Three questions off this DK article:

1.) Do you guys think Brassard is still good? Nevermind the reasons for his play here (injured/doesn't like 3C role/not a good system for him) do you all feel this is still a talented player with a bad fit or is he just not that good?

2.) Does he still hold value around the league? If he is viewed as a 2nd line center at $3m ...even as a UFA... That's a very valuable any trade chip.

3.) Are there any center for center / hockey trade type deals you guys can think of? In the same mold as the hagelin/perron trade. Anisimov? Eakin? Beagle? Craig Smith? Bozak?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I never cared for DK, he always seemed like a Dbag on MM.

That said I dont think Brass is working here, he's 31 and I highly doubt they will re sign him. He's not bad, but not really helping either and I feel the Pens paid a lot for him especially if that G turns legit. They could have used Reeves in the playoffs last year.

All that said, most clubs aren't in the black until playoffs so I expect JR to make moves. The window is about 3 seasons left.

Three questions off this DK article:

1.) Do you guys think Brassard is still good? Nevermind the reasons for his play here (injured/doesn't like 3C role/not a good system for him) do you all feel this is still a talented player with a bad fit or is he just not that good?

2.) Does he still hold value around the league? If he is viewed as a 2nd line center at $3m ...even as a UFA... That's a very valuable any trade chip.

3.) Are there any center for center / hockey trade type deals you guys can think of? In the same mold as the hagelin/perron trade. Anisimov? Eakin? Beagle? Craig Smith? Bozak?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Dale Weise

Three questions off this DK article:

1.) Do you guys think Brassard is still good? Nevermind the reasons for his play here (injured/doesn't like 3C role/not a good system for him) do you all feel this is still a talented player with a bad fit or is he just not that good?

2.) Does he still hold value around the league? If he is viewed as a 2nd line center at $3m ...even as a UFA... That's a very valuable any trade chip.

3.) Are there any center for center / hockey trade type deals you guys can think of? In the same mold as the hagelin/perron trade. Anisimov? Eakin? Beagle? Craig Smith?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I judged Brassard based on the way he seemed to always play against the Penguins. Guy was quick and strong on the puck. Just a pain in the ass because he always gave full effort. Of course he's now with his 4th team, so I'm starting to believe my assessment was overblown. I guess I'm coming to the conclusion he's just not that good. I also question his "investment" with the Penguins because he knows he won't be here next year. The Penguins were never going to extend him.

He probably has decent value to a team needing an upgrade at center. I think some GM's will trade for him based on pedigree and not so much his history with the Pens. Obviously his UFA status hurts his trade value.

If I'm trading him, I wouldn't limit my shopping list to 3C for 3C. I'd have several pieces "in play" with the hopes of returning a RH dman and another center.

Derrick Brassard has about an 11 season sample size showing that he is good to really good. I see alot I like in him and want to give him some more time. Also, he's a cheap top 2 C insurance at 3 mill as well.

I judged Brassard based on the way he seemed to always play against the Penguins. Guy was quick and strong on the puck. Just a pain in the ass because he always gave full effort. Of course he's now with his 4th team, so I'm starting to believe my assessment was overblown. I guess I'm coming to the conclusion he's just not that good. I also question his "investment" with the Penguins because he knows he won't be here next year. The Penguins were never going to extend him.

He probably has decent value to a team needing an upgrade at center. I think some GM's will trade for him based on pedigree and not so much his history with the Pens. Obviously his UFA status hurts his trade value.

If I'm trading him, I wouldn't limit my shopping list to 3C for 3C. I'd have several pieces "in play" with the hopes of returning a RH dman and another center.
- madmike71

You Just described my feelings towards him....but I still believe he can help us. Give him Simon or Hörnqvist as his RW. Rust should be right there with him if he's not traded soon..

Derrick Brassard has about an 11 season sample size showing that he is good to really good. I see alot I like in him and want to give him some more time. Also, he's a cheap top 2 C insurance at 3 mill as well.
- MattStrat

I'm also a fan of Brassard.

A) Brassard should not be judged based on Phil not playing well as of late. Phil had been playing poorly with Geno the previous few games; he's just in a rut and possibly a poor match for Brass.

B) ZAR is not an NHLer. At the very least, Rust should be on Brass' line.

C) Brass' time here has been plagued by injury and when healthy, placed on the LW. Only since coming back from injury has he been finally playing C while healthy.

Phil needs to be back with Geno and ZAR should be on the 4th line. While they may be frustrated with Brass, moving him creates an even bigger hole that's not easily filled.

Rino I don't know how he's doing these days but I'd try to bring Charlie Coyle. Eric Staal woul be an upgrade over Brassard imo.
- Barnaby36

If MIN was a trading partner I doubt they'd be looking to move anyone from that forward core, let alone anyone under contract for a pending UFA. I know Staal is pending, but he's a huge part of that team.

Any move involving Brass will likely not involve another C coming back. It wouldn't make any sense. I would imagine any move involving Brass would need a secondary move to fill his role.

EK is sniffing glue again. Suggesting a Kessel/Silfverberg swap! Wowwy Zowwy

I'd give up Maatta and/or Sprong for Silvferberg but not Kessel

Brass needs a change of scenery, its not working out in Pitt. Thats the nicest way to put it

I'd give up Maatta and/or Sprong for Silvferberg but not Kessel

Brass needs a change of scenery, its not working out in Pitt. Thats the nicest way to put it
- Murphy_Dump

Rust for Silfverberg makes the most sense to me. If the Pens could somehow get away doing just Sprong for Silfverberg that would be an amazing feet.

