Never realized how hurt Bjusttad has been over his career.

I also think Shultz is a wildcard to get moved, he kinda sucks this year and no way with Marino do the Pens resign him.

Pens that could go out: Bjustad, Shultz, Simon, ZAR, Galch, Noesen, Blueger, JJ, DeSmith, Rikkola or Petterson and prospects......Not sure what those guys and some picks bring back but a D upgrade and a top 6 would be nice. Shero says no to all of that for Hall.

Because he only has 2 goals in 21 games. But he's playing 12 minutes per game on the 4th line and has 10 points total which extrapolates to nearly 40 points over a full season despite his low usage with lesser linemates on a new team and coming off an injury.

He does have a $4.9M cap hit which makes it difficult to trade him to a contender, most of which are at or near the cap.

I will say that I don't think he has any value to the Pens, so just getting rid of his cap is valuable in and of itself, regardless of return.
- Hockey66

JMO.... I've noticed over the years that different players adapt to new teams at different speeds. When a player is hurt (he was hurt in camp), it's going to take a lot longer. Plus, the entire roster has been a blender because of other injuries. Personally, I'd love to give Galch more time and some decent/consistent linemates because there's definitely some pedigree there. I hate giving up on skilled players too soon.

The only reason I agree with moving him now (or soon) is because the coach has clearly made up his mind.....and we've already seen this show before.

By the way.... Connor Sheary has 2 goals in his last 34 playoff games. Dude gets mauled in tight games. I'm getting sick to my stomach at the thought of him coming back here.

Bjugstad has a good shot. I think they will also value board work and defensive ability with Sid since he matches up with scoring lines often. Speed too, but it's hard to find that all in one guy and Bjugstad skates decent. May not work, but worth a look though again, I know you're not a fan of him.
- Tojo.

I agree with his attributes other than speed. However, Crosby's style is more of a grinder and passer, so I think Bjug is a little redundant. I'd like more of a sniper who can find the soft spots in a defense and be there for the glorious Crosby set-up. Someone who has 30-goal ability. I would love to see Toffoli tried on Crosby's RW. I think Guentzel has improved his defense so that's not as much of an issue.

The other thing about Bjug is that you can count on him being out injured 25% of the time (or more). I think this puts a big strain on chemistry, not to mention the salary cap. Really, for the amount of time he plays, his salary is more like $5.5M instead of $4.1. Will he be healthy when the playoffs roll around? Who knows. It may not matter much, though, since he was a big zero in 4 playoff games last year, making it 1 goal and 0 assists in his last 14 games. We can and should do better, IMO.

Everyone has always said that about Crosby