I dont get the love affair with Kessel. Not denying he has a ton of talent, just seems like a lot of baggage every where he goes. Not to mention his inflated value for playing in TOR. The city will burn down if the fans dont get what they see his perceived value is. Remember Kaberle? Id rather have Skinner TBH. Not to mention making it work cap wise for the Pens will be a nightmare and then trying to fill out the roster.
- sammy87

Well that was all contingent on the reports that Toronto was willing to hold onto 2 mil of his salary. We can stomach a 6 mil contract and make things work cap wise.

Still the most likely Phil Kessel scenario is that he'll end up waving for a team not on his list of eight. There's just no team on that list I think that can get close to what Toronto would want. I see a deal being made with the Preds involving Josi or Jones.

I'd be more interested in going after Okposo than Skinner.
- sammy87

I think Okposo is a very good player also, but let's face it, the Pens would not get Okposo especially since the Islanders wouldn't trade him to the Pens.

So where does Okposo go? I think he could go to Winnipeg - they have a good amount of young D as RFA's and they have two first round picks and some young forwards that the Islanders might want.

Why do the Penguins care??? - Drew Stafford is a UFA who was obtained by Winnipeg from BUF at the end of last year. If Winnipeg trades for Okposo then they might not be as interested in trying to resign Stafford. Crosby played with Stafford in juniors and is friends with Stafford. Maybe Stafford would like to play with the Penguins and Crosby (and Stafford would look at all options since he is 29 and a UFA).

The Penguins would want Stafford since he is a winger (RW but can also play LW), he has scored 31 goals with 52 points a few years ago (playing with BUF) - last year playing on 2 teams he had 43 points - just think what he could do on the Pens, and possibly since I'm sure he would love to have a chance at a cup he might take a slight discount to play with Crosby and the Pens.

I think this could be the big UFA signing that GMJR makes.

Skinner is the better choice by far. Sure there risk, but you're not getting a player of his caliber without some kind of issue other wise the team would just keep him. It rare that a talent like that is available, pens would be smart to get on it. I think the pens could deal for skinner, then deal sutter to recoup some of the assets lost if they need to. The third line centre position is one that could be filled by free agency.

I think Okposo is a very good player also, but let's face it, the Pens would not get Okposo especially since the Islanders wouldn't trade him to the Pens.

So where does Okposo go? I think he could go to Winnipeg - they have a good amount of young D as RFA's and they have two first round picks and some young forwards that the Islanders might want.

Why do the Penguins care??? - Drew Stafford is a UFA who was obtained by Winnipeg from BUF at the end of last year. If Winnipeg trades for Okposo then they might not be as interested in trying to resign Stafford. Crosby played with Stafford in juniors and is friends with Stafford. Maybe Stafford would like to play with the Penguins and Crosby (and Stafford would look at all options since he is 29 and a UFA).

The Penguins would want Stafford since he is a winger (RW but can also play LW), he has scored 31 goals with 52 points a few years ago (playing with BUF) - last year playing on 2 teams he had 43 points - just think what he could do on the Pens, and possibly since I'm sure he would love to have a chance at a cup he might take a slight discount to play with Crosby and the Pens.

I think this could be the big UFA signing that GMJR makes.
- so_buzz11

Makes sense

Something to consider when thinking Kessel: his teams he'd wave for. What are the packages that the teams on his list can realistically put together? Chicago is an automatic out. The Rangers are considering dealing Nash as it is. Why would they trade for Kessel? The Bruins, while they could use him, have serious cap issues. Doubt they'd want to expend the young, cheap assets it would take to get him to acquire another big contract.

This leaves Montreal, the Flyers, LA, Minnesota, and us. Montreal's major issue is lack of a true 1C. Trading for Kessel would deplete the assets needed to fix that issue. Minnesota is deep as hell on wing but might have the most assets that make sense for Toronto. LA has an Kopitar extension to worry about along with the Richards albatross.

That really kind of leaves us and the Flyers, and I'm pretty confident we can beat anything that the Flyers throw out there. So unless Minnesota really likes Kessel I don't think that the Penguins are that outlandish of a landing spot for the sniper.
- Victoro311

Penguins might be able to land Kessel. But they can't do it without completely elminating the team's future assets. Honestly, I don't think Kessel or Skinner are worth the assets the Pens would have to give up. Though personally I dislike forwards that have a history of being defensive liabilities like those two.

If I had to guess I would say a team outside of those eight will get Kessel and Skinner won't be traded at all.

