No, you just don't know a hell of a lot about the game of hockey. That's why you have to swear and try to insult everyone that thinks there is more to hockey than getting as many name players as possible.

I haven't heard any wisdom from you on how the Pens get better.
- MacPatty

Nah. I've said it many times. There is no point in replacing the elite players on this team. That is foolish. Sid, Geno, Phil, Letang, Dumo, Guentzel, and maybe Murray (although I'm not really opposed to trading him.)

Jack Johnson, Matt Cullen, and Garrett Wilson all NEED to go.

ZAR, Hornqvist, Gudbranson COULD go.

I'm up in the air on Maatta and Hornqvist but if you can find a GM that values "intangibles" than maybe ship Hornqvist out.

Find a way to get Teddy Bleuger & Adam Johnson regular spots in the lineup.

Richard Panik and Zucc are options. If they could dump one of Horny or Maatta (or both) it might give them a chance at either one of those guys.

https://www.capfriendly.c.../armchair-gm/team/1138908

The problem is there are SO many moving parts. Sweeping changes are going to be difficult and most repairs will have to be done through UFA. So trying to pawn the poopty players off with assets and signing replacements via UFA is probably going to be the route the Pens have to take.

You take things too personally.

Somebody said earlier that Geno was frustrated with his wings. I'm pointing out the simple fact he's played with the best wingers (on average) in the Crosby/Malkin era.

How do we really know that Crosby and Kessel won't work? It was only tried for about 8 games during the Mike Johnston debacle.
- madmike71

I’m simply rebutting the idea someone posed saying Geno had all the good wingers and Sid didn’t.

Nah. I've said it many times. There is no point in replacing the elite players on this team. That is foolish. Sid, Geno, Phil, Letang, Dumo, Guentzel, and maybe Murray (although I'm not really opposed to trading him.)

Jack Johnson, Matt Cullen, and Garrett Wilson all NEED to go.

ZAR, Hornqvist, Gudbranson COULD go.

I'm up in the air on Maatta and Hornqvist but if you can find a GM that values "intangibles" than maybe ship Hornqvist out.

Find a way to get Teddy Bleuger & Adam Johnson regular spots in the lineup.

Richard Panik and Zucc are options. If they could dump one of Horny or Maatta (or both) it might give them a chance at either one of those guys.

https://www.capfriendly.c.../armchair-gm/team/1138908

The problem is there are SO many moving parts. Sweeping changes are going to be difficult and most repairs will have to be done through UFA. So trying to pawn the poopty players off with assets and signing replacements via UFA is probably going to be the route the Pens have to take.
- j.boyd919

I think the agents for Panik and Zucc would pretty upset if people in hockey thought those were fair contracts. It’s also common knowledge that the expected cap next season is $83MM. Panik is a legit middle 6 forward who drove play on an offensively inept and injured Coyotes roster. My guess is he comes in closer to $4MM in free agency and Zucc? If Neal WAS worth north of $5MM AAV why would Zucc be worth less? My guess is he gets offered closer to the $6MM range. Side note, I also think anyone penciling Panarin in anywhere below $10MM unless it’s his desired destination or a tax friendly state is crazy. He isn’t an RFA like Kuch, Matthews, Pasternak, etc. He’s a full blown UFA like JT. My guess is he gets $10-10.5MM AAV. What makes you think Zucc’s pay would go down while the cap/demand goes up?

If we're trading Kessel for Subban, I think it would be Kessel+++ for Subban. That's actually not a trade I'm opposed to, don't love it, but don't hate it.
- j.boyd919

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: to me, a lot of any trades that happen this offseason will likely be after the draft when teams miss out on free agency. Nashville needs help up front and a better PP. if they can add Zucc without giving up assets I’m sure they will but when teams miss out it’ll drive up demand for trades - not that I’m telling you anything you don’t know already.

For this reason, I think Nashville might buy incredibly low on James Neal if they miss out

I think the agents for Panik and Zucc would pretty upset if people in hockey thought those were fair contracts. It’s also common knowledge that the expected cap next season is $83MM. Panik is a legit middle 6 forward who drove play on an offensively inept and injured Coyotes roster. My guess is he comes in closer to $4MM in free agency and Zucc? If Neal WAS worth north of $5MM AAV why would Zucc be worth less? My guess is he gets offered closer to the $6MM range. Side note, I also think anyone penciling Panarin in anywhere below $10MM unless it’s his desired destination or a tax friendly state is crazy. He isn’t an RFA like Kuch, Matthews, Pasternak, etc. He’s a full blown UFA like JT. My guess is he gets $10-10.5MM AAV. What makes you think Zucc’s pay would go down while the cap/demand goes up?
- WSCTeton17

Zucc is going to be 32 by training camp. Maybe teams see the drop in Neal’s production and are reluctant to sign big ticket over 30 UFAs. Maybe Zucc wants to play with some studs in Pittsburgh.

