I’ve always thought of Dallas as a good trade target, literally just thought of Spezza

Rust-Crosby-Guentzel
Simon-Geno-Hornqvist
Pearson-Spezza-Kessel
Grant-Faksa-Wilson
Dumo-Letang
Pettersson-Schultz
Maatta-JO
Murray
DeSmith

ZAR becomes insurance if someone goes down
- WSCTeton17

I'd be happy with all of that, but if Dallas is going to remain in the hunt I imagine they will be buyers, not sellers.

I know people are 50/50 on him around here, but I'd be looking in to Bozak. Reasonable contract in regards to term and knows how to play Phil; that shouldn't be the reasoning for any 3C they bring in, but it doesn't hurt.

My guess is Montreal would give him a look. I just want him traded at this point. I think Sheahan can bring more to that line at this point. Idk if he is just over thinking things, or if he nervous or what is going on with him this season. He needs a change of scenery. I wouldn't mind a 1 for 1 at this point with him or even a Brassard + Defenseman and pick for a 3rd line center option.
- 123Kid

Ditto... I just want him off the team. I think it would be addition by subtraction at this point. Beyond his lack of production, that line is getting chewed up most shifts. I thought I heard yesterday that Brass has never assisted on a Kessel goal.....not sure if that's true.

I’ve always thought of Dallas as a good trade target, literally just thought of Spezza

Rust-Crosby-Guentzel
Simon-Geno-Hornqvist
Pearson-Spezza-Kessel
Grant-Faksa-Wilson
Dumo-Letang
Pettersson-Schultz
Maatta-JO
Murray
DeSmith

ZAR becomes insurance if someone goes down
- WSCTeton17

I really don't see a reason Dallas would do this unless they wanted to free up cap space for another move, and we are almost never the team that takes on cap dumps. Spezza for Brass just seems odd for either side to do with Spezza struggling big time this year.


Sheahan for Faksa seems more interesting. Faksa is a bit younger and while having a down year his season last year looks VERY promising for his future. Also he is playing the 3rd line center role down there already.

Why not look at a him for Brassard swap and see if Dallas would toss in a pick for the higher tier rental if they want to push for more than a wildcard position.


edit: forgot we can abuse the LTIR money for Schultz in a Spezza move if done before he returns to the lineup.

Chris Tierney vs. Brass





Pretty interesting stuff. This is all from last year since they don't have this year's data, but Tierney is superior to Brass in Contributions and Entries.

I'd like to see some better ability in zone-exits, but beggars can't be choosers I guess.

Ditto... I just want him off the team. I think it would be addition by subtraction at this point. Beyond his lack of production, that line is getting chewed up most shifts. I thought I heard yesterday that Brass has never assisted on a Kessel goal.....not sure if that's true.
- madmike71

Addition by subtraction only really helps when a player is TERRIBLE. While I'm not happy with Brassard and I think he's limiting the Pens ability to generate real offense, I don't find him to be a liability.

Moving Brassard is something the Pens should absolutely be examining, but they shouldn't be rash. Sheahan and Cullen are not a suitable bottom 6 tandem if the Pens are to compete with Tampa, Toronto or even Washington for that matter.

I really don't see a reason Dallas would do this unless they wanted to free up cap space for another move, and we are almost never the team that takes on cap dumps. Spezza for Brass just seems odd for either side to do with Spezza struggling big time this year.


Sheahan for Faksa seems more interesting. Faksa is a bit younger and while having a down year his season last year looks VERY promising for his future. Also he is playing the 3rd line center role down there already.

