I certainly think Despres could have netted us a guy like Brett Connolly. Again, I think we're fine this year, just not sure about the value of the trade and future. Despres should have netted Lovejoy + 2nd/Etem because of age, upside, contract, etc. Maybe add something to Despres but the value needed to be evened out somehow, imo
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I wouldn't have minded the trade if Scuderi were sent out on the deal as well. That would have been my condition for that trade.

Every time I see the trade Lovejoy for Despres I (frank)in laugh. This is bad asset management, we can argue who's better now, I have a hunch this will be real bad in a couple years. We can argue it then, this is what we got now.

If GMJR does anything today, I think it will be something out of blue. One of those trades where everyone will be on the fence. I just hope he ate his Wheaties this morning.

From this morning. Guess I was wrong about the fence, and the Wheaties.
- Topshelf Mountain

Yeah, you got the out of the blue part right though. That was spot on, nailed it.

Every time I see the trade Lovejoy for Despres I (frank)in laugh. This is bad asset management, we can argue who's better now, I have a hunch this will be real bad in a couple years. We can argue it then, this is what we got now.
- nelson911

I just keep thinking Despres to Anaheim should have netted one of their talented forwards...or even on defense, there's a number of guys I'd take over Rev Lovejoy.

"an over rated defensemen that has a penchant for making mistakes "

Here I thought you were talking about #58. For all the posts/ comments about #47's mistakes, turn-overs, and/or puck management decisions, I hope the same standard is applied to #58, #87, #71 and any other player as well.
- out_of_market

Despres isn't leading the league in scoring for defensemen, and probably the front runner for the Norris.

I just keep thinking Despres to Anaheim should have netted one of their talented forwards...or even on defense, there's a number of guys I'd take over Rev Lovejoy.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Beleskey or Etem would've been good.

I wished though he could have at least received a lower round draft choice in return, maybe a 4th or 5th. Gotta start getting some of those picks we traded away back.

The outrage is hilarious. We are talking about Simon Despres right?

I think the Penguins made a pretty unspectacular trade, by no means is it the horrendous end to the hockey universe.

I hope Despres does well in Ana.

Beleskey or Etem would've been good.
- nelson911

with what cap space?

a pick would have been a nice touch but its not a bad trade for right now or next year.


GET ON BOARD AND GO BUY YOUR LOVEJOY JERSEYS GIRLS!

Ok... had the drive home from work... thought a lot... I don't think Despres for Lovejoy is the end of the world. We might have won this trade actually. Despres has been going down a bit the last month, month and a half. Lovejoy is a solid 4th Dman, maybe 3rd level. Not a top pairing of course. Also should neither Ehrhoff or Martin stay, Lovejoy now becomes a great value in the middle pairing at 1.1 million next season when our rookies are still transitioning a bit.... We know Maatta and Pouliot are likely for bigger raises next contract, so Lovejoy might be the perfect fit of a 3-4 Dman that is cheap.


So, did way too much thinking for a roster next season, along with trades and fun (everyone will love the moves).

I'm calling the cap to move to 71, doesn't really matter in this scenario.

Moves are below the roster before ya go "wtf".

Horny-Crosby-Perron 4.25+8.75+3.8125 = 16.8125
******-Malkin-Comeau 7.5+9.5+2 = 19
Downie-Spaling-Bennett/Kapanen 1.5+2.2+ 1.3 = 5
Rust-Winnik-Kapanen/Bennett .6525+2+.925 = 3.5775

Offense = 39.5 million

((frank) Maatta, Pouliot, and Dumo's contracts having no 0s btw)

Letang- Pouliot 7.25+.863333 = 8.113333 = 8.114
Maatta - Lovejoy .894167+1.1 = 1.994167 = 1.995
Dumolin - Cole .831667+1.2 = 2.031667 = 2.032

Defence = 12.14

Rounded because (frank) so many decimals.

Goalies
Fluery 5.75
Murray (Sorry Greiss and your advance stats) = .620

Goalies = 6.37

LTIR - Dupuis. I think if he is coming back next season, it won't be right away.

Team = 58.31 mil (+3.75 on Dupuis).

Kunitz, traded away for picks.
Sutter, traded for lesser picks.
Scuderi, traded for same value as Sutter.

Comeau extended for 3 years at 2 mil each.
Downie extended 2 years at 1.5 each.
Bennett extended 2 years at 1.3 each.
Winnik extended 3 years at 2 each.
Cole extended 2-3 years at 1.2 each.

Martin and Ehrhoff walk. Martin gets big money someplace, Ehrhoff just doesn't come to terms and signs someplace at 25 for 5 years.
Lapierre we let walk.
Adams we let walk.

Personally, the only stretches here are dumping Scuds and finding/obtaining a new winger for Malkin over Kunitz. Should Scuds not be dumped, its still a more than workable salary.

