Which brings up anotger problem, Pens probably have the tradable assets to make a splashy deal, but do they have enough for 2? If they trade for Kane, can they still deal for a stud 3C or 2D?

On Duchene specifically, I don't think we line up well. They are asking for the world and think they'll get it from a team desperate for a top 2 line center. They are looking for a stud defenseman and don't think they'll consider Maatta that.
- Tojo.

I'm really stoked that JR fully understands what he needs to give us the best chance possible at a three-peat next season. Even if the cost is too high, we know he is looking to add a true difference maker for our 3rd center. I hope Joe is on his list if he makes it to UFA, simply because he would only cost us cap space and I fully believe he would dominate in the role.

If we have to make some kind of trade for a center I'd definitely look into the rumors that Galchenyuk is available, especially because MB isn't a very competent GM. This becomes an even better idea with other teams likely driving up the price for Duchene.

Which brings up anotger problem, Pens probably have the tradable assets to make a splashy deal, but do they have enough for 2? If they trade for Kane, can they still deal for a stud 3C or 2D?

On Duchene specifically, I don't think we line up well. They are asking for the world and think they'll get it from a team desperate for a top 2 line center. They are looking for a stud defenseman and don't think they'll consider Maatta that.
- Tojo.

Agreed they will ask for Dumo, a 1st and Sprong.

Agreed they will ask for Dumo, a 1st and Sprong.
- Brianandr1

Give them Dumo, 1st and Sheary for Duchesne

then trade Fleury and Maatta for Trouba

Try and sign Shatty for 6.5 per

Guentzel Crosby Rust
Sprong Malkin Kessel
Hags Duchesne Horn
Rowney Sundqvist Wilson

Kunitz

Letang Trouba
Shatty Ruhwedel
Schultz Cole

Daley

Murray
Jarry

Fits under the cap easy

Protect 7-3-1 (Pre Shatty)

Crosby
Malkin
Kessel
Rust
Duchesne
Horn
Hags

Letang
Trouba
Schultz

Murray

Vegas takes either Wilson, Sundqvist or Cole - Insert Kunitz or Daley depending

Another winner of an idea from Wilson. Not getting Thornton but paying him so much. Just like trading Dumoulin and first for Jagr 2 years ago, like Wilson thought was a great idea, paying 5.5 would defeat the purpose of freeing up cap space in the first place. We need that money for Shultz and Dumoulin. You want to lose one of them and, what, sign against? That is not a recipe for winning. If Thornton wants a cup so bad why not take 1.5 on a bonus laden deal so that he's not a bust?

Another winner of an idea from Wilson. Not getting Thornton but paying him so much. Just like trading Dumoulin and first for Jagr 2 years ago, like Wilson thought was a great idea, paying 5.5 would defeat the purpose of freeing up cap space in the first place. We need that money for Shultz and Dumoulin. You want to lose one of them and, what, sign against? That is not a recipe for winning. If Thornton wants a cup so bad why not take 1.5 on a bonus laden deal so that he's not a bust?
- Dcoms

The penguins have a very favorable cap situation next season with a couple contracts that are moveable. Dumoulin and Schultz are their 2 top priorities... if they wanna move on from Hagelin and Bonino doesn't come back you can bet they're gonna go for a big fish.

yes
- all-pgh

I agree - Hanzal over Thornton because he is better, cheaper, 8 years younger, and healthier. Probably faster, too. Also a big body with a nasty streak. Oh, and MUCH better at faceoffs.

OK....find me a stud defenseman we can go out and sign.

Alzner is a bum. The only dman really worth signing is shatty and then a few 4d type guys. Thornton outside of shatty is the only guy I really want to throw money at.

Grabbing a difference maker dman thru trade will be tough.
- sditulli

Not sure if he's considered a "stud," but Andrei Markov is a productive top 4 PMD.

When GMJR says he'll add toughness I have to believe he'll do that. He's been very open about his moves and intentions. My guess is he adds Phaneuf or EKane
- jchst22

I would MUCH rather have Phaneuf despite how much he annoys me. Fills a much bigger need for the Pens and is a good player. But yes, they would have to eat some of that contract.

