It's hard to dump Rust without getting a wing back unless they are willing to play both ZAR and Simon in the top 9, but I suppose you can find a cheaper guy.

I also want to keep Bjugstad. Looked good at 3C and probably had more points if either of his wings could convert on all the scoring chances they created.

I think it's JJ and one if Maatta and Gudbranson, probably Maatta who is easier to move. I'm curious if Gudbranson can repeat, if not he's next year's cap dump which with one year left will be possible.
- Tojo.

Oh sure.... You need to replace Rust. I'm just looking at pieces that other teams may want. For instance if you trade Rust and Maatta, you clear 7.6mil. I think you could easily find a more consistent/productive wing and bottom pairing Dman for that money.

Honestly, I'm not counting on ZAR at all. For that matter, I'm not sold Simon is much more than a bottom 6 wing either. I don't hate these players, but I think JR shouldn't fool himself and count on either for top 6 duty.

Agree on Bjug... I think he looked pretty damn good at 3c.

Oh sure.... You need to replace Rust. I'm just looking at pieces that other teams may want. For instance if you trade Rust and Maatta, you clear 7.6mil. I think you could easily find a more consistent/productive wing and bottom pairing Dman for that money.

Honestly, I'm not counting on ZAR at all. For that matter, I'm not sold Simon is much more than a bottom 6 wing either. I don't hate these players, but I think JR shouldn't fool himself and count on either for top 6 duty.

Agree on Bjug... I think he looked pretty damn good at 3c.
- madmike71

Yeah you're right on Rust, they can find a cheaper middle 6 wing if they have to. And I obviously agree on Maatta that they can find a cheaper player to do what he does.

ZAR shows flashes, but I agree I'd rather play him on the 4th line and give him his shot higher up when injuries hit. There isn't anyone behind him that's ready yet I'd even say that about, although there's some promise with the incoming forwards.

Yeah you're right on Rust, they can find a cheaper middle 6 wing if they have to. And I obviously agree on Maatta that they can find a cheaper player to do what he does.

ZAR shows flashes, but I agree I'd rather play him on the 4th line and give him his shot higher up when injuries hit. There isn't anyone behind him that's ready yet I'd even say that about, although there's some promise with the incoming forwards.
- Tojo.

Is the general consensus that Petts can do what Maata does at 1/2 price?

1. Can Send gudbranson and hornqvist to flames for neal and hamonic. Flames want out of that neal contract bad. We win big on d end and lose a bit on forward but can hope neal can play with Malkin again
2. Trade maatta to a team like the habs for a 2nd round pick. Will have top 4 of letang, dumoulin, schultz and hamonic. So can and should get rid of this contract. Will have pettersson , Riikola , ruhwedel and Johnson (for now)
3. Can trade Kessel and johnson to Colorado for kerfoot and 16th overall (maybe prospect or later pick added)
4. Can offer rust (kerfoot is upgrade on rust) and 21st overall pick (since we upgraded to 16th) for Zucker if we really wanted him. . We then make out on original trade to wild bc we dont have to take back Rask bad contract and we moved up 5 draft picks. (We dont have to make this trade , can package those picks for better player if really wanted to or sign a good free agent and keep picks)

We will have a bit of cap room to get a free agent dman. Maybe Lovejoy or hainsey back would be cheap options or better. Or get Corey Perry for cheap after his buy out.

Guentzel-Crosby-mccan
Zucker-Malkin-neal
Kerfoot- bugstad-Simon
Zar-Wilson- blueger/perry

Letang-dumoulin
Schultz-hamonic
Pettersson-ruhwedel/Riikola

Oh sure.... You need to replace Rust. I'm just looking at pieces that other teams may want. For instance if you trade Rust and Maatta, you clear 7.6mil. I think you could easily find a more consistent/productive wing and bottom pairing Dman for that money.

Honestly, I'm not counting on ZAR at all. For that matter, I'm not sold Simon is much more than a bottom 6 wing either. I don't hate these players, but I think JR shouldn't fool himself and count on either for top 6 duty.

