Yep. I didn't give a damn about Despres as anything more than an asset. But the Pens player development and asset management was completely exposed. Especially when trading him to ANA who has a ton of young top 9 forwards (Palmieri, Rakell, Cogliano), cap space to take Scuderi at 50%, or even getting back a 3rd rounder in this draft wouldn't have been terrible asset management.
- jfkst1

When I first head we were trading Despres to Anaheim I heard Lovejoy and waited for the "AND" to be Etem...but GMJR blew it

A Russian hornqvist and a Russian dupuis with Malkin. Where do we sign?
- drummer829

That's what I'm saying. Give Malkin two defensively responsible forwards that will go to the boards and forecheck for him and watch magic happen. Especially when one's a bull and both have finish ability.

Both are better bets to succeed in the NHL than Panarin, although obviously Panarin has much bigger upside. All things considered I'd rather have these two than just Panarin.

That's what I'm saying. Give Malkin two defensively responsible forwards that will go to the boards and forecheck for him and watch magic happen. Especially when one's a bull and both have finish ability.

Both are better bets to succeed in the NHL than Panarin, although obviously Panarin has much bigger upside. All things considered I'd rather have these two than just Panarin.
- Victoro311

I'm thinking plotnikov's game should transfer well based on his play style. I'd think it would be harder to be a grinder type player in the khl with a bigger rink. Put him in a smaller rink and he has way more opportunities to hit and easier to get on the forecheck

I'm thinking plotnikov's game should transfer well based on his play style. I'd think it would be harder to be a grinder type player in the khl with a bigger rink. Put him in a smaller rink and he has way more opportunities to hit and easier to get on the forecheck
- drummer829

Id apply the same logic to Tikhinov. His game is built on forechecking.

This sounds like the perfect move for the Penguins. Low risk/High reward. Plus it sounds like he plays a Hornqvist style which is what Malkin needs. However, he still needs that skilled winger that he has had in the past. But this guy sounds like a really solid addition to the team.

UFAs can start talking tomorrow so I'm sure we will start to hear some more rumors.

Penguins might not be done mining Russian talent. They have interest in 27-year-old forward Viktor Tikhonov, according to a source.

This is from Jonathan Bombulie, the former WBS beat guy now working for the Trib. Says in the comments he's heard they are not a package deal, but Pens are interested in adding him as well.

This sounds like the perfect move for the Penguins. Low risk/High reward. Plus it sounds like he plays a Hornqvist style which is what Malkin needs. However, he still needs that skilled winger that he has had in the past. But this guy sounds like a really solid addition to the team.

UFAs can start talking tomorrow so I'm sure we will start to hear some more rumors.
- SuperHenderson13

This!

A guy that can pass and skate.

I was not one of those people. I was extatic. Then again, I have obvious Notre Dame bias.


Mark Eaton is the GOAT.
- Victoro311

I knew you had a major flaw in you.

When I first head we were trading Despres to Anaheim I heard Lovejoy and waited for the "AND" to be Etem...but GMJR blew it
- Barnaby36

Etem is Anaheim's version of Bennett. Neither has done jack poop in the NHL. Bennett's numbers are actually better than EE's.

A Russian hornqvist and a Russian dupuis with Malkin. Where do we sign?
- drummer829

If this happens and they are able to materialize close to their press clippings; deal Sutter and Harrington for maybe another Dman (someone that could grow into a top four, but doesn't have the experience ... wait, we traded him); sign Soderberg and be done.

Perron - Sid - Horny
Russian Line
Dupes-Soderberg-Kunitz
typical fourth line guys.

Another thought about Tikonov. He naturally a center, so signing him could mean him aas 3C and still go get another skilled winger.

If this happens and they are able to materialize close to their press clippings; deal Sutter and Harrington for maybe another Dman (someone that could grow into a top four, but doesn't have the experience ... wait, we traded him); sign Soderberg and be done.

Perron - Sid - Horny
Russian Line
Dupes-Soderberg-Kunitz
typical fourth line guys.
- Oneonta Penguin

Is this something encroaching on a we don't need to deal Malkin statement

I knew you had a major flaw in you.

- Oneonta Penguin

Oh I have like fifty but I've always thought my Notre Adams degree was one of my few redeeming qualities

Another thought about Tikonov. He naturally a center, so signing him could mean him aas 3C and still go get another skilled winger.
- mmonana120

no no no we need all 3 russians together for the hammer and sickle line.

Another thought about Tikonov. He naturally a center, so signing him could mean him aas 3C and still go get another skilled winger.
- mmonana120

Gives us insurance at center for sure. We can deal Sutter even if we miss out on Soderberg, Fehr, and so on.

no no no we need all 3 russians together for the hammer and sickle line.
- SuperHenderson13

Malkin isn't exactly great at winning faceoffs, so if this dude is.. it'd be nice to have someone to take the draws and just slide to the wings after the draw.

Gives us insurance at center for sure. We can deal Sutter even if we miss out on Soderberg, Fehr, and so on.
- Victoro311

Sutter needs to be dealt period. No more quality assets can walk for nothing.

Saw that from @JB_Hockeytalk

He doesn't seem like some of those other rumor mongers on twitter. He usually knows what he is talking about.
- cap1681

He also said the Pens are interested via Molinari. That would make both Pitt papers saying Pens have interest so that seems legit.

If this happens and they are able to materialize close to their press clippings; deal Sutter and Harrington for maybe another Dman (someone that could grow into a top four, but doesn't have the experience ... wait, we traded him); sign Soderberg and be done.

Perron - Sid - Horny
Russian Line
Dupes-Soderberg-Kunitz
typical fourth line guys.
- Oneonta Penguin

That could leave a Winnik-Spaling-Bennett fourth line. It would be actual depth

Sutter needs to be dealt period. No more quality assets can walk for nothing.
- jfkst1

I agree 100% but Sutter is loved by management probably due to the insanely good blow jobs he gives so I can see the FO using a question mark at 3C as an excuse not to deal him

Is this something encroaching on a we don't need to deal Malkin statement
- Victoro311

Not necessarily, especially if these two Russians come and bust.

Not necessarily, especially if these two Russians come and bust.
- Oneonta Penguin

Damn. So close.

If this happens and they are able to materialize close to their press clippings; deal Sutter and Harrington for maybe another Dman (someone that could grow into a top four, but doesn't have the experience ... wait, we traded him); sign Soderberg and be done.

Perron - Sid - Horny
Russian Line
Dupes-Soderberg-Kunitz
typical fourth line guys.
- Oneonta Penguin

Would UFA Fehr be considered for the 4th line center?

Would UFA Fehr be considered for the 4th line center?
- errey12

Too expensive in my book for fourth line duties. He's my primary back up plan to Soderberg.

Damn. So close.
- Victoro311

Not as close as you think ... maybe about the difference in the ND vs. USCw or ASU game last year.