What was the difference in signing Cullen at 38 and signing Thornton at 38?
- j.boyd919

$4 million

I would MUCH rather have Phaneuf despite how much he annoys me. Fills a much bigger need for the Pens and is a good player. But yes, they would have to eat some of that contract.
- T-Train

Ottawa eats $3 million per year maybe

Give them Dumo, 1st and Sheary for Duchesne

then trade Fleury and Maatta for Trouba

Try and sign Shatty for 6.5 per

Guentzel Crosby Rust
Sprong Malkin Kessel
Hags Duchesne Horn
Rowney Sundqvist Wilson

Kunitz

Letang Trouba
Shatty Ruhwedel
Schultz Cole

Daley

Murray
Jarry

Fits under the cap easy

Protect 7-3-1 (Pre Shatty)

Crosby
Malkin
Kessel
Rust
Duchesne
Horn
Hags

Letang
Trouba
Schultz

Murray

Vegas takes either Wilson, Sundqvist or Cole - Insert Kunitz or Daley depending
- TheGame316

This is so terrible its almost funny.

Your plans involve trading two serviceable defensemen before knowing if Shatty even wants to sign here or just how absurd his contract is likely to be. And trust me if these kinds of trades happen, its before UFA starts July 1st. Thats overpay in my opinion because you're giving up two very useful roster players instead of trying say, one roster one prospect and maybe a pick. You're also giving up one of the few very good left wingers we have and gutting what may be the best line in hockey.

Rust may be clutch in the playoffs, but he should not be higher than the third line unless Sully is juggling lines or there is an injury. Sprong is a right wing, they may have been trying to acclimate him to LW at some point this past season, but I would rather him get time with Geno or even play 4th line RW if it means we get to have a nice offensive threat on that line.

I don't care at all for having Rowney and Sundqvist on the fourth line together, and while Rowney and Ruhwedel were serviceable in a pinch, they should only ever be 13th forward/7th defenseman on a team as good as the Pens; and even then there will be better options that I hope are used next season.

The next issue is Flower only waved his NMC to go to Vegas for the expansion draft, that doesn't open the door to him being traded anywhere thats on his list of blocked teams, of which Winnepeg is very likely listed. So this is a very pointless "trade" to think about, even if I would love to take a shot at Trouba if an extension isn't worked out.

Older players like Thornton, Kunitz, etc need to be offered "Please let me play the game money" and nothing more

It's what made the Cullen signing so great. At 38 he was 1 year $700k, at 39 after a great season 1 year at $1 million

Kunitz: 1 year 1.5 million or 2 years 2.5 million

Thornton: 1 year 3 million, 2 years 5.5 million

ABSOLUTE MAX
- TheGame316

yup +3

I would MUCH rather have Phaneuf despite how much he annoys me. Fills a much bigger need for the Pens and is a good player. But yes, they would have to eat some of that contract.
- T-Train

The idea of Phaneuf being a Penguin is disgusting. Overpaid, not as mobile as the Pens should be looking for, a bit of a jackass if you ask me, and I'm pretty sure several of our guys dislike him- most of all Phil Kessel.

OK....find me a stud defenseman we can go out and sign.

Alzner is a bum. The only dman really worth signing is shatty and then a few 4d type guys. Thornton outside of shatty is the only guy I really want to throw money at.

Grabbing a difference maker dman thru trade will be tough.
- sditulli

Letang is their stud. Pairings right now are Letang-Dumolin, Schultz-Maata, Cole-??? with depth at 7 from Pouliot (if they don't trade him) or Gaunce, etc.

5/6 top six are double Cup winning D, who can all move the puck.

The issue is do you take a goon for 6th D (JR wants one) or a puck mover? Anybody who is both? Phanuef?

The idea of Phaneuf being a Penguin is disgusting. Overpaid, not as mobile as the Pens should be looking for, a bit of a jackass if you ask me, and I'm pretty sure several of our guys dislike him- most of all Phil Kessel.
- ImScore71

But he's a goon, and JR said he wants one.

I also think JR is blowing at lot of smoke at Bettman and the NHL Toronto hockey mafia with his "protecting the players" comments.

