Most likely scenarios:

JR is throwing out a feeler to see if Staal would entertain coming back to pittsburgh and then figure out some sort of draft day deal

Could simply be a ploy to motivate Sutter, like the Kesler rumors seemed to do last year.

I always liked Staal, but the 3 center model was flawed. It only worked when 71 and 11 had cheaper contracts. It forced the Pens to have scrubs on the wings and the reason why they will be paying Dupes and Kunitz till their 39.
- sammy87

I just dont agree with that. It's "harder" to surround the centers with good talent but not impossible. Signing guys like Downie and Comeau are the key. Sure, that may take some luck, but with the cap rising, potential to drop the Scuds contract, at least 1 of Martin or Ehrhoff not coming back, cheap young defenseman, Sutter being off the books...I think it's doable. I think all of that offsets the addition of $2.7M to get Staal here.

Plus (cant confirm this without capgeek).. I think theres still room to pay guys like Perron $5M per, Maatta's new contract, etc...and worst case we have to cut ties with someone like Kunitz or Dupuis.

I just dont agree with that. It's "harder" to surround the centers with good talent but not impossible. Signing guys like Downie and Comeau are the key. Sure, that may take some luck, but with the cap rising, potential to drop the Scuds contract, at least 1 of Martin or Ehrhoff not coming back, cheap young defenseman, Sutter being off the books...I think it's doable. I think all of that offsets the addition of $2.7M to get Staal here.

Plus (cant confirm this without capgeek).. I think theres still room to pay guys like Perron $5M per, Maatta's new contract, etc...and worst case we have to cut ties with someone like Kunitz or Dupuis.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Cap is not going up much this year with the Canadian dollar in the dumpster. Even with the cap going up, so do contracts. Its not an equal dollar for dollar every year.

Cap is not going up much this year with the Canadian dollar in the dumpster. Even with the cap going up, so do contracts. Its not an equal dollar for dollar every year.
- sammy87

My point is, assuming Sutter is traded (and another roster player in the deal or a separate deal) we're only adding a maximum of ~$2M in cap hit. So if the cap will be an issue in the future, it will be an issue with or without Staal.

Cap is not going up much this year with the Canadian dollar in the dumpster. Even with the cap going up, so do contracts. Its not an equal dollar for dollar every year.
- sammy87

You're right about the cap and salaries both going up. Who knows in 3 years Staal could be a bargain at 6 mil

My point is, assuming Sutter is traded (and another roster player in the deal or a separate deal) we're only adding a maximum of ~$2M in cap hit. So if the cap will be an issue in the future, it will be an issue with or without Staal.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Still with that math you are paying $6mil for 1 player, and shipping 2 players out. Is there a 3C that can bring what Staal does for half that price?

Still with that math you are paying $6mil for 1 player, and shipping 2 players out. Is there a 3C that can bring what Staal does for half that price?
- sammy87

Like I said before you can't judge a player on what line they play on .Staal gives you top 3 forward minutes

I think people are underestimating Staal's ability as a second line center because they are looking at his numbers in Carolina without context. He's had a couple of injuries that were long term and the team around him was pretty bad and just as injury prone. Eric and Ward are both way overrated and it looks like the team wants to retool if not go full rebuild under Francis.

If the rumblings of them trying to move E. Staal to go that route are true then they would have no reason to keep Jordan and it would only be a matter of time; so why not now if the next two drafts are as good as everyone is claiming? Yeah hes got a big contract but people conveniently forget that's the exact one Shero was going to give him to stay.

With our top six set and a relatively healthy roster our last concerns are 3C and Sutter's weak play, Adams who will continue to tread water exactly were hes at until his ass gone after this season, Scuderi who is overpaid compared to his 6th Dman level of play and has limited control over where he goes, and our struggling PK. Now im not going to guess as to what it takes to get Staal, but absolutely can fit if him if say Sutter and Scuderi are moved. But remember he has a LMC, but maybe a contender with a lack of Depth or someone else not on his list will offer a weak pick just to get him out the door.

I've been saying for a while now that I think both Ehrhoff and Martin will be leaving for bigger money so you have plenty of money for Dupuis if he comes back, our RFAs and UFAs, and extensions for Perron and Hornqvist. If anyone is worried about the hole made from moving Scuderi, maybe you can add a pick or more to whatever deal you offering for Staal and grab Sekera from Carolina at the same time.

Perron Crosby Hornqvist
Kunitz Malkin Comeau
Spalling Staal Bennett
Adams/Farnham Lapierre Downie

Letang Martin
Ehrhoff Sekera
Despres Pouliot

Still with that math you are paying $6mil for 1 player, and shipping 2 players out. Is there a 3C that can bring what Staal does for half that price?
- sammy87

Certainly not Sutter haha.

No one that is available. We could definitely find a cheaper option that would be an upgrade to Sutter....but "bringing what Staal does at half the price" ...not a chance, imo.

If they brought in Staal and shipped out Sutter and a F, they need to fill that forwards spot, the entire 4th line is FA, resign Perron next year, Comeau is a FA, then figure out what to do with the D. Paying 6mil with all those other holes that need filled is a bit risky IMO.