ANA is not very good right now, but pretty much every team that's top six in that division will remain in the playoff hunt until the end, so I don't think they'll give him away without a roster player coming back.

EK is sniffing glue again. Suggesting a Kessel/Silfverberg swap! Wowwy Zowwy
- Rinosaur

Anaheim:
Kessel
Johnson

Pittsburgh:
Silfverberg
Manson or Montour
Kase
Draft picks and or Prospect.

That would be more of what I would think a trade would look like since Kessel has more value throughout the league, but since I dont see Johnson leaving or this happening I am not too worried.

Anaheim:
Kessel
Johnson

Pittsburgh:
Silfverberg
Manson or Montour
Kase
Draft picks and or Prospect.

That would be more of what I would think a trade would look like since Kessel has more value throughout the league, but since I dont see Johnson leaving or this happening I am not too worried.
- 123Kid

Unless the Pens make a trade at the deadline to include their 1st when it's clear they're finishing in the bottom five the only way any team is taking JJ is if Sid or Geno is attached to that deal lol.

The only way JJ is leaving is after the next lockout and that's assuming Pens' brass think of him as most of us here do.

EK is sniffing glue again. Suggesting a Kessel/Silfverberg swap! Wowwy Zowwy
- Rinosaur

Wrong player to trade Kessel for. Give me Rickard Rakell and a D-man on the deal.

If MIN was a trading partner I doubt they'd be looking to move anyone from that forward core, let alone anyone under contract for a pending UFA. I like know Staal is pending, but he's a huge part of that team.

Any move involving Brass will likely not involve another C coming back. It wouldn't make any sense. I would imagine any move involving Brass would need a secondary move to fill his role.
- Rinosaur

Actually I suggested Coyle for Brassard but I really don't know how he's doing now

Ryan Wilson: Tom Wilson: Idiot or psychopath?
Tom Wilson: Idiot or psychopath?
- Ryan_Wilson

“C) Criminal”


- Ryan Wilson

Actually I suggested Coyle for Brassard but I really don't know how he's doing now
- Barnaby36

I think thats generally a good deal. I would love to have Coyle though I think he's mostly a RW (not 100% sure) and we still need to find another C.

Also, why not Bozak? Bozak costs more money (so more pieces involved) and is older but hes not doing much for St. Louis. From the Pens perspective, it's a guy we know has chemistry with Phil.

The other one that makes some sense to me is Brassard for Cogliano. He's really struggling in ANA this year (1 goal in 28 games). He's versatile, durable, and great speed. If nothing else, a cheaper version of Hagelin.

Wrong player to trade Kessel for. Give me Rickard Rakell and a D-man on the deal.
- Barnaby36

Yeah I think realistically that deal would look more like Kessel + Maatta + Sprong for Rakell + Montour/Manson + Miller

Yeah I think realistically that deal would look more like Kessel + Maatta + Sprong for Rakell + Montour/Manson + Miller
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I dont consider Kessel part of the core. He produces great at his cap hit but If theres a deal to be made I think JR would do it. 87, 71 58 are pretty much the only ones off the table IMO. That said I dont have time to really follow the rest of the league anymore so I have no clue who is good on other teams at this point. I dont like the Brassard deal anymore. I think it was a huge blunder.

I think moving Kessel is pure insanity.

Anaheim:
Kessel
Johnson

Pittsburgh:
Silfverberg
Manson or Montour
Kase
Draft picks and or Prospect.

That would be more of what I would think a trade would look like since Kessel has more value throughout the league, but since I dont see Johnson leaving or this happening I am not too worried.
- 123Kid

I don't think this makes the Penguins better.

I don't think this makes the Penguins better.
- j.boyd919

Well, I think that move would make the Pens better defensively and upgrades some depth, but overall it hurts the offense.

Regardless, nobody is taking JJ.

I think moving Kessel is pure insanity.
- Rinosaur

The Pens should absolutely trade Kessel.....in 2 years OR if the Pens miss the playoffs this year.

The Pens should absolutely trade Kessel.....in 2 years OR if the Pens miss the playoffs this year.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Why?

Really big trades don't happen too much anymore, but if I'm dealing with ANA I'm looking to do this...

TO PIT: Slifverberg, Manson and Miller
TO ANA: Rust, Maatta + Addison

Ideally a move like this would happen with a pre-negotiated extension with Silfverberg.

The Pens need to be VERY careful with any moves the make this year and lean more toward "hockey trades" and not rentals. Regardless of whatever moves they make, no matter how good, there's the reality that the Pens may still miss the playoff, so I don't think they should auction assets for temporary fixes.

While Addison is a very good prospect, getting a proven and improving young RD in Montour, it's worth it.

EDIT: Swapped Manson in place for Montour

Why?
- Rinosaur

I just think, generally speaking, Phil is not the kind of asset you walk in UFA for nothing. I think you say "thank you for 6 great years" and you use him to bring back a few younger pieces/high draft pick to attempt to stay competitive as you get into the twilight years of Sid and Geno.

Of course, if we win a cup between now and then, my opinion could easily change.