Just slapped 7.5 in for Malkin's new winger, because why not, this scenario gave tons of room. Each free agent we have can get bumped up more if needed. Kunitz can stay, personally think he should be just showing the flexibility.

edit: cleaned up a typo, forgot Dupuis... and very open to whoever we want on Malkin's wing if not keeping Kunitz.

double edit: Just realized this cap saver makes Staal damn easy to be traded back here... Sutter and Kunitz for Staal?

triple edit (don't complain): Forgot about Chicago's cap crunch situation after this season. We could dump a 2016 1st+ for Sharp, since they are going to sell a bit low due to cap reasons. Bam, Malkin's new winger at 5.9 mil.

I see pretty much everyone has gotten to acceptance...just as its mapped out here:

"The 7 Stages of Grief"


Here is the grief model we call the 7 Stages of Grief:

SHOCK & DENIAL-
You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.
PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.

You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.
ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.

You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")
"DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.

During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.

More 7 stages of grief...
THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.
RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.
ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.

You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.

You have made it through the 7 stages of grief.

with what cap space?

a pick would have been a nice touch but its not a bad trade for right now or next year.


GET ON BOARD AND GO BUY YOUR LOVEJOY JERSEYS GIRLS!
- brienstel

Etem was a wash... Beleskey they would've had to be slightly creative. Wasn't impossible.

I think people are missing the point. Its not like Despres was untradeable it's what we got back for him that makes this deal terrible.

I just landed in Baltimore. . Are you (frank)ing kidding me!!! We traded a former 1st rdr showing good things bc he is able to actually play this yr for Ben (frank)ing lovejoy.... (frank) this bullpoop (frank) the pens (frank) the playoffs.. I'm done with this poop...

No picks no (frank)ing forward depth is ray (frank)ing shero the gm again... pens once again d heavy.. I get the borts for cole... but despres for (frank)ing lovejoy.. yet scuds and adams adams re still on this (frank)ing team... (frank) that!

I feel like the Penguins got significantly better on the blue line. Folks are going to like Cole. He's got a legit chance to be a shutdown defenseman while still having puck skills.

And for those who are judging Lovejoy by the player he was years ago, that's unfair. He's significantly improved and was playing on a top pair with Fowler this season.

Letang/Martin, Ehrhoff/Lovejoy, Scuderi/Cole is a pretty nice and experienced defensive corps, without many question marks except for the status of Ehrhoff.

I just landed in Baltimore. . Are you (frank)ing kidding me!!! We traded a former 1st rdr showing good things bc he is able to actually play this yr for Ben (frank)ing lovejoy.... (frank) this bullpoop (frank) the pens (frank) the playoffs.. I'm done with this poop...

No picks no (frank)ing forward depth is ray (frank)ing shero the gm again... pens once again d heavy.. I get the borts for cole... but despres for (frank)ing lovejoy.. yet scuds and adams adams re still on this (frank)ing team... (frank) that!
- nh4442

Not POTD, good try

Etem was a wash... Beleskey they would've had to be slightly creative. Wasn't impossible.
- nelson911

My mistake. I thought you meant IN ADDITION to Lovejoy.

For a forward would have left a whole in the D though... need to be primarily a positional trade, imo.

I still don't get why all the sad faces over Despres when Sutter is still on this team.

I still don't get why all the sad faces over Despres when Sutter is still on this team.
- sammy87

Sutter got traded ... it just hasn't been announced yet. You know finicky those fax machines can be

I still don't get why all the sad faces over Despres when Sutter is still on this team.
- sammy87

There was zero chance of Sutter being traded.

There was zero chance of Sutter being traded.
- hardnosed

Draft days seems more favorable to trading him.

@penguins: Rutherford: “When we looked at our defense we were concerned about experience. We were looking to upgrade, add more of a veteran presence."

Seen this before.... Let the (frank)in kids play!!!

Yeah, you got the out of the blue part right though. That was spot on, nailed it.
- powerhouse

Thank you! I needed that. Really, really needed a pick me up this evening and what better way to do so than to gloat about my being 33% right.

I feel like the Penguins got significantly better on the blue line. Folks are going to like Cole. He's got a legit chance to be a shutdown defenseman while still having puck skills.

And for those who are judging Lovejoy by the player he was years ago, that's unfair. He's significantly improved and was playing on a top pair with Fowler this season.

Letang/Martin, Ehrhoff/Lovejoy, Scuderi/Cole is a pretty nice and experienced defensive corps, without many question marks except for the status of Ehrhoff.
- hardnosed

I hate the overvaluing of experience that JR referenced in his press conference. But for THIS season, I feel more comfortable with Lovejoy and Cole than I do with Despres and Bortz defensively.

The problem for me is asset management, we gave up Lovejoy for a 5th and we could have signed Winnik in the offseason without giving up a 2nd. That's what stings. I dont think we got worse today.

@penguins: Rutherford: “When we looked at our defense we were concerned about experience. We were looking to upgrade, add more of a veteran presence."

Seen this before.... Let the (frank)in kids play!!!
- nelson911

You do have a point there.

Hopefully next year they start Dumo, Harry, and Pouliot as NHLers at the beginning of the year.