paved the way for several players, such as Brian Gibbons, Jayson Megna, and Brian Dumoulin, to make their NHL debuts. Several other prospects, like Josh Archibald, Tristan Jarry, and Matt Murray had breakout seasons and elevated their status within the organization.

Hardest Worker: Brian Gibbons, C/W, Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

An undrafted forward who is liberally listed at 5'8, Brian Gibbons brings neither good size nor much offensive pedigree to the Penguins lineup. He does however bring an infectious work ethic and elite speed, which he has used to carve out a regular role among the Penguins forward group, often on their top line alongside Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Gibbons' ability to push the pace of the game and win puck races also makes him a valuable asset on the penalty kill.

Hardest Shot: Derrick Pouliot, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

The Penguins have a handful of prospects with very hard shots, including Jayson Megna, Tom Kühnhackl, and Brian Dumoulin, but none can rip the puck from the point like Derrick Pouliot. Known more for his passing ability, Pouliot is extremely effective at putting the puck on net, and does a good job lining up for one-timers. Heading into the 2014-15 season, his shot will likely be one of the featured weapons on the powerplay for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Best Defensive Prospect: Scott Harrington, D, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)

Scott Harrington is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who plays a very defensively oriented style of game. Though not overly physical, he is a good athlete, strong on the puck, and capable of playing lots of minutes. He demonstrated consistent, steady play in his first season of professional hockey and took on more responsibilities as the season went on. He is considered a very coachable player and someone who takes pride in not giving a forward any space.

Fastest Skater: Matia Marcantuoni, RW/LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

There are several other players who could compete for the title of fastest prospect, mainly Brian Gibbons, but Matia Marcantuoni possesses a level of game-breaking speed that is rare among players at any level of competition. Whether the rest of his game catches up to his feet remains to be seen, but Marcantuoni already has the type of skating ability that can push the pace of a game, draw penalties, and create odd-man rushes.

Prospect of the Year: Tristan Jarry, G, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Tristan Jarry had a phenomenal 2013-14 season. In his first year as the starting goaltender for the Oil Kings, Jarry led the WHL in goals against average (2.24), shutouts (8), and was the only goaltender in all of the three major Canadian junior hockey leagues to surpass the 40 win mark with 44.

Jarry possesses innate anticipation for a goaltender and is able to track the puck very well. He has a good stick-hand, which he can use to pass the puck and poke check, and is generally very confident in net. He still has a long way to go in his development, but he has demonstrated plenty of promise thus far.

Breakout Player for 2014-15: Jake Guentzel, C/LW, Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (NCHC)

Though 34 points in 37 games as a freshman could be considering a 'breakout' type of season, the best is still yet to come from Jake Guentzel. Often teamed with fellow Penguins prospect Josh Archibald, Guentzel led all freshman players with 27 assists. He see a lot of time on the powerplay, and that should continue in 2014-15. Guentzel was red hot since the turn of the calendar year, producing 23 points in 21 games, a pace that should only improve as he gets stronger and more experienced.

Most Improved Prospect: Matt Murray, G, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

Matt Murray is not only the most improved prospect in the Penguins organization, but is arguably the most improved goaltender in the OHL. Murray was one of the league's top goaltenders through the 2013-14 regular season, managing a 32-11-6 record, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.57 goals against average. The numbers are a far cry from his 2012-13 season, where he still managed a winning record at 26-19-4, but also posted a bloated 3.67 goals against average and .894 save percentage.

It was not as though the team in front of him improved a great deal either. They Greyhounds iced a fairly young lineup in 2013-14, and Murray actually saw more shots on average than he did in the previous season.

Overachiever: Josh Archibald, LW/RW, Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (NCHC)

Josh Archibald established himself early on as a fierce forechecker with good skating ability, but he also managed to really open up his game offensively in 2013-14, managing 29 goals and 14 points in 37 games. He was among the hottest offensive players in the nation, and at one point went on a 10-game stretch where he managed 14 goals and 20 points.

Archibald will be hard pressed to match those totals at the NHL level, though odder things could occur. He first however must prove himself in the minors.

Underachiever: Tom Kuhnhackl, LW/RW, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)

In terms of talent and overall pedigree, Tom Kuhnhackl is one of the top goal-scoring prospects in the Penguins system. He is however wildly inconsistent in his production, going for long stretches without any points. Furthermore, his play is fairly one-dimensional, so when he is not putting up points, he is not helping his team.

Highest Risk/Reward Prospect: Jean-Sebastien Dea, C/W, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)

There is always some risk when a team signs an undrafted 19-year-old forward to an NHL contract, especially one who is on the smaller side and plays in an offensively oriented league like the QMJHL. That said, the Penguins do not have a ton of goal-scoring prospects in their system, and Jean-Sebastien Dea knows how to score goals. Dea was signed to an entry-level contract last September, following a 45 goal, 85 point season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. He had another strong season in 2013-14, finishing fifth in the league with 49 goals through 65 games.

The next step in his development will be to prove whether or not that scoring ability can translate to the professional level.

I think if Neal really did ask for a trade he should be given one. I want no part in players that don't want to be a penguin. Hes not going to get the return you guys are asking for(Evander Kane), I'd be happy with a 20 goal scorer and a young 4th Liner. Neal sucks I will be happy when he is gone. Ask yourselves this, would we make the playoffs without Neal? and what does he do in the playoffs to help win a cup?

Yes I can't stand the perception he and Rossi are creating for this team. I hate hearing this poop day after day. I'm emberassed that the pens put themselves in this position
- dbell646

There used to be a time when reporters wouldn't talk about "gossip". Unfortunately journalism has taken a serious turn south.....and I don't consider Madden or Rossi journalist even though they claim differently. Instead of double checking facts and backing up sources some "reporters" now value being first and talking about innuendo.

I don't know if the Pens have "put" themselves in this position. Yes, the way they fired Shero and kept Bylsma is very.....um.....different. But making changes after repeated failures is 100% normal.

All of the "noise" and unsubstantiated gossip surrounding the team should be treated as such. My rule of thumb is when Yohe or Molinari report it, I'm pretty sure it's factual.