Panik put up 33 points. I dunno 4 mil maybe. Either way I’d be happy to get either one of those two. Doesn’t have to be both. Like I said that roster has a lot of moving parts and I don’t think it’s totally realistic but I think you could probably take a few moves out of that roster and theyre realistic.

Zucc is going to be 32 by training camp. Maybe teams see the drop in Neal’s production and are reluctant to sign big ticket over 30 UFAs. Maybe Zucc wants to play with some studs in Pittsburgh.

Panik put up 33 points. I dunno 4 mil maybe. Either way I’d be happy to get either one of those two. Doesn’t have to be both. Like I said that roster has a lot of moving parts and I don’t think it’s totally realistic but I think you could probably take a few moves out of that roster and theyre realistic.
- j.boyd919

Panik was a player I hoped the Pens were targeting last season. I love his speed and all-around game. He can definitely fall into that Bryan Rust category at times, but I think he can be a 20/20 guy for the Pens.

Zucc would be a huge get.

Another player I really wanted was Niederreiter. I was pulling for a Horn/Neid swap, but that didn't work out lol.

Zucc is going to be 32 by training camp. Maybe teams see the drop in Neal’s production and are reluctant to sign big ticket over 30 UFAs. Maybe Zucc wants to play with some studs in Pittsburgh.

Panik put up 33 points. I dunno 4 mil maybe. Either way I’d be happy to get either one of those two. Doesn’t have to be both. Like I said that roster has a lot of moving parts and I don’t think it’s totally realistic but I think you could probably take a few moves out of that roster and theyre realistic.
- j.boyd919

I think they’re all realistic for the right price. Oshie signed at 31 for 5.75. Hornqvist got 5.3 at 31. Neal got 5.75 at 30. I would think Williams at 4.5 at 36 would be the basement of what Zucc will see. Grabner got $4MM. 29 year old JVR got $7MM. I don’t think Zucc is going to command the years due to his age but he’ll get the cap hit, no doubt in my mind.
If someone hopes to get a discount somewhere it would likely be on Simmonds, as it should be. I’d peg Zucc in the 5.5-6.25 range, personally

Panik was a player I hoped the Pens were targeting last season. I love his speed and all-around game. He can definitely fall into that Bryan Rust category at times, but I think he can be a 20/20 guy for the Pens.

Zucc would be a huge get.

Another player I really wanted was Niederreiter. I was pulling for a Horn/Neid swap, but that didn't work out lol.
- Rinosaur

72 for El Niño would’ve been sick. Panik is definitely a more physical version of Rust. His hits are bigger, he goes to the net more, and he’s actually pretty good at setting up his linemates.. the caveat is much like Rust we only saw that player for maybe 30-40% of last season. I think Panik is the perfect candidate to go play with Deadmonton if they can work the cap space

Panik was a player I hoped the Pens were targeting last season. I love his speed and all-around game. He can definitely fall into that Bryan Rust category at times, but I think he can be a 20/20 guy for the Pens.

Zucc would be a huge get.

Another player I really wanted was Niederreiter. I was pulling for a Horn/Neid swap, but that didn't work out lol.
- Rinosaur

I'd be cool with Zucc or Panik (because I don't think they would get both).

I think Jordie Benn is a decent bottom 4 defenseman for the left side.

If TB lets Stralman walk, he could be a solid add for a bottom pairing guy given his age and that he's been passed on the depth chart by a few guys in TB, he'd be a solid, responsible replacement for Guddy (who hasn't been bad, but just isn't the type of guy I want on this team), also he'd be a nice veteran Swede for Pettersson to learn from.

Dumping Maatta for Kassian would give him a 25 point 4th liner that can play the body with speedy guys like Adam Johnson and Teddy Blueger.

McCan and Simon are the only FA's to sign after next season, both RFAs so less leverage for them.

Could let Schultz and play Stralman in the top 4 and find a cheap RHD to replace the bottom pair.

Not to mention there are options to flip flop guys like Simon, Rust, McCann, Zucc, Kessel, etc. up and down the lineup if you want.

I'd be cool with Zucc or Panik (because I don't think they would get both).

I think Jordie Benn is a decent bottom 4 defenseman for the left side.

