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)
- WSCTeton17

Could definitely see the Preds interest in Kessel, but I don't think the Pens would be looking at Subban. I'd rather resign Schultz at $5-6 than have Subban at $9.5.

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

If we're shipping out JJ to Montreal, we're taking back Alzner somehow

What does a trade like that look like?

Could definitely see the Preds interest in Kessel, but I don't think the Pens would be looking at Subban. I'd rather resign Schultz at $5-6 than have Subban at $9.5.
- MacPatty

Well, his cap hit is 9. Would you take him at that? Lol

I like Schultz but I’d rather have Subban and go heavy in our top 4. Same argument goes for me with Karlsson except he’s going to the coast

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.
- MacPatty

That roster is more of a list of targets I’d like to aim for. I don’t think all of those changes are realistic by any means but I see no reason why the Pens couldn’t get 2, maybe 3 of those guys.

Considering GMJR turned Scuderi into Daley, there is some hope that JJ could be dumped with a bit of salary retention.

I think Ben and one of Zucc or Panik are realistic targets.

I do think there are teams that value Maatta. If the public has access to metrics that show he’s not an awful player than surely teams do as well, not to mention all of the game tape in the world.

So I don’t believe revamping the D is out of the question and using Adam Johnson and Bleuger as 4th lingers injects some speedy youth into this team.

Well, his cap hit is 9. Would you take him at that? Lol

I like Schultz but I’d rather have Subban and go heavy in our top 4. Same argument goes for me with Karlsson except he’s going to the coast
- WSCTeton17

I’d rather have Subban at 9 than Schultz at 6 for sure.

I’d rather have Subban at 9 than Schultz at 6 for sure.
- j.boyd919

Schultz is very good.
Subban is borderline elite.

If they can make the cap work, you take Subban at $9M every day.

I’d rather have Subban at 9 than Schultz at 6 for sure.
- j.boyd919

Top 4 of Dumo, Letang, Subban, and Petts for the next 3+ years sure sounds like it keeps our window open especially if we can keep Ruhwedel for a million or less on the bottom pairing for cost effectiveness. I could see SJ wanting Schultz after Karlsson leaves for the east. I could see Winnipeg wanting Maatta when Myers and Trouba are gone. Could possibly be Rust, Maatta as a starter package for Trouba but my guess is that they would also want someone cost effective like Blueger and a pick. We’re just such a bad match to trade with teams who have Prime RFAs they potentially can’t afford. The same argument goes for trying to pry stars from Toronto or Tampa. We’d have better luck targeting Hoffman to somewhat replace Phil and get Subban from Nashville

Trouba could go at the draft for sure. Winnipeg will want to know what they do and don’t have heading into free agency if the feel they have a good deal in place. Maatta makes a ton of sense for them

I’d rather have Subban at 9 than Schultz at 6 for sure.
- j.boyd919

If the Pens were able have both Letang and Subban in the lineup it would a major game changer even if JJ was still in the lineup.

If the Pens were able have both Letang and Subban in the lineup it would a major game changer even if JJ was still in the lineup.
- Rinosaur

I don’t think we move JJ until next offseason when we either eat something or buy him out. Not after JR backed him all season and he played in the playoffs

I would do Kessel for Subban straight up especially if Nashville ate even just half a million in cap space. I would send Schultz to SJ for one of their speedy depth players and a pick and send Maatta to WPG if possible. Send what we get for Schultz and Maatta to FLA for Hoffman. FLA has to move Hoffman so they can add Karlsson while also adding Panarin and maybe Bob. If we want to send 72 to AZ for a 2nd assuming they miss out in FA I think that wouldn’t be a problem. Top 6 of Sid, Jake, McCann, Geno, Hoffman, and possibly Panik with a top 4 of Letang, Dumo, Petts, Subban and Murray back to form in net. Sounds like a good core to me

I don’t think we move JJ until next offseason when we either eat something or buy him out. Not after JR backed him all season and he played in the playoffs

I would do Kessel for Subban straight up especially if Nashville ate even just half a million in cap space. I would send Schultz to SJ for one of their speedy depth players and a pick and send Maatta to WPG if possible. Send what we get for Schultz and Maatta to FLA for Hoffman. FLA has to move Hoffman so they can add Karlsson while also adding Panarin and maybe Bob. If we want to send 72 to AZ for a 2nd assuming they miss out in FA I think that wouldn’t be a problem. Top 6 of Sid, Jake, McCann, Geno, Hoffman, and possibly Panik with a top 4 of Letang, Dumo, Petts, Subban and Murray back to form in net. Sounds like a good core to me
- WSCTeton17

The reality is the Penguins have many doable scenarios to make this team profoundly better. It's just a matter of what their vision for the team is and how to get there.