He can always get Tom Sesito or someone like him on an ELC or close to it to take the occasional game misconducts and match penalties to protect the Crosbys of the world.

This is so terrible its almost funny.

Your plans involve trading two serviceable defensemen before knowing if Shatty even wants to sign here or just how absurd his contract is likely to be. And trust me if these kinds of trades happen, its before UFA starts July 1st. Thats overpay in my opinion because you're giving up two very useful roster players instead of trying say, one roster one prospect and maybe a pick. You're also giving up one of the few very good left wingers we have and gutting what may be the best line in hockey.

Rust may be clutch in the playoffs, but he should not be higher than the third line unless Sully is juggling lines or there is an injury. Sprong is a right wing, they may have been trying to acclimate him to LW at some point this past season, but I would rather him get time with Geno or even play 4th line RW if it means we get to have a nice offensive threat on that line.

I don't care at all for having Rowney and Sundqvist on the fourth line together, and while Rowney and Ruhwedel were serviceable in a pinch, they should only ever be 13th forward/7th defenseman on a team as good as the Pens; and even then there will be better options that I hope are used next season.

The next issue is Flower only waved his NMC to go to Vegas for the expansion draft, that doesn't open the door to him being traded anywhere thats on his list of blocked teams, of which Winnepeg is very likely listed. So this is a very pointless "trade" to think about, even if I would love to take a shot at Trouba if an extension isn't worked out.
- ImScore71

Sheary is a nice player at 650k, I do not want to see him on this team at 3 million

Maatta doesn't fit this system, he is "serviceable" at best here, and Fleury wants to play and be a starter. Winnipeg is a solid goalie away from being a legit contender. A Canadian team like Winnipeg could very well be on his list of teams to play for

Rowney is good enough for a Stanley Cup playoff run, but not good enough for the regular season? - Gimme a break

Ruhwedel can move the puck, Played better than Daley, Maatta and Hainsey until he was knocked out of the Washington series, give him a shot, if he flops insert Daley or trade for another guy, or play Pouliot, or any other number of options

Rust is a top 9, put him anywhere, put him with Crosby, put him with Malkin, Put him with Duchesne, mix the lines however you want - Thats a legit top 9 there

If you trade Dumo in the Duchesne deal, you have to give to get... we just won the cup without Letang, we could survive without Dumo - Ask yourself, for 6.5 or 7 million, Why WOULDN'T Shatty want to sign here?

Will this happen, probably not - But there aren't legit reasons why it couldn't

But he's a goon, and JR said he wants one.
- PensFan1962

I honestly hope he was just talking out of his ass or is simply looking for someone who can play with an edge. We really don't need to be taking any more penalties with how structured and disciplined this team has played for the most part.

Either way this off season definitely has that feel of a big Rutherford splash, and my gut tells me it could be something no one has thought of and discussed yet; either a clear fleecing or a solid hockey trade.

The idea of Phaneuf being a Penguin is disgusting. Overpaid, not as mobile as the Pens should be looking for, a bit of a jackass if you ask me, and I'm pretty sure several of our guys dislike him- most of all Phil Kessel.
- ImScore71

Dion and Phil seem like good friends. Maybe you know them better though. Just what I've read

Sheary is a nice player at 650k, I do not want to see him on this team at 3 million

Maatta doesn't fit this system, he is "serviceable" at best here, and Fleury wants to play and be a starter. Winnipeg is a solid goalie away from being a legit contender. A Canadian team like Winnipeg could very well be on his list of teams to play for

Rowney is good enough for a Stanley Cup playoff run, but not good enough for the regular season? - Gimme a break

Ruhwedel can move the puck, Played better than Daley, Maatta and Hainsey until he was knocked out of the Washington series, give him a shot, if he flops insert Daley or trade for another guy, or play Pouliot, or any other number of options

Rust is a top 9, put him anywhere, put him with Crosby, put him with Malkin, Put him with Duchesne, mix the lines however you want - Thats a legit top 9 there

If you trade Dumo in the Duchesne deal, you have to give to get... we just won the cup without Letang, we could survive without Dumo - Ask yourself, for 6.5 or 7 million, Why WOULDN'T Shatty want to sign here?