Someone really left that team a mess...
- acdc1206

well played

Something to consider when thinking Kessel: his teams he'd wave for. What are the packages that the teams on his list can realistically put together? Chicago is an automatic out. The Rangers are considering dealing Nash as it is. Why would they trade for Kessel? The Bruins, while they could use him, have serious cap issues. Doubt they'd want to expend the young, cheap assets it would take to get him to acquire another big contract.

This leaves Montreal, the Flyers, LA, Minnesota, and us. Montreal's major issue is lack of a true 1C. Trading for Kessel would deplete the assets needed to fix that issue. Minnesota is deep as hell on wing but might have the most assets that make sense for Toronto. LA has an Kopitar extension to worry about along with the Richards albatross.

That really kind of leaves us and the Flyers, and I'm pretty confident we can beat anything that the Flyers throw out there. So unless Minnesota really likes Kessel I don't think that the Penguins are that outlandish of a landing spot for the sniper.
- Victoro311

I would not count the Flyers out or think we can bat anything they have to offer. THey have alot of picks in the upcoming draft, and decent prospects. Let them pony up for Kessel, I am not interested.

I dont get the love affair with Kessel. Not denying he has a ton of talent, just seems like a lot of baggage every where he goes. Not to mention his inflated value for playing in TOR. The city will burn down if the fans dont get what they see his perceived value is. Remember Kaberle? Id rather have Skinner TBH. Not to mention making it work cap wise for the Pens will be a nightmare and then trying to fill out the roster.
- sammy87

I'd say the love affair is because he averaged 30 goals over the past 5 years and is still only 27. There are barely any 20 goal scorers available, so a 30 goal guy is going to get interest. I'd love to add him, I'm just not interested in the contract or aquisition cost.

I get you want a well rounded young player, I just don't think that guy is out there.

Ennis Laich Semin lineup

We need guys like Ennis, Okposo and Oshie on this team. Good two way responsible forwards.

Ennis Laich Semin lineup

We need guys like Ennis, Okposo and Oshie on this team. Good two way responsible forwards.
- Barnaby36

This....PH was on pace for a 32 goal season. Pens dont need high price regular 30+ guys that dont play D. They need 20-25 goal guys that play a complete game.

Also, Ill admit I'm not too familiar with Skinner's game. Seems like he was hurt a lot and CAR games are terrible to watch.

Also, Ill admit I'm not too familiar with Skinner's game. Seems like he was hurt a lot and CAR games are terrible to watch.
- sammy87

Apparently he's been quite healthy in the last couple years.

Skinner is undersized but quick and highly skilled. Good player but not a very strong one. For the right price he's not a bad pick up but I really doubt he comes cheap.

Ennis Laich Semin lineup

We need guys like Ennis, Okposo and Oshie on this team. Good two way responsible forwards.
- Barnaby36

I asked a few weeks ago about if there was anything we could put together to land Ennis. Didn't hear much back. Would love to add either he or Oshie. Good contracts and solid compliment players if paired with Superstars. Oshie can also play center in a pinch, which is always a plus.

Semin also has a ton of injury concerns, however, if you look over his record it's only really in CAR (playing with typically bad teams, and even then he's not been that bad statistically) where he's not performed well. If he's on Malkin's wing, I think he could be quite motivated to redeem himself and that could make him pretty dangerous. If PIT can get him for say: Harrington for Semin (@3.5mil/yr) + a mid rnd pick. That could be a nice deal. At the end of the day 3.5 isn't that much. PIT can then trade out Sutter to CBJ for a 2nd and 3rd round pick and the salary evens out. I doubt Semin would be any worse than Sutter, but has a much higher ceiling.

I asked a few weeks ago about if there was anything we could put together to land Ennis. Didn't hear much back. Would love to add either he or Oshie. Good contracts and solid compliment players if paired with Superstars. Oshie can also play center in a pinch, which is always a plus.
- Victoro311

I think the Pens would do well with Oshie, but I don't think we can get him from STL. Ennis, we might be able to get, but I'm not sure if he would fit great with Malkin or Crosby. Ennis would be a great third liner, but I look at him more like a real good Brian Gibbons type player. I don't think Gibbons worked out too well with the Penguins.