Agree on Bjug... I think he looked pretty damn good at 3c.
- madmike71

I think Simon is a good bottom six player, who in a pinch can jump up, but should absolutely not be in consideration for a long term top 6 role. I'm honestly not sold on ZAR as an NHL talent.

I'm actually excited to see Bjorkqvist at camp this year.

Maybe Calen Addison surprises out of camp. It'd be nice to have one of these D picks pan out.

1. Can Send gudbranson and hornqvist to flames for neal and hamonic. Flames want out of that neal contract bad. We win big on d end and lose a bit on forward but can hope neal can play with Malkin again
2. Trade maatta to a team like the habs for a 2nd round pick. Will have top 4 of letang, dumoulin, schultz and hamonic. So can and should get rid of this contract. Will have pettersson , Riikola , ruhwedel and Johnson (for now)
3. Can trade Kessel and johnson to Colorado for kerfoot and 16th overall (maybe prospect or later pick added)
4. Can offer rust (kerfoot is upgrade on rust) and 21st overall pick (since we upgraded to 16th) for Zucker if we really wanted him. . We then make out on original trade to wild bc we dont have to take back Rask bad contract and we moved up 5 draft picks. (We dont have to make this trade , can package those picks for better player if really wanted to or sign a good free agent and keep picks)

We will have a bit of cap room to get a free agent dman. Maybe Lovejoy or hainsey back would be cheap options or better. Or get Corey Perry for cheap after his buy out.

Guentzel-Crosby-mccan
Zucker-Malkin-neal
Kerfoot- bugstad-Simon
Zar-Wilson- blueger/perry

Letang-dumoulin
Schultz-hamonic
Pettersson-ruhwedel/Riikola
- justj2005

WUT?

Is the general consensus that Petts can do what Maata does at 1/2 price?
- sammy87

It's how I feel. I think Pettersson will be better: better skater, more reach, great transitional defense, improves possession no matter who he plays with. Reminds me a lot of Dumoulin's game except he's not as strong.

The only place I feel Maatta is clearly better is he has superior hockey sense which makes up for a lot of his lack of physical tools while Pettersson still had the occasional rookie mistakes and hesitant on processing his options, but that's the stuff most defensemen improve with time.

Keeping Maatta would be a nice safety net from a sophomore slump, but the team HAS to dump a salary and Maatta not only is one of the easiest to replace, he'll actually return something of value like a 2nd or a decent prospect.

Which team or teams will give up a 1st and a good prospect? Most teams are looking to shed salary. Sounds like you are just throwing that our there without analyzing cap space and needs for all teams.

Maybe Calen Addison surprises out of camp. It'd be nice to have one of these D picks pan out.
- Thorny87

Speaking of WB guys. I'd absolutely give someone like Johnson or Dipauli a serious look for 4th line wing. Those guys can fly and they have a little bit of a scoring touch. Enough of these plugs who can't skate or score. I'm sick of the Rowney's, Cullen's, Wilson's, Kuhnhackl's etc.

I’m waiting for JR to double down on stupid and trade JJ for Zaitsev

Speaking of WB guys. I'd absolutely give someone like Johnson or Dipauli a serious look for 4th line wing. Those guys can fly and they have a little bit of a scoring touch. Enough of these plugs who can't skate or score. I'm sick of the Rowney's, Cullen's, Wilson's, Kuhnhackl's etc.
- madmike71

There's also Bellerive. He got sidetracked last year with a bad burn to his hands. If he can get back on track he might fill one of those positions.

With Sully's player management I'm gonna say chances are pretty slim.

Which team or teams will give up a 1st and a good prospect? Most teams are looking to shed salary. Sounds like you are just throwing that our there without analyzing cap space and needs for all teams.
- Jack Straw

Where does he say he's looking for a 1st or a good prospect for any of these players? I think you missed the premise of the blog.

BUY OUT 87

Maybe Calen Addison surprises out of camp. It'd be nice to have one of these D picks pan out.
- Thorny87

That would be surprising at his age since nobody has done that since Maatta and RD is stacked at the moment. He's probably our best prospect, just young.

I think if somebody surprises at camp, it's likely either someone who was already in WBS like Lafferty or Angello or a Palve from Europe like Riikola did.