The reality is the Penguins have many doable scenarios to make this team profoundly better. It's just a matter of what their vision for the team is and how to get there.
- Rinosaur

Is there is really no need to trade Geno, Phil, or Letang to get better. The team can be improved without trading the big guns.

We should probably all start assuming that Dallas is going to make a strong push to keep Zuccarello and that he likely won’t hit the open market. He’s been a good fit there and Spezza is coming off the books. I really think they’ll add Hayes and keep Zucc. Two former rangers reunited

Is there is really no need to trade Geno, Phil, or Letang to get better. The team can be improved without trading the big guns.
- j.boyd919

100%

I'm a little fixated on FLA now, but here's something I would attempt...

TO FLA: Hornqvist
TO PIT: Sceviour + 2nd

Pens clear some space, get a 2nd in the draft and Sceviour would be a great 4th line player for this team.

Next: Sign Zuccarello
Then: Sign Panik

I think this would be a good first few steps in the right direction.

Jake-Sid-Zucc
Panik-Geno-Phil
McCann-Bjug-Rust
Simon-Bloog-Sceviour

I'm a little fixated on FLA now, but here's something I would attempt...

TO FLA: Hornqvist
TO PIT: Sceviour + 2nd

Pens clear some space, get a 2nd in the draft and Sceviour would be a great 4th line player for this team.

Next: Sign Zuccarello
Then: Sign Panik

I think this would be a good first few steps in the right direction.

Jake-Sid-Zucc
Panik-Geno-Phil
McCann-Bjug-Rust
Simon-Bloog-Sceviour
- Rinosaur

Florida just made all of these moves to clear up cap space. It looks like they have $21MM in cap space. Let’s say Panarin gets 10. So they have 11 left already with a top 6 including Barkov, Huberdeau, Hoffman, Trocheck, and Dadonov. Where does Hornqvist fit in? All of these guys had good years. The only sensible reason for them to move Hoffman is if they’re bringing in Karlsson. If Karlsson goes to NYI or any other team instead then moving Karlsson doesn’t make any sense for them. So they have 11 in cap space left with 9 forwards signed and 2 RFAs on the backend plus the rumor is they want Bob. If that’s the case not only is there no room for Hornqvist but they also need to clear out one of their goalies

Florida just made all of these moves to clear up cap space. It looks like they have $21MM in cap space. Let’s say Panarin gets 10. So they have 11 left already with a top 6 including Barkov, Huberdeau, Hoffman, Trocheck, and Dadonov. Where does Hornqvist fit in? All of these guys had good years. The only sensible reason for them to move Hoffman is if they’re bringing in Karlsson. If Karlsson goes to NYI or any other team instead then moving Karlsson doesn’t make any sense for them. So they have 11 in cap space left with 9 forwards signed and 2 RFAs on the backend plus the rumor is they want Bob. If that’s the case not only is there no room for Hornqvist but they also need to clear out one of their goalies
- WSCTeton17

They're not getting Panarin. I honestly believe what the media has stated about him wanting to go to NYR.

They're not getting Panarin. I honestly believe what the media has stated about him wanting to go to NYR.
- Rinosaur

So they have Barkov, Huberdeau, Hoffman, Dadonov, Trocheck, and Vatrano who just put up 24 goals. Why do they need Hornqvist? 72 has a ceiling of 53 points getting top 6 minutes with the best centers in the world and PP1 time. Florida already has a great power play. Why give up assets when there are tons of options on the FA market including Anders Lee, Karlsson, Duchene, Bob, Eberle, Panarin, Pavelski, Skinner, Hayes, Nelson, Nyquist, Williams, Zucc, MoJo, Panik, Dzingel, Ferland

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it once more, with such a strong free agent crop it doesn’t make much sense for teams to go shopping prior to 7/1 unless they’re buying at a discount

Craig Adams might be interested in a coaching job.