Why not look at a him for Brassard swap and see if Dallas would toss in a pick for the higher tier rental if they want to push for more than a wildcard position.


edit: forgot we can abuse the LTIR money for Schultz in a Spezza move if done before he returns to the lineup.
- Guile

Brassard has a history of performing. He’s a perfect “change of scenery” candidate. It’s not like Dallas is getting a ton of offense out of Spezza and Faksa. If Brassard returns to a 50-60 point pace in Dallas then its potentially a huge win both short and long term for them. If we offer them Brass for Faksa and a pick I think they jump all over it. I want Spezza for that exact reason, I want him to come in and play with Phil

Brassard has a history of performing. He’s a perfect “change of scenery” candidate. It’s not like Dallas is getting a ton of offense out of Spezza and Faksa. If Brassard returns to a 50-60 point pace in Dallas then its potentially a huge win both short and long term for them. If we offer them Brass for Faksa and a pick I think they jump all over it. I want Spezza for that exact reason, I want him to come in and play with Phil
- WSCTeton17

You can have Spezza... I don't want him. Huge down year and over half his points are on the powerplay. He will absolutely not get #1 PP time here like he gets in Dallas. He is a bad target. But all for Faksa.

You can have Spezza... I don't want him. Huge down year and over half his points are on the powerplay. He will absolutely not get #1 PP time here like he gets in Dallas. He is a bad target. But all for Faksa.
- Guile

Yeah I was under the impression that Spezza sucks now. I also have no idea how we'd fit his 7 million even if we wanted him.

You can have Spezza... I don't want him. Huge down year and over half his points are on the powerplay. He will absolutely not get #1 PP time here like he gets in Dallas. He is a bad target. But all for Faksa.
- Guile

You can make a very similar argument for Pearson, Hagelin, Daley, Schultz etc before they found the right fit. To make a run this season I think Spezza feeding Phil in the 3rd line is better than Faksa, Brassard, or Sheahan.

I also think because Spezza is good on the PP that it makes him a fit. I think he’s a huge asset to have on our second unit. Hornqvist comes back and our second unit becomes Guentzel, Spezza, Simon, Pearson (or Rust), and Schultz. I would call those some strong units

Yeah I was under the impression that Spezza sucks now. I also have no idea how we'd fit his 7 million even if we wanted him.
- Victoro311

With salary retained you can get Faksa and Spezza for a cap hit under 5MM. Brassard and Sheahan have a combined cap hit of 5.1MM. The numbers work. Spezza comes in and gets to play with Phil while Faksa gets to assimilate in a low pressure environment as 4C and gets to audition for full time 3C next season

You can make a very similar argument for Pearson, Hagelin, Daley, Schultz etc before they found the right fit. To make a run this season I think Spezza feeding Phil in the 3rd line is better than Faksa, Brassard, or Sheahan.

I also think because Spezza is good on the PP that it makes him a fit. I think he’s a huge asset to have on our second unit. Hornqvist comes back and our second unit becomes Guentzel, Spezza, Simon, Pearson (or Rust), and Schultz. I would call those some strong units
- WSCTeton17

Ummm... no, you actually can't.

Hags was not a powerplay specialist and definitely didn't live off of #1 powerplay time before we got him. Pearson was not getting #1 powerplay time in LA, and damn well Schultz was not up in Edmonton. I do not recall what Daley got.

So... you have a hard on for Spezza, kudos. He is a bad target.

Ummm... no, you actually can't.

Hags was not a powerplay specialist and definitely didn't live off of #1 powerplay time before we got him. Pearson was not getting #1 powerplay time in LA, and damn well Schultz was not up in Edmonton. I do not recall what Daley got.

So... you have a hard on for Spezza, kudos. He is a bad target.
- Guile

I said similar argument, not “word for word” argument. You’re talking about a player having a down year. We got all of those players when their value was perceived to be down or low. We bought low on all of them.

So who then is a “good” target?

I don’t have a hard on for Spezza but I’m tired of watching Brassard play with Phil. Do you envision us winning the cup with Faksa centering Phil this season? I do not. Do I think that Spezza can regain some of his mojo while playing with Phil? Absolutely. Furthermore, our window is open NOW and I don’t know who else we would target. This is basically a no risk option. It doesn’t cost us our first, we get Faksa in the deal anyways and we get to see if Jason and Phil can manufacture some offense

I said similar argument, not “word for word” argument. You’re talking about a player having a down year. We got all of those players when their value was perceived to be down or low. We bought low on all of them.