You guys do realize if you trade Gudbranson you no longer have Gudbranson right? Geesh

Speaking of WB guys. I'd absolutely give someone like Johnson or Dipauli a serious look for 4th line wing. Those guys can fly and they have a little bit of a scoring touch. Enough of these plugs who can't skate or score. I'm sick of the Rowney's, Cullen's, Wilson's, Kuhnhackl's etc.
- madmike71

Yeah those Rowneys cullens and Kuhnhackls that won two cups in Pittsburgh. They are obviously terrible players. And Kuhnhackl backedchecked Phil Kessel into submission. This year.

That would be surprising at his age since nobody has done that since Maatta and RD is stacked at the moment. He's probably our best prospect, just young.

I think if somebody surprises at camp, it's likely either someone who was already in WBS like Lafferty or Angello or a Palve from Europe like Riikola did.
- Tojo.

Bjorkqvist, Miletic, and Pavlachev are on my list to watch out for. Bellerive is thought highly in the organization too.

You guys do realize if you trade Gudbranson you no longer have Gudbranson right? Geesh
- Grinder47

I imagine that is the entire point of trading him.

There's also Bellerive. He got sidetracked last year with a bad burn to his hands. If he can get back on track he might fill one of those positions.

With Sully's player management I'm gonna say chances are pretty slim.
- Thorny87

Probably too soon for him. Dipauli and Johnson are 25 and 24. Both have NHL wheels. If not now, when? Dipauli can't stay healthy unfortunately, but that kid can skate.

You're not wrong about Sullivan. This is where I've soured on him. It's very Bylsmaesque. Got his favorite plugs who play regardless of performance.

Bjorkqvist, Miletic, and Pavlachev are on my list to watch out for. Bellerive is thought highly in the organization too.
- burgh4life87

Pavlachev isn't signed and I don't think is turning pro yet. Miletic didn't have a good year and his breakout in juniors came as an overager so he's worth following but I'm not high on him yet.

Love Bellerive. I'd be surprised if any rookie pro makes the team out of camp, but I could see him or Bjorkvist forcing their way up midseason.

Dzorg and Almeida are also interesting new pros to me though I don't see either in Pittsburgh next year. I'm maybe too conservative though and usually give anyone who isn't a stud prospect at least one year in WBS.

Yeah those Rowneys cullens and Kuhnhackls that won two cups in Pittsburgh. They are obviously terrible players. And Kuhnhackl backedchecked Phil Kessel into submission. This year.
- Grinder47

Cullen is washed up. You think he's still the same player? He was done two years ago. Should have rode off into the sunset a champion.

Crosby, Kessel, Malkin etc won the cups. Those bit players were along for the ride. Rowney is stealing NHL money.....might have the best agent in the league to get that contract from the Ducks.

I don't hate Kuhnhackl. I just don't want him on a line with two other Tom Kuhnhackl's.

I think it would be a big mistake to give up on Hornqvist. The Pens need more players like him - players who will play in front of the net and annoy goalies and defensemen.

I am not sure where the Pens can save money but one thing is for sure - this problem would either be a smaller problem or not a problem at all had JJ never been signed. I still don't know what Rutherford was thinking. He needs to find an even worse gm and trick him into taking JJ.

I imagine that is the entire point of trading him.
- burgh4life87

With the way the old man is going he'd trade Guddy, miss the grit, then trade for Lucic.

He seems to be following a trend of dumping and then chasing toughness. The scary part is he's paying more and more for it.

Pavlachev isn't signed and I don't think is turning pro yet. Miletic didn't have a good year and his breakout in juniors came as an overager so he's worth following but I'm not high on him yet.

Love Bellerive. I'd be surprised if any rookie pro makes the team out of camp, but I could see him or Bjorkvist forcing their way up midseason.

Dzorg and Almeida are also interesting new pros to me though I don't see either in Pittsburgh next year. I'm maybe too conservative though and usually give anyone who isn't a stud prospect at least one year in WBS.
- Tojo.

Miletic put up a .7ppg season, same as lafferty and better than angelo, and is very disciplined. Not sure where it would be considered a bad year. Injury troubles maybe?