Craig Adams might be interested in a coaching job.
- Grinder47

I’ll do it. I used to have slow feet too so I can get Olli up to speed or at least closer to the rest of the league. I’m not shy about making adjustments when necessary both with my lineup and my playing style. Our wingers will stop collapsing so low, we’ll play more of a man on man down low vs zones and if there’s no immediate breakout pass available we’ll look to create foot races up the ice. I will reunite the big 3 more often and if there’s no commercial break to follow I’ll just send out Bjugstad in between Guentzel and Hornqvist (assuming McCann is coming off the PK). By god our D are going to communicate a hell of a lot more than they have been and we’re going to mitigate these awful turnovers. It will be a simpler game on the backend (less 1 on 1s) and a freer game up front. We’re also going to trap more often and do a better job of taking angles when we don’t have the puck. Every turnover isn’t an opportunity to sit on the bench, rather it’s an opportunity to learn.

Now then, let’s get down to numbers.. I want a 5 year contract at $6MM per season

Ek reporting Subban might be available. He must visit the Pens thread since we know he doesn’t have credible sources.

Is there is really no need to trade Geno, Phil, or Letang to get better. The team can be improved without trading the big guns.
- j.boyd919

I agree with this 100 percent, but that’s also what makes it so frustrating. You don’t need huge overhauls but you don’t have margin for error. You need smaller, smart moves that fit. My worry is I simply don’t have faith in the powers that be to make these decisions.

Ek reporting Subban might be available. He must visit the Pens thread since we know he doesn’t have credible sources.
- j.boyd919

I think someone on the Sportsnet feed already used vague language regarding Subban. Something like “Subban could be available” - obviously he’s not an untouchable

I think someone on the Sportsnet feed already used vague language regarding Subban. Something like “Subban could be available” - obviously he’s not an untouchable
- WSCTeton17

I think some of these teams that can't get over the top... Peg, Nashville, Tampa to a lesser degree, could be conned into taking Hornvqvist and his "playoff experience" and "warrior attitude". Tampa got snuffed in sweep by the 8th seed after having a historical regular season. That's the kind of thing that will give a GM an itchy trigger finger.

I think Phil is pretty much gone. He's gonna be the sacrificial lamb for sure. People should start preparing themselves for it.

I think some of these teams that can't get over the top... Peg, Nashville, Tampa to a lesser degree, could be conned into taking Hornvqvist and his "playoff experience" and "warrior attitude". Tampa got snuffed in sweep by the 8th seed after having a historical regular season. That's the kind of thing that will give a GM an itchy trigger finger.

I think Phil is pretty much gone. He's gonna be the sacrificial lamb for sure. People should start preparing themselves for it.
- madmike71

Chevy in Winnipeg has anything but a happy trigger finger. He’s a patient guy and needs to figure out this Trouba situation first and foremost. Nashville needs a net front guy for their PP so Hornqvist is absolutely a fit there but Kessel could also spark their PP. I wouldn’t put Tampa on that list as they have other priorities as well. Tampa and TO will be for sure dealing some players and if they deal talented ones (hello JT Miller) they’ll be getting picks and young, cost controlled players coming back

There will be a market for Hornqvist, no doubt. That’s certainly not what I was saying. What I was saying is that the trade market probably won’t heat up until we’re already into free agency. There are just too many impactful free agents that you can’t get without giving up any assets. These free agents are also coming off consistency for some of them where Hornqvist definitely has an inconsistent/down year by his standards

I know we all want Zucc but I think Dallas retains him for 4-5 years and I think they bring in Hayes as well. I think they give Hays $6MM for 5 years and Zucc maybe $5.75 for 4 years. Changes everything for that team

I think some of these teams that can't get over the top... Peg, Nashville, Tampa to a lesser degree, could be conned into taking Hornvqvist and his "playoff experience" and "warrior attitude". Tampa got snuffed in sweep by the 8th seed after having a historical regular season. That's the kind of thing that will give a GM an itchy trigger finger.

I think Phil is pretty much gone. He's gonna be the sacrificial lamb for sure. People should start preparing themselves for it.
- madmike71

He's still a top talent in the league. Kessel will have a nice return somewhere if it comes down to it.

How does the upcoming expansion draft for Seattle play into any of this?