All you hear on this board is "let;s sign Shattenkirk, let's get Barrie!!" Talk about 1 dimensional. Both are going to be overpaid for what they bring to the table. Neither is a difference maker. I would rather Sullivan and Martin sitting down with Pouliot at the beginning of next season and saying look, we are going to get you 14 minutes a game every game for the first say 30 games. You don't have to worry about mistakes you make during the game. You are going to QB the second PP and we just want you to play your game, WE BELIEVE IN YOU. I think that would make him a completely different player. His first 10 games in the NHL were way better than his last 10 games. I guess we will see what their intentions with him are. If he signs a one way contract or a 2 way he still has to go through waivers. And another team like the Devils would grab him up in an instant. So if he signs a new deal that must mean they intend to play him finally. He's a very talented kid he just lacks mental fortitude.
- Dcoms

Still driving the Pouliot bandwagon I see. Your commitment to your brand is impressive.

All you hear on this board is "let;s sign Shattenkirk, let's get Barrie!!" Talk about 1 dimensional. Both are going to be overpaid for what they bring to the table. Neither is a difference maker. I would rather Sullivan and Martin sitting down with Pouliot at the beginning of next season and saying look, we are going to get you 14 minutes a game every game for the first say 30 games. You don't have to worry about mistakes you make during the game. You are going to QB the second PP and we just want you to play your game, WE BELIEVE IN YOU. I think that would make him a completely different player. His first 10 games in the NHL were way better than his last 10 games. I guess we will see what their intentions with him are. If he signs a one way contract or a 2 way he still has to go through waivers. And another team like the Devils would grab him up in an instant. So if he signs a new deal that must mean they intend to play him finally. He's a very talented kid he just lacks mental fortitude.
- Dcoms

I think the problem is they just don't believe in Pouliot. He fell behind a lot of pretty meh guys on the depth chart. Because of his waiver status, I'd currently project him on the roster, but it wouldn't surprise me if they just traded him for what they could get.

I think the reclamation project route has a better chance of adding a puck moving bottom pairing guy than trusting Pouliot.

I had a dream that the Pens traded Dumo and a 1st for Barrie and I was pissed lol Dumo is evolving into my favorite Pens player. Probably more because of his off the ice stuff than on

Did anybody else watch All Access last night? It was so damn good

I had a dream that the Pens traded Dumo and a 1st for Barrie and I was pissed lol Dumo is evolving into my favorite Pens player. Probably more because of his off the ice stuff than on
- Thorny

Määttä is The most likely to be traded IMO. Lets hope for the best. Barrie or Vatanen would be awessome.

Still driving the Pouliot bandwagon I see. Your commitment to your brand is impressive.
- Victoro311

I think Pouliot will be traded either for a pick or as part of a larger package. Seams as though Sullivan has had an issue with him since day one. I could see Ruhdwel getting a 2 way, 2 year deal to be 6-8 on the depth chart and given a chance to earn a larger role.

Did anybody else watch All Access last night? It was so damn good
- tpcg402

I am waiting on the guy from reddit to upload the stream, ive seen all the others. Was trying to figure out why they left game 5 out of the last one. Was it an hour long or just 30? Werent last years an hour long each episode?

I am waiting on the guy from reddit to upload the stream, ive seen all the others. Was trying to figure out why they left game 5 out of the last one. Was it an hour long or just 30? Werent last years an hour long each episode?
- Thorny

It's only 30 min and they were 30 min last year too. Man it is awesome. It gave me chills and Sully is the god damn man.

I think Pouliot will be traded either for a pick or as part of a larger package. Seams as though Sullivan has had an issue with him since day one.
- Brianandr1

It's the same issue Bylsma and Johnston had with him - he can't be trusted on the ice, and he does nothing to change that perception off the ice.

As far as Thornton goes, first off I don't see it happening. I think he'll be back with the Sharks. Secondly, he doesn't replace what Bonino brought defensively and on the penalty kill at all, and that's a problem. And finally, he's been Cup kryptonite for years - not sure I'd want to jinx a three-peat run by employing him.

