If they were willing to swap straight up for Neal I would do it in a heartbeat. If he turns out to be the same guy he's perceived to be now we're in the same position we are today with Neal.

If he becomes happy with the change and engaged we have a young, tough all star winger to grow with 87.

I just don't see the downside in a situation where the guy he would be replacing is Neal. I also don't see why the Jets would make that trade so it's probably a moot point.
- canadianpenfan

I agree... One thing on the Pens' side, is that if they do have questions about Kane's character, all they (whomever that becomes) have to do is talk with Don Waddell. He drafted Kane and was around him for his time in Atlanta.

Maybe if the Penguins do have zero interest, those discussions may have already taken place.

I agree... One thing on the Pens' side, is that if they do have questions about Kane's character, all they (whomever that becomes) have to do is talk with Don Waddell. He drafted Kane and was around him for his time in Atlanta.

Maybe if the Penguins do have zero interest, those discussions may have already taken place.
- rival22

I tend to side with Ryan that his character issues are overblown. But at the end of the day none of us could possibly know what happens internally.

We know what we have with Neal, and I for one would gladly swap that for Kane.

Kane would be a very effective player if... I worry about the lack of accountability within the Penguins' room.

Philly has a black guy so I want one.

Philly has a black guy so I want one.
- dbell646

Thank you

I tend to side with Ryan that his character issues are overblown. But at the end of the day none of us could possibly know what happens internally.

We know what we have with Neal, and I for one would gladly swap that for Kane.
- canadianpenfan

I just remember when I was a bummy 22 year old without 2 nickels to rub together and I was a cocky little (frank). I said it yesterday older folks just see it as character issue when thats just how the youngsters are today. With their fancy phones and their facebooks and instagrams. I'm not buying the he's a bad teammate line. Didn't he injure himself sticking up for one last season?

Thank you
- nbartley9

You agree then?

You agree then?
- dbell646

100%

100%
- nbartley9

You would take him knowing he one punched your idol?

You would take him knowing he one punched your idol?
- canadianpenfan

I imagine Evander Kane in a newly designed jet black uniform with diagonal 'Pittsburgh' lettering knocking out Hott Fartnell.

You would take him knowing he one punched your idol?
- canadianpenfan

It was a sweet one punch though

If they were willing to swap straight up for Neal I would do it in a heartbeat. If he turns out to be the same guy he's perceived to be now we're in the same position we are today with Neal.

If he becomes happy with the change and engaged we have a young, tough all star winger to grow with 87.

I just don't see the downside in a situation where the guy he would be replacing is Neal. I also don't see why the Jets would make that trade so it's probably a moot point.
- canadianpenfan

The people who would do it in a heart beat are those who see Kane as a better all around player than Neal. You won't get an argument from me. That said, when ownership comes out and says they want guys with character and then allow a deal that acquires Evander Kane, those character comments become a laughing joke. Kane has little character as reports suggest. Sorry ... acquiring guys like this could do more damage than not if they continue to show their immaturity issues.

Madden confirming that James Neal asked for a trade.

You would take him knowing he one punched your idol?
- canadianpenfan

KO'ing Cooke is the highlight of his career so far, quite possibly biggest thing he will ever do.

On that note no I wouldn't mind Kane in a Pens uniform.

And we need a Walshy updated on what is in store for Pouliot and Maatta.

Could be a tough start for them next season.

The people who would do it in a heart beat are those who see Kane as a better all around player than Neal. You won't get an argument from me. That said, when ownership comes out and says they want guys with character and then allow a deal that acquires Evander Kane, those character comments become a laughing joke. Kane has little character as reports suggest. Sorry ... acquiring guys like this could do more damage than not if they continue to show their immaturity issues.
- Oneonta Penguin

But you're trading a player with known character flaws for a player with perceived character flaws.

Everything else being equal i take the chance.

But you're trading a player with known character flaws for a player with perceived character flaws.

Everything else being equal i take the chance.
- canadianpenfan

Add in the fact Neal asked to be traded

Madden confirming that James Neal asked for a trade.
- rival22

So following along with what Madden is saying... Why was their locker room so miserable? Just seems like everybody is looking for an excuse for the crappy playoff performance.

Something strange is going on with this team if everybody is so miserable and players are asking for trades...

thoughts on the sutter/despres RFA processes?

So following along with what Madden is saying... Why was their locker room so miserable? Just seems like everybody is looking for an excuse for the crappy playoff performance.

Something strange is going on with this team if everybody is so miserable and players are asking for trades...
- madmike71

i know its a poor excuse, but i think the pressure has part to do with it. the team hasnt seemed like they have enjoyed playing the game for a long while. and that is a death knell.

Madden confirming that James Neal asked for a trade.
- rival22

Ba bye.

So following along with what Madden is saying... Why was their locker room so miserable? Just seems like everybody is looking for an excuse for the crappy playoff performance.

Something strange is going on with this team if everybody is so miserable and players are asking for trades...
- madmike71

I don't believe any of these reports for a second. Where were they in December or any other point during the season?

And we need a Walshy updated on what is in store for Pouliot and Maatta.

Could be a tough start for them next season.
- rival22

Makes me feel better about Maatta's drop in play late in the season though.

So, James Neal did ask for a trade out of Pittsburgh? That is insane. So he is out, but the return has to be a solid top six player. He does produce, he is affordable, and he is still young enough to get a good return.

Also, did anyone see Halak signed for 4.5 AAV for 4 seasons in NYI? Makes me want to keep fleury and not bother with the upcoming ufa netminders.

So following along with what Madden is saying... Why was their locker room so miserable? Just seems like everybody is looking for an excuse for the crappy playoff performance.

Something strange is going on with this team if everybody is so miserable and players are asking for trades...
- madmike71

All it takes is one bad apple.