Will this happen, probably not - But there aren't legit reasons why it couldn't
- TheGame316

Sheary is very much worth 3 mil, especially if he continues to build on his game. He did have a small slump and he absolutely matches up better vs certain teams in the playoffs, but his drop in play seemed tied to that slash he took like Wilson pointed out in a previous blog. You're still making huge assumptions about Fleury and Winnepeg, which is still irrelevant because the waiving of his nmc is strictly for the expansion draft and Vegas, not another team.

Maatta played very well with both Schultz and Letang and made less hasty decisions when paired with them as well. I am certainly open to moving him but only if we have a solid person to replace him with, and certainly not with Shatty making over 6 mil.

Rust may be flexible as a forward and very clutch, but he doesn't produce or finish often enough for him to warrant a permanent spot on either of the top two lines. Rowney was servicable and only had a look due to injury, so no, there are better options and I'm not going to change my opinion simply because he had a couple of really good games in a very small sample. Same goes for Ruhwedel; servicable, but I'd rather look to Pouliot, Corrado, Bengtsson and Prow to see where their ceilings currently lie.

Dion and Phil seem like good friends. Maybe you know them better though. Just what I've read
- jchst22

Maybe I misread the situation, but the few interactions I saw had Dion being a really awkward ass towards Phil while he was in Toronto. Maybe it was between friends and Dion just didn't understand how dumb he looked while trying to poke fun at Phil. IDK

Sheary is very much worth 3 mil, especially if he continues to build on his game. He did have a small slump and he absolutely matches up better vs certain teams in the playoffs, but his drop in play seemed tied to that slash he took like Wilson pointed out in a previous blog. You're still making huge assumptions about Fleury and Winnepeg, which is still irrelevant because the waiving of his nmc is strictly for the expansion draft and Vegas, not another team.

You know GMJR can still talk to MAF? - He can say "Hey Marc, we got an offer from Winnipeg, they want you to be their starter... What do you think?" Fleury can weigh being the goalie for an expansion team that will lose a lot of games or a Canadian team that could be a contender. Sheary can barely skate at times, A stiff breeze and he's on his a$$ and he does nothing without 87

Maatta played very well with both Schultz and Letang and made less hasty decisions when paired with them as well. I am certainly open to moving him but only if we have a solid person to replace him with, and certainly not with Shatty making over 6 mil.

Shatty @ 6 million >>>>>>>>> Maatta @ 4 million, especially if Maatta can be moved and get you another piece, actually 2 million >>>> thans if Maatta can be moved. Maatta was a constant dumpster fire and I want more for my 4 million

Rust may be flexible as a forward and very clutch, but he doesn't produce or finish often enough for him to warrant a permanent spot on either of the top two lines. Rowney was servicable and only had a look due to injury, so no, there are better options and I'm not going to change my opinion simply because he had a couple of really good games in a very small sample. Same goes for Ruhwedel; servicable, but I'd rather look to Pouliot, Corrado, Bengtsson and Prow to see where their ceilings currently lie.

See, Thats the best news of all! - You're not married to Rust in the top 6, or Ruhwedel in the lineup, or Rowney, you can move all the pieces around and you can try new pieces if you like, but know that these guys are here and you can use them too if they are the best fit! The nuts and bolts of all of this is

IN

Duchesne
Trouba
Shattenkirk

OUT

Fleury
Dumo
Maatta
Sheary
2017 1st

and the salary comes out to be about the same? - Give your head a shake


- ImScore71

Maatta for E. Kane? Fair swap?

Maatta for E. Kane? Fair swap?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

If we don't sign Smith, our defense is (frank)ed.

Maybe I misread the situation, but the few interactions I saw had Dion being a really awkward ass towards Phil while he was in Toronto. Maybe it was between friends and Dion just didn't understand how dumb he looked while trying to poke fun at Phil. IDK
- ImScore71

Regardless of phil and dion hating eachother, it is definitely a known fact that sid has hated dion from all the way back to the world juniors. Id be shocked if gmjr could even get mr Cuthberts name out before sid smashes the idea.