I've been saying for a while now that I think both Ehrhoff and Martin will be leaving for bigger money so you have plenty of money for Dupuis if he comes back, our RFAs and UFAs, and extensions for Perron and Hornqvist. If anyone is worried about the hole made from moving Scuderi, maybe you can add a pick or more to whatever deal you offering for Staal and grab Sekera from Carolina at the same time.

Perron Crosby Hornqvist
Kunitz Malkin Comeau
Spalling Staal Bennett
Adams/Farnham Lapierre Downie

Letang Martin
Ehrhoff Sekera
Despres Pouliot
- ImScore71

These types of blockbusters are more rare than Blockbuster video but just for poops and gigs, lets do a 9 player trade for all 3 -- Jordan Staal, Jiri Tlusty, Andrej Sekera

If they brought in Staal and shipped out Sutter and a F, they need to fill that forwards spot, the entire 4th line is FA, resign Perron next year, Comeau is a FA, then figure out what to do with the D. Paying 6mil with all those other holes that need filled is a bit risky IMO.
- sammy87

Sorry but its not anymore risky than paying Scuderi and Sutter a combined $7M

most questionable line in the Yohe piece...

"Staal, 26, has a full no-trade clause in his contract, but sources close to Staal said he would forgo that if it meant returning to the Penguins."

seems like speculation, but if Staal truly *wants* to come here, then it will get done...most likely draft day.

Sorry but its not anymore risky than paying Scuderi and Sutter a combined $7M
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I just don't see how the CAR GM thinks moving Staal for Sutter and a D prospect, Scuds, BB or whoever makes the team any better.

most questionable line in the Yohe piece...

"Staal, 26, has a full no-trade clause in his contract, but sources close to Staal said he would forgo that if it meant returning to the Penguins."

seems like speculation, but if Staal truly *wants* to come here, then it will get done...most likely draft day.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

@TSNAaronWard: Amid Jordan Staal trade rumors, I am told he has been reassured today, by the team, that this speculation is unfounded. #TSN

If they brought in Staal and shipped out Sutter and a F, they need to fill that forwards spot, the entire 4th line is FA, resign Perron next year, Comeau is a FA, then figure out what to do with the D. Paying 6mil with all those other holes that need filled is a bit risky IMO.
- sammy87

Perron is already signed for next year

If we could deal Sutter and scuds, I'd say ok to Staal. Outside of that he's just too high priced

Here's a fun one...would you rather trade for ROR or Jordan Staal? you cannot answer neither.

Definitely agree. But we do have 8 days to figure out a way to make it work as a TDL deal

Always thought it was weird he chose his brother over winning. I don't know anything about life as a pro hockey player but I feel that if I was in his shoes, I'd want to win. Or would have chosen the Rangers over the Canes and got the best of both worlds. (Then again, Marc is a douche)
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Jordan doesn't like much attention nor speak to the camera much (he looks lazy speaking) as he comes from an almost farmer family. I don't blame him following his older and best hockey player in the family.

I just don't see how the CAR GM thinks moving Staal for Sutter and a D prospect, Scuds, BB or whoever makes the team any better.
- sammy87

Well they might not want Scuderi but he doesn't have to go in that deal. There are a lot of contenders who are still looking for D help, so Scuderi could be moved somewhere he would still find palatable for mid to low picks and then those could be moved with Sutter and whatever else we work out for Staal. If Scuderi were to be moved for space for Staal I would absolutely look into adding more to the deal to pick up Sekera with him. Anyways we might not love him but it's not like Sutter has zero value around the league.

Depending on how soon and how much of a retool or rebuild Francis wants to do and if he manages to move anyone else, he could either: use Sutter as a stopgap next season, or just go ahead and flip him again. Regardless of how much or how little he wants to change that locker room he should decide what he wants going soon so he can go into these next two drafts stocked up.

Here's a fun one...would you rather trade for ROR or Jordan Staal? you cannot answer neither.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Considering ROR only has 1 more yr till FA, he will command over 6 in his contract, probably Staal.

You're right about the cap and salaries both going up. Who knows in 3 years Staal could be a bargain at 6 mil
- willi

Staal @ $6M will never be a bargain. That said I'd rather have him on our team than Sutter and Scuderi. Unload those two on the deal please.

Here's a fun one...would you rather trade for ROR or Jordan Staal? you cannot answer neither.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Staal . ROR could walk after next year and he could command more the $6mil

Here's a fun one...would you rather trade for ROR or Jordan Staal? you cannot answer neither.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Probably Staal only because he has term left on contract.. ROR has proven to be tough negotiator and what it would cost to obtain either of those guys, i would have to have assurance that the player is going to be on the team for multiple years.

Considering ROR only has 1 more yr till FA, he will command over 6 in his contract, probably Staal.
- sammy87

heard a lot of people complaining that we'd be "stuck" with Staal for 8 more years...so just curious if they'd rather still have Staal at 34 @ $6M or have ROR for 2 cup runs and move on.

Here's a fun one...would you rather trade for ROR or Jordan Staal? you cannot answer neither.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Assuming we are trading Sutter, Scuds+ for either? RoR. Less term incase it's not working, I don't see him getting much more after next season. Aside from the PK, I consider him all around better than staal.
Staal is just too much term with needing despres and maatta extended soon.