If TB lets Stralman walk, he could be a solid add for a bottom pairing guy given his age and that he's been passed on the depth chart by a few guys in TB, he'd be a solid, responsible replacement for Guddy (who hasn't been bad, but just isn't the type of guy I want on this team), also he'd be a nice veteran Swede for Pettersson to learn from.

Dumping Maatta for Kassian would give him a 25 point 4th liner that can play the body with speedy guys like Adam Johnson and Teddy Blueger.

McCan and Simon are the only FA's to sign after next season, both RFAs so less leverage for them.

Could let Schultz and play Stralman in the top 4 and find a cheap RHD to replace the bottom pair.

Not to mention there are options to flip flop guys like Simon, Rust, McCann, Zucc, Kessel, etc. up and down the lineup if you want.
- j.boyd919

Another note: Edmonton is going to be bargain shopping. I don’t think they’re going to have room for Olli without making other moves first. They’ll be looking to buy low on guys like Brandon Pirri IMO, which btw is something I think we should do as well

Random thought, but...

Let's say there was some kind Kessel/Subban swap. I'd be looking to go back and deal with Florida.

I'd try and move Schultz and Hornqvist to FLA for Hoffman, Sceviour+. I think Sceviour would be a great fit for the 4th line.

Simon-Bloog-Sceviour 4th line

Another note: Edmonton is going to be bargain shopping. I don’t think they’re going to have room for Olli without making other moves first. They’ll be looking to buy low on guys like Brandon Pirri IMO, which btw is something I think we should do as well
- WSCTeton17

I actually don't think EDM is going to be bargain shopping at all. I think people are overlooking them as a team that will ATTEMPT to make some huge moves.

Another note: Edmonton is going to be bargain shopping. I don’t think they’re going to have room for Olli without making other moves first. They’ll be looking to buy low on guys like Brandon Pirri IMO, which btw is something I think we should do as well
- WSCTeton17

It also depends on what identity this Penguins team is going to have. In my opinion, their top end players are built for speed. I would want to model my team after the 15-16 Pens and that is why i targeted the players I did. They don't have to be those exact players but I would want players similar to those in terms of style.

It also depends on what identity this Penguins team is going to have. In my opinion, their top end players are built for speed. I would want to model my team after the 15-16 Pens and that is why i targeted the players I did. They don't have to be those exact players but I would want players similar to those in terms of style.
- j.boyd919

Same thought I've had. They need to find players in the mold of Kunitz.

Let’s assume Nashville and Pitt miss out in free agency and are looking to change things up. What does a Subban for Kessel deal look like? Nashville still knows they need to be better offensively and on the PP and we know beefing up our top 4 would go a long way.

IMO it has Schultz and Phil on the way out, either both to Nashville or whatever, and Subban coming over to us. To me, PK has been getting hurt and his TOI is down and he’s not playing like a $9MM player which makes him a bit of a discount buy whereas Phil is playing at a $7.5MM-$8aMM range IMO. Because of that I thin Nashville has to add something somewhat considerable to the trade. Being realistic, I don’t think JJ goes anywhere until NEXT offseason. I think Petts comes up to play with PK and JJ plays with Guds until he’s eventually passed over by Kola or Ruhwedel (but I think Ruhwedel goes to Vancouver)

Random thought, but...

Let's say there was some kind Kessel/Subban swap. I'd be looking to go back and deal with Florida.

I'd try and move Schultz and Hornqvist to FLA for Hoffman, Sceviour+. I think Sceviour would be a great fit for the 4th line.

Simon-Bloog-Sceviour 4th line
- Rinosaur

Isn’t Hoffman a UFA?

Isn’t Hoffman a UFA?
- WSCTeton17

After the 19/20 season, which is why I think it's a good deal. He'll probably price himself out FLA, Schultz is also a UFA after this season so they get a boost on defense and get a winger under contract.

I actually don't think EDM is going to be bargain shopping at all. I think people are overlooking them as a team that will ATTEMPT to make some huge moves.
- Rinosaur

Care to elaborate? They have roughly $13MM in cap space assuming the cap goes to 83. They need a backup goalie, a depth defender, and they only have 3 top 6 forwards signed for next year. Pulj and Khaira are middle 6 at best and will be looking for raises. I want them to do well but their position doesn’t bode all that well for them. They’re likely going to want an experienced backup, mind you. I don’t think they’re going to put all their eggs in the Koskinen basket for obvious reasons

Care to elaborate? They have roughly $13MM in cap space assuming the cap goes to 83. They need a backup goalie, a depth defender, and they only have 3 top 6 forwards signed for next year. Pulj and Khaira are middle 6 at best and will be looking for raises. I want them to do well but their position doesn’t bode all that well for them. They’re likely going to want an experienced backup, mind you. I don’t think they’re going to put all their eggs in the Koskinen basket for obvious reasons
- WSCTeton17

They currently have a little over $8M free starting next year.

