Crosby has 2 goals and 3 assists in his last 12 games playing with mostly role players, AHLers, and struggling NHLers so I'm really not surprised this move came when it did.
- NickTheKid87

Solid move for Pitt. I hope they keep trading picks away.

Very wide ranging issue.
- MJL

If they handle the kids on D properly, give them enough time to marinate, they could have a special group.

If they succumb to impatience and circumstance, they could be back to square one in no time.

I hope he got his mumps shot
- Streit2ThePoint

Going to the Pens is like going to a 3rd world nation...shots are required before you leave.

They'd be top 10 most likely. Still have some holes up front but the defense would be balanced out a lot better with an anchor like Pietrangelo, Doughty, Weber, etc.
- NickTheKid87

Like you said, if the Flyers are in that position, you can add a player at the deadline to improve and add to the forward mix. They aren't going to be adding any top defenseman by trade any time soon.

If they handle the kids on D properly, give them enough time to marinate, they could have a special group.

If they succumb to impatience and circumstance, they could be back to square one in no time.
- Tomahawk

Agreed, as long as the realization is that scenario is 3-5 years away. I don't have a problem with making moves to shorten that time span, as long as they are the right moves.

Shocking the Perron trade wasn't rumored here...

Not so much a concern, but more a wish. I hope that if any of Morin, Ghost, Haag, and Sanheim can come up and play at a top level, that G, Jake, Simmonds, Laughton and company are stil playing at a high level as well. Couple that with a healthy Mason and this team can make some noise.

I don't see this team making any moves that will put them over the top. All we as fans can do is do what Hextall preaches:be patient.

Shocking the Perron trade wasn't rumored here...
- wolfhounds

To be fair he did have Pittsburgh on the "interested" list back in November

To be fair he did have Pittsburgh on the "interested" list back in November
- Streit2ThePoint

Let's see if his " Vinny" rumor from yesterday comes to pass. Then I would be elated and impressed.

To be fair he did have Pittsburgh on the "interested" list back in November
- Streit2ThePoint

I'm reminded of blind squirrels, but fair enough...

Let's see if his " Vinny" rumor from yesterday comes to pass. Then I would be elated and impressed.
- 3flyerkids

I second this.

I'm reminded of blind squirrels, but fair enough...
- wolfhounds

I mean he also had the Leafs, Flyers, Islanders, Senators, and I'm sure others at some point

So Paajarvi and a late 2014 second gets turned into 116GP and 76P out of Perron and a late 2015 1st?

I have to say that's pretty good asset management by the Oil.
- Tomahawk

Solid deal for the oil. Understandable for the Pens. Would have tried to include a prospect rather than a pick

In an effort to generate some serious discusssion on the team, what is everyone's single biggest concern with the team going forward? One issue only.

For me, it's how do they get the defense caught up to the where the forwards are, and bridge that 2-3 year gap that I think exists between the two.
I see that as the only real difficult obstacle to getting this team to where it needs to be.
While I feel that Lecavalier, Umberger and cap concerns are issues, I don't see them as huge obstacles that can keep this team down in the near future, and are issues that can be overcome.
- MJL

I agree that's a big concern. Much is riding on our young d prospects in the system. Whether they know it or not yet they carry a heavy burden

Solid deal for the oil. Understandable for the Pens. Would have tried to include a prospect rather than a pick
- PhillySportsGuy

From what I've heard on the Pens' boards, Pittsburgh did not want to include any of there D prospects in any deal. So a 1st + a 4th line player for a top 6 winger ends up working out pretty well for them.

Solid deal for the oil. Understandable for the Pens. Would have tried to include a prospect rather than a pick
- PhillySportsGuy

Kinda feel bad for Klinkhammer. He escaped the Coyotes for the Pens, only to be given a ticket to Edmonton.

The good news is, he's UFA this summer. Maybe he can get back out.

Solid deal for the oil. Understandable for the Pens. Would have tried to include a prospect rather than a pick
- PhillySportsGuy

Gonna be some snazzy players left in the 20's in this draft... Sid must be ecstatic about finally getting a winger with skill.

From what I've heard on the Pens' boards, Pittsburgh did not want to include any of there D prospects in any deal. So a 1st + a 4th line player for a top 6 winger ends up working out pretty well for them.
- NickTheKid87

They've traded a lot of picks lately. There may be a bit of a dead spot in prospects in 2-3 years. That's what happened with the Flyers after the Pronger trade and subsequent dealing of the 2nd rounders.

I think it's a fair deal for both sides though. Oilers finally pulled the trigger on a deal instead of hanging on and hoping for the overwhelming offer that never came

Kinda feel bad for Klinkhammer. He escaped the Coyotes for the Pens, only to be given a ticket to Edmonton.

The good news is, he's UFA this summer. Maybe he can get back out.
- tangent_man

This is a business. Stop worrying about the robots.

Gonna be some snazzy players left in the 20's in this draft... Sid must be ecstatic about finally getting a winger with skill.
- Tomahawk

They'll put him on Malkins line

Shocking the Perron trade wasn't rumored here...
- wolfhounds

more to come.

This is a business. Stop worrying about the robots.
- PhillySportsGuy

I hope your New Year turns into one long case of the runs.

Kinda feel bad for Klinkhammer.
- tangent_man

They need to form an All-Onomatopoeia hockey team... Klink-hammer, Rumble, Bonk, Bång, Chime-ra, etc

They'll put him on Malkins line
- PhillySportsGuy

Kinda feel bad for Klinkhammer. He escaped the Coyotes for the Pens, only to be given a ticket to Edmonton.

The good news is, he's UFA this summer. Maybe he can get back out.
- tangent_man

hockey players have the best (frank)ing names. klinkhammer. you'd never see a guy in another sport with a name like that.