I'd imagine that we're going to see status quo for the most part. I think they get a reasonable deal done with Bonino. They'll put feelers out for a bottom pairing defenseman. They'll probably give Kunitz one more deal. They'll wait on Cullen and then likely let Rowney and Sundqvist duke it out for the role. And that'll be it. No reason to make a splash this offseason because they're adding one of the best defensemen in the game in Letang, and there's just not much out there to make a splash with. They'd be better off waiting for the trade deadline - there will be quite a few rentals out there worth looking at.

For all we're talking, doesn't seem to be a strong rumor connecting the Pens to anyone. Surprised more hasn't happened yet, should be a few pretty big names moving soon

It's the same issue Bylsma and Johnston had with him - he can't be trusted on the ice, and he does nothing to change that perception off the ice.

As far as Thornton goes, first off I don't see it happening. I think he'll be back with the Sharks. Secondly, he doesn't replace what Bonino brought defensively and on the penalty kill at all, and that's a problem. And finally, he's been Cup kryptonite for years - not sure I'd want to jinx a three-peat run by employing him.

I'd imagine that we're going to see status quo for the most part. I think they get a reasonable deal done with Bonino. They'll put feelers out for a bottom pairing defenseman. They'll probably give Kunitz one more deal. They'll wait on Cullen and then likely let Rowney and Sundqvist duke it out for the role. And that'll be it. No reason to make a splash this offseason because they're adding one of the best defensemen in the game in Letang, and there's just not much out there to make a splash with. They'd be better off waiting for the trade deadline - there will be quite a few rentals out there worth looking at.
- hardnosed

I honestly don't know what they'll do, but JR has been pretty adamant that he needs to turn-over a good bit of the roster. I think the only FA that comes back is Kunitz.

Cullen is done. He had a few great games in the playoffs, but he looks worn out after so much hockey the last couple of years.

I think Ruth has the right idea on this. Need to get some fresh legs on this roster to attempt a 3peat. I'm really expecting a splash or two.

Barrie sucks, but he's still the best Dman the AVs have. Sakic is a terrible GM but he's not swapping Barrie for Maata. I think thats a bad deal for both teams. Barrie has a cap hit at close to 6 for 2 more years....dumb. I've seen him play plenty, he won't do well in Pitt.

I honestly don't know what they'll do, but JR has been pretty adamant that he needs to turn-over a good bit of the roster. I think the only FA that comes back is Kunitz.

Cullen is done. He had a few great games in the playoffs, but he looks worn out after so much hockey the last couple of years.

I think Ruth has the right idea on this. Need to get some fresh legs on this roster to attempt a 3peat. I'm really expecting a splash or two.
- madmike71

I think he may be mentally done (as he seems to be leaning towards retirement), but not physically at all. His numbers were nearly identical his two years here. He had more points this postseason than last and had one fewer point in this regular season compared to last with 10 fewer games played. He also said his body hasn't felt this good after a season ended in a long time on locker cleanout day. With that said I don't expect him back, but would welcome him back for sure.

Barrie sucks, but he's still the best Dman the AVs have. Sakic is a terrible GM but he's not swapping Barrie for Maata. I think thats a bad deal for both teams. Barrie has a cap hit at close to 6 for 2 more years....dumb. I've seen him play plenty, he won't do well in Pitt.
- sammy87

well you also said malkin sucks but he had the most points of all players in the playoffs.

Marchessault is being shopped... 30 goals last year with FLA, 750k x 1 yr then ufa next year.... hmmm

well you also said malkin sucks but he had the most points of all players in the playoffs.
- martox

He still didnt win the conn smythe

He still didnt win the conn smythe
- sammy87

Malkin wants a trade so he can win conn smythe e4

Malkin wants a trade so he can win conn smythe e4
- jchst22

Malkin to Philly through Chicago in a blockbuster three way trade!

More coming soon.... E5