I could see them moving other players to free up space or even buy out Looch. McD/Drais are great together, but they need to take advantage of the fact he plays center.

They could move RNH other solid parts.

After the 19/20 season, which is why I think it's a good deal. He'll probably price himself out FLA, Schultz is also a UFA after this season so they get a boost on defense and get a winger under contract.
- Rinosaur

I don’t think coach Q would want 72. But I do think FL moves Hoffman but he won’t come cheap. I think he goes at the draft and they go big on Panarin AND Karlsson. I’ve thought that ever since it became known that Karlsson wanted to go to Florida since we all know TB doesn’t have the cap space. It makes way too much sense. My understanding from guys around the league is that Roberto plays next year 100% and could retire thereafter. I hope he doesn’t retire and extends his career wins mark

They currently have a little over $8M free starting next year.

I could see them moving other players to free up space or even buy out Looch. McD/Drais are great together, but they need to take advantage of the fact he plays center.

They could move RNH other solid parts.
- Rinosaur

RNH at $6MM is an absolute steal. If they move him it creates a big hole and we all know what it’s like to get a solid 3C. Only way I see them doing it is if they get AA from Chicago. But still, you move RNH and get what in return? It’s like trading Malkin. How does it make them better? I would think they would send Lucic with next years 1st and Khaira to Ottawa for Boedker or something before buying him out. Besides, usually you try to let the player go through waivers to see if anyone picks him up before a buyout and that hasn’t happened

RNH at $6MM is an absolute steal. If they move him it creates a big hole and we all know what it’s like to get a solid 3C. Only way I see them doing it is if they get AA from Chicago. But still, you move RNH and get what in return? It’s like trading Malkin. How does it make them better? I would think they would send Lucic with next years 1st and Khaira to Ottawa for Boedker or something before buying him out. Besides, usually you try to let the player go through waivers to see if anyone picks him up before a buyout and that hasn’t happened
- WSCTeton17

RNH could nab them a solid dmen. They can find ways to get a 3C. Sending RNH for a dman then maybe signing someone like Hayes is totally possible.

RNH could nab them a solid dmen. They can find ways to get a 3C. Sending RNH for a dman then maybe signing someone like Hayes is totally possible.
- Rinosaur

Hayes is a 50+ point 2C in the prime of his career. Wouldn’t surprise me if he gets 6x6 from Dallas. It’s a perfect fit for them. I don’t see him getting any less than 6 in free agency. From what I heard, Edmonton isn’t mad about their top 4 either. They want to change their bottom pair

Hayes is a 50+ point 2C in the prime of his career. Wouldn’t surprise me if he gets 6x6 from Dallas. It’s a perfect fit for them. I don’t see him getting any less than 6 in free agency. From what I heard, Edmonton isn’t mad about their top 4 either. They want to change their bottom pair
- WSCTeton17

If I had a say as coach/GM I would add a player like Hayes/JT Miller and play him with Geno. Let him cover for Geno down low if Geno isn’t going to commit. I feel there’s a ton of value to be had there. Guys like that don’t come cheap though

Nah. I've said it many times. There is no point in replacing the elite players on this team. That is foolish. Sid, Geno, Phil, Letang, Dumo, Guentzel, and maybe Murray (although I'm not really opposed to trading him.)

Jack Johnson, Matt Cullen, and Garrett Wilson all NEED to go.

ZAR, Hornqvist, Gudbranson COULD go.

I'm up in the air on Maatta and Hornqvist but if you can find a GM that values "intangibles" than maybe ship Hornqvist out.

Find a way to get Teddy Bleuger & Adam Johnson regular spots in the lineup.

Richard Panik and Zucc are options. If they could dump one of Horny or Maatta (or both) it might give them a chance at either one of those guys.

https://www.capfriendly.c.../armchair-gm/team/1138908

The problem is there are SO many moving parts. Sweeping changes are going to be difficult and most repairs will have to be done through UFA. So trying to pawn the poopty players off with assets and signing replacements via UFA is probably going to be the route the Pens have to take.
- j.boyd919

I'm good with adding the guys you are talking about, especially the Kassian deal. But all of those teams aren't just eating salary without sending anyone back.

Zucc and Panik are signing for much more.

So yeah, I'd be fine with making changes you are suggesting, but it's just not real life.