I think the Pens would do well with Oshie, but I don't think we can get him from STL. Ennis, we might be able to get, but I'm not sure if he would fit great with Malkin or Crosby. Ennis would be a great third liner, but I look at him more like a real good Brian Gibbons type player. I don't think Gibbons worked out too well with the Penguins.
- so_buzz11

I'm positive Ennis Would do well on our top 6. Works hard and has a good presence around the net. Dupuis and Kunitz did just fine.

Is there a difference between a GM being able to make a team work because of being familiar with players, previous teams, previous coaches or organizations, AND the chemistry between the actual players.

There has been talk (GMJR is going to go after getting the Carolina players or players that he has known from the past or relatives of players that he has known in the past (Kapanen)) but is this different than the actual players knowing and having chemistry with players that they have actually played with in the past?

We all know Crosby plays at his best when he is somewhat comfortable with his linemates. I think Malkin to a lessor degree is the same way. I would rather have a player like Semin (50% pay reduction) who has shown some chemistry with Malkin than a $6M, Skinner, who could never play another game after getting hit one more time. We have enough frail players (sorry, but Crosby has a glass jaw - I still think he is the best player in the NHL), Letang and Dupuis are questionable coming back from big injuries. Bennett hasn't been healthy. Even Perron, Hornquist, Malkin, and Kunitz were not even more than 85% at then end of last year. No more injuried players, please - talk about a risky play (just say no to Skinner).

I'm positive Ennis Would do well on our top 6. Works hard and has a good presence around the net. Dupuis and Kunitz did just fine.
- Barnaby36

Ennis was also a -19, -25, and -14 the last three years (I know it is on Buffalo), but I'm seeing his cap hit at actually $4.6M this year, then it goes down the next few years.

I'd be more interested in going after Okposo than Skinner.
- sammy87

Well we agree on something. I don't truly see Okposo in a Pens jersey as a reality though due to cost to acquire and being a division rival. I'm guessing an Okposo deal might be Kapanen + Harrington. Having one year left on his deal technically should diminish his value quite a bit.

Well we agree on something. I don't truly see Okposo in a Pens jersey as a reality though due to cost to acquire and being a division rival. I'm guessing an Okposo deal might be Kapanen + Harrington. Having one year left on his deal technically should diminish his value quite a bit.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Neither is happening... the Price would be Sutter, Maatta and a 2016 1st ... They might take Pouliot instead... too much either way... I enjoy the fantasy reading as much as any one but Kessel, Skinner and Okposo are pipedreams... stick to Semin and Belesky ... more realistic

Neither is happening... the Price would be Sutter, Maatta and a 2016 1st ... They might take Pouliot instead... too much either way... I enjoy the fantasy reading as much as any one but Kessel, Skinner and Okposo are pipedreams... stick to Semin and Belesky ... more realistic
- Brianandr1

I think I would be happy if jr can get belesky, sodenberg and pulkkenin. Should be doable.

I think I would be happy if jr can get belesky, sodenberg and pulkkenin. Should be doable.
- sammy87

Are you prepared to give Belesky 4 mil a year? I'm not sure I am. I'd shell out for Soderberg though. Do you think we could get Pulkkinen for Harrington straight up?

I think I would be happy if jr can get belesky, sodenberg and pulkkenin. Should be doable.
- sammy87

I would be happy with one... Perhaps 2 if Sutter is moved... I don't see Soderberg happening... He going to get 4-5 years 18-25 million... I don't see the Pens locking themselves into that being that 1) the team is going to sold and 2) Soderberg is a mild upgrade over Sutter for more term and salary... Semin is much more likely to play with Malkin at 50 percent retained...
Perron Crosby Horny
Duper Malkin Semin
Bennett
Kuni

Much more likely and keeps the young d intact...Horny would be Crosby's winger ... Semin Malkin's... Perron on one of the two lines... The other three battle out for the last spot ... the remaining 2 go to the third line...

Are you prepared to give Belesky 4 mil a year? I'm not sure I am. I'd shell out for Soderberg though. Do you think we could get Pulkkinen for Harrington straight up?
- Victoro311

If the costs are all similar, I'd take Frolik over Soderberg or Beleskey. He's the only one that has consistently been in the top 6. He's also excellent defensively.

With Martin and Erhoff possibly walking, the Pens would be wise to focus on shoring up their D corps and deal with the bottom six concurrently. Sekera would be a nice fit and may be reasonably priced, and maybe Barett Jackman if the price is right on a short 1-2 year deal. Skinner, Kessel and Semin are bad ideas. I can see Drew Stafford and maybe even Mike Ribero, if his personal issues ever die down drawing the Pens' interest.