So who then is a “good” target?

I don’t have a hard on for Spezza but I’m tired of watching Brassard play with Phil. Do you envision us winning the cup with Faksa centering Phil this season? I do not. Do I think that Spezza can regain some of his mojo while playing with Phil? Absolutely. Furthermore, our window is open NOW and I don’t know who else we would target. This is basically a no risk option. It doesn’t cost us our first, we get Faksa in the deal anyways and we get to see if Jason and Phil can manufacture some offense
- WSCTeton17

Btw you can add Sheahan on that list of players we bought low on. That’s worked out pretty damn well considering what we gave up if you ask me. We didn’t trade for Riley thinking he would continue to put up 2 goals a season and we wouldn’t anticipate a 35-40 point pace from Spezza if he were acquired

I'd rather have the Pens abandon the supposed 3C model. Get another 3C like Bones.....a 3 zone player.

Guentz, Sid, Hornie
Pearson, Geno, Phil
Rust, (Anybody but Brass), Simon
Wilson, Sheahan, Grant

Puts somebody that can skate between Rust and Simon and I think they'll get some production from that line.

I said similar argument, not “word for word” argument. You’re talking about a player having a down year. We got all of those players when their value was perceived to be down or low. We bought low on all of them.

So who then is a “good” target?

I don’t have a hard on for Spezza but I’m tired of watching Brassard play with Phil. Do you envision us winning the cup with Faksa centering Phil this season? I do not. Do I think that Spezza can regain some of his mojo while playing with Phil? Absolutely. Furthermore, our window is open NOW and I don’t know who else we would target. This is basically a no risk option. It doesn’t cost us our first, we get Faksa in the deal anyways and we get to see if Jason and Phil can manufacture some offense
- WSCTeton17

First off, yes, I can still see us winning the cup with Brassard. That is far from a crazy idea. He can't play worse, only can improve.

Do I think that Faksa would be an improvement over the current Brassard? Also yes. He is currently a 3rd line center, and performing as one should. Some here think that bumping Brassard down from 1st/2nd line with powerplay and less offensive zone starts is part of his problem. And that is a somewhat fair complaint on his behalf. Faksa does not get spoiled with that because he is currently in the 3rd line role. So moving him to a team with better wingers 'should' improve his overall game.

So if I am picking and choosing who I want to try as a 3rd line center... young player already in the role, or an old player who has to lose favorable matchups and zone faceoffs? Going with Faksa, and its not even a close choice in my mind.


Also Daley... I don't think anyone here cared about his down year, that was a dump Scuderi at all costs move, Daley being down was beyond irrelevant.

First off, yes, I can still see us winning the cup with Brassard. That is far from a crazy idea. He can't play worse, only can improve.

Do I think that Faksa would be an improvement over the current Brassard? Also yes. He is currently a 3rd line center, and performing as one should. Some here think that bumping Brassard down from 1st/2nd line with powerplay and less offensive zone starts is part of his problem. And that is a somewhat fair complaint on his behalf. Faksa does not get spoiled with that because he is currently in the 3rd line role. So moving him to a team with better wingers 'should' improve his overall game.

So if I am picking and choosing who I want to try as a 3rd line center... young player already in the role, or an old player who has to lose favorable matchups and zone faceoffs? Going with Faksa, and its not even a close choice in my mind.


Also Daley... I don't think anyone here cared about his down year, that was a dump Scuderi at all costs move, Daley being down was beyond irrelevant.
- Guile

I think it’s entirely relevant with Daley. If no one cared about his down year, then why didn’t Chicago get more than Scuderi out of the trade?

For what it’s worth, I think it’s fine to want Faksa. But if I’m willing to take a small gamble to take on both Spezza and Faksa.

