While I agree on this, it is fair to point out Schultz was 22 when he played his first season. Jesse is only 21 now.
- burgh4life87

That is fair. However, they also say that defensemen take longer to develop that forwards.

Again, the fact that he has had trouble making a bad Edmonton roster is my biggest reason for hesitation.

Well he's a RFA who's yet to sign in Edmonton, so I don't think he's interested in a 1-year prove it deal, otherwise he'd probably have signed for cheap. Also, while his numbers were less than ideal, Schultz cracked Edmonton's roster from a day 1 (aside from the 12/13 lockout).

I'm not saying it's a terrible idea, it's just very risky than you could be trading for a guy who could be out of the NHL by this time next year.
- jmatchett383

I was referring to change of scene scenario. I've never seen Pulivari play. Just figured he reached the NHL for a reason.

That is fair. However, they also say that defensemen take longer to develop that forwards.

Again, the fact that he has had trouble making a bad Edmonton roster is my biggest reason for hesitation.
- jmatchett383

I'm not sold on him at all. I have seen plenty of guys with "all the tools" fail because they just can't utilize them properly and this guy has that written all over him. If the price is right I can see some building team make the move, but not a cup contender looking to fill out a roster.

I was referring to change of scene scenario. I've never seen Pulivari play. Just figured he reached the NHL for a reason.
- nateca44

He reached the NHL because he and Laine tore up the Liiga as 17-year-olds and demolished people at the WJC. He was taken 4th overall and just hasn't been able to stay in the NHL.

Again, if you want to take a home run swing on a young reclamation project, he's a fair target. But for a team with a short window, I don't think it's a good idea.

He reached the NHL because he and Laine tore up the Liiga as 17-year-olds and demolished people at the WJC. He was taken 4th overall and just hasn't been able to stay in the NHL.

Again, if you want to take a home run swing on a young reclamation project, he's a fair target. But for a team with a short window, I don't think it's a good idea.
- jmatchett383

I actually think our forward group is pretty good. Obviously I'd like to see Jack go. Maybe he surprises people and is good enough to move him at the deadline?

I actually think our forward group is pretty good. Obviously I'd like to see Jack go. Maybe he surprises people and is good enough to move him at the deadline?
- nateca44

I think the best way to move him would be a buy out, but the Pens are against that for some reason.

I may be in the minority, but Puljujarvi is 1 bad season away from being a verified bust. He had trouble making Edmonton last year, and they were awful. It seems like his "compete level" just isn't there.

He's got all the physical tools to succeed and had good numbers for Finland. But if he can't seem to stick on a bad Edmonton team, why would you want him on a team built on winning now?
- jmatchett383

I get it, and I think that's why the Penguins should get something else small just to offset that risk whether it'd be a 3rd/4th round pick or the Penguins dumping Johnson on them.

Because we could very well be dumping a guy who, despite me thinking he has reached his ceiling, is a productive player in the NHL for a guy who could be a major bust.

I still like the risk/reward. With where the Penguins are, we need to 1) Dump salary to sign our RFAs 2) Get as many skilled wingers as possible (like all teams try to do).

If we trade for him and he is a bust, too bad. That's a risk we take and it wouldnt be the first time we got burnt by a bust. If he works out, you got a good young player for a cheap cost.

I get it, and I think that's why the Penguins should get something else small just to offset that risk whether it'd be a 3rd/4th round pick or the Penguins dumping Johnson on them.

Because we could very well be dumping a guy who, despite me thinking he has reached his ceiling, is a productive player in the NHL for a guy who could be a major bust.

I still like the risk/reward. With where the Penguins are, we need to 1) Dump salary to sign our RFAs 2) Get as many skilled wingers as possible (like all teams try to do).

If we trade for him and he is a bust, too bad. That's a risk we take and it wouldnt be the first time we got burnt by a bust. If he works out, you got a good young player for a cheap cost.
- SuperHenderson13

Well Edmonton has less than $3M in cap space, so I don't even know how they'd fit Rust let alone him + JMFJ unless the Pens retain massive space.

I dont think Bill would of changed Kessel's mind on the Wild...he wanted to go somewhere with less limelight, more casinos and warm weather.
- MattStrat

Its coming from me and im a sarcastic jerk..

Its coming from me and im a sarcastic jerk..
- Reverend Killtaker

I know...and I recognized it as sarcastic as I have quite a bit of sarcasm in me too. I replied out of sheer boredom.

Brodin is an up and down player who gets the 4th most minutes on the team. He is productive enough and good enough defensively, but he isn't truly spectacular at any one thing. If it took throwing in one of Guerin's favorite prospects I would do it.
- burgh4life87

Good point about adding a prospect instead of a high draft pick as Guerin probably does have a favorite or two that he targeted and helped to develop. We could still add a 3rd or later pick as a sweetener if necessary.