What about this scenario: Sid or Geno miss a game or two in the playoffs (or regular season for that matter) for whatever reason. Do you feel more comfortable with 87/71, Faksa, Sheahan, Cullen or do you feel more comfortable with 87/71, Spezza, Faksa, Cullen? I’m using Cullen in both options because of HCMS and his tendencies

I think it’s entirely relevant with Daley. If no one cared about his down year, then why didn’t Chicago get more than Scuderi out of the trade?

For what it’s worth, I think it’s fine to want Faksa. But if I’m willing to take a small gamble to take on both Spezza and Faksa.

What about this scenario: Sid or Geno miss a game or two in the playoffs (or regular season for that matter) for whatever reason. Do you feel more comfortable with 87/71, Faksa, Sheahan, Cullen or do you feel more comfortable with 87/71, Spezza, Faksa, Cullen? I’m using Cullen in both options because of HCMS and his tendencies
- WSCTeton17

If Sid or Geno miss time in the postseason, we're (frank)ed. There is no more comfy situation... team loses a #1 center, you're done.

If Sid or Geno miss time in the postseason, we're (frank)ed. There is no more comfy situation... team loses a #1 center, you're done.
- Guile

Lots of people would say the same thing about losing your #1 defender, including myself but we’ve won a ton of games without Letang in the playoffs. We’ve won games with backup goalies. Back in 09 Crosby was hurt that final game against an unreal Wings team and we held on.

Tampa is stacked. I think all we can do is give ourselves a chance and I think in 2019 Spezza paired with Phil can maybe give us they chance. He has a ton of experience, he’s good in the dot, he’s played with high level players in the past, he’s not far removed from performing at a high level, he’ll boost our second PP unit. And what’s it going to cost us? Riley Sheahan (as part of the Brassard for Faksa and a 3rd deal)

Looking at Spezza’s numbers, it reminds me of the Guerin trade. It was just a really good fit at the right time. Just like HBK. I’m not saying Spezza WILL dominate. But I think Pearson-Spezza-Kessel puts up points and puts him on a 50+ point pace which I think is a win since Brassard isn’t anywhere near there

Some Spezza vs. Brass stuff...

Some Spezza vs. Brass stuff...




- Rinosaur

I didn’t major in graphology, but this makes it look even more like Spezza could help us go with 3 scoring lines, right?
Thanks Rino

I didn’t major in graphology, but this makes it look even more like Spezza could help us go with 3 scoring lines, right?
Thanks Rino
- WSCTeton17

Yup. The only thing to point out is this is from last year. That site doesn't do the current year.

Yup. The only thing to point out is this is from last year. That site doesn't do the current year.
- Rinosaur

Spezza looks to be having a much better season than last. Brassard is obviously doing much worse.

I definitely get fixated until proven wrong. Last season I really wanted Kane or Skinner WITHOUT giving up a defender, and then possibly even trying to upgrade at D. I really don’t care about what people say about the relationship between Cole and HCMS. Giving up Cole without replacing him was a huge mistake. This year I’m ok with our D with Schultz coming back but I’m all for an upgrade for center depth and I think Spezza with Pearson and Phil could be a ~.7PPG while getting somewhat sheltered minutes and PP2 time

Yes for Spezza/Faksa for Brassard/Sheahan/2nd or 3rd RP. Would be a nice shake up for both teams.

Btw...HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY JACKO!

Spezza looks to be having a much better season than last. Brassard is obviously doing much worse.

I definitely get fixated until proven wrong. Last season I really wanted Kane or Skinner WITHOUT giving up a defender, and then possibly even trying to upgrade at D. I really don’t care about what people say about the relationship between Cole and HCMS. Giving up Cole without replacing him was a huge mistake. This year I’m ok with our D with Schultz coming back but I’m all for an upgrade for center depth and I think Spezza with Pearson and Phil could be a ~.7PPG while getting somewhat sheltered minutes and PP2 time
- WSCTeton17

Spezza would be cool here but I dont think Dallas does it.

TIOPS is stating that a few other teams are getting in the game for Ferland now. Apparently they've offered up JO and/or Jarry. It seems JO is actively being shopped right now.