I actually think our forward group is pretty good. Obviously I'd like to see Jack go. Maybe he surprises people and is good enough to move him at the deadline?
- nateca44

Yeah, the last thing we need is another winger. Right now, ZAR isn't even in the starting lineup. If we get rid of JJ, who starts in his place? What happens if a defenseman gets injured (Letang and Schultz seem to get injured a lot)? After trading Maatta for a winger, we are frighteningly thin on defense with no one in the minors who looks like a legit NHL defenseman right now.

Yeah, the last thing we need is another winger. Right now, ZAR isn't even in the starting lineup. If we get rid of JJ, who starts in his place? What happens if a defenseman gets injured (Letang and Schultz seem to get injured a lot)? After trading Maatta for a winger, we are frighteningly thin on defense with no one in the minors who looks like a legit NHL defenseman right now.
- Hockey66

While true, we should acknowledge that JJ is a replacement level player and I would put good money down that Riikola could easily perform to the same level at 5v5 as Jack.

As for depth, when looking at a trade I would be very shocked if JJ and Rust aren't packaged together for another left shot D. Gives us depth and the needed cap room.

The best case scenario regarding JJ is one where the Pens resign Petterson and at least one of Riikola, Ruhwedel, or Trotman really step up this season. In this scenario the Pens could keep JJ on the third pairing consistently and maybe even rotate him in and out of the lineup.

The worst aspect of JJ is the length of his contract. He is bad now but it is safe to assume that he will be worse in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Yeah, the last thing we need is another winger. Right now, ZAR isn't even in the starting lineup. If we get rid of JJ, who starts in his place? What happens if a defenseman gets injured (Letang and Schultz seem to get injured a lot)? After trading Maatta for a winger, we are frighteningly thin on defense with no one in the minors who looks like a legit NHL defenseman right now.
- Hockey66

Cardboard Orpik would be in position more often than JJ.

I think the best way to move him would be a buy out, but the Pens are against that for some reason.
- jmatchett383

The pens are old school full of good people. There’s a reason everyone except Phil Kessel would choose to play here

Yeah, the last thing we need is another winger. Right now, ZAR isn't even in the starting lineup. If we get rid of JJ, who starts in his place? What happens if a defenseman gets injured (Letang and Schultz seem to get injured a lot)? After trading Maatta for a winger, we are frighteningly thin on defense with no one in the minors who looks like a legit NHL defenseman right now.
- Hockey66

Being somewhat thin really doesn’t matter a bit though when you can pick up a guy like Oleksiak for a 4th and sometimes even a 5th rounder seemingly at will. I think we’re in a pretty good spot overall unless we lose one of our stars to injury

It’s also September. Guys are already back in North America skating for camp next month. I’d like to start talking projections. Like, is Sid going to hit the century mark again? I think Chucky might find a home on his left wing. He’s a sneaky good forechecker, better than some would like to give him credit for and some of his hits are pretty big

Being somewhat thin really doesn’t matter a bit though when you can pick up a guy like Oleksiak for a 4th and sometimes even a 5th rounder seemingly at will. I think we’re in a pretty good spot overall unless we lose one of our stars to injury
- WSCTeton17

I think Schultz and/or Letang missing time is almost a given at this point. This means promoting someone to the second pairing who has no business playing there. I think if we can find a competent 2nd/3rd pairing tweener, while losing JJ, we will be a MUCH better team.

And again, this relates to the discussion of who we trade for in a Rust + JJ scenario. Obviously a defenseman is a much better target than another winger. Also, there is the salary cap / roster space to consider.

I'll add that it can be easily argued that we had a disappointing season last year because of our defense. As it stands right now, our defense is worse and the Oleksiaks of the league aren't going to move the needle at all.

Play Letang-Dumo with Sid and Petterson- the great Gudbranson with Geno. Shultz Ruwhedel or however the duck you spell it shelter.

The pens are old school full of good people. There’s a reason everyone except Phil Kessel would choose to play here
- Grinder47

Phil Kessel did choose to play here but sure let’s follow that retarded narrative.

Kuzy busted for cocaine. Personally I could care less and drugs should just be legal. I’m just interested to see how this is treated since it’s s high profile player.

Kuzy busted for cocaine. Personally I could care less and drugs should just be legal. I’m just interested to see how this is treated since it’s s high profile player.
- Grinder47

NHL won’t do anything. They already announced that it’s not a performance enhancing drug but a drug of abuse. They’ll probably “help” with rehab but I don’t think he’ll be disciplined. I’d be surprised if they do TBH.

Molanari with an interesting "tidbit". Says it could be Vellucci as the successor to Rutherford.

Molanari with an interesting "tidbit". Says it could be Vellucci as the successor to Rutherford.
- madmike71

When did he move to DK?? I thought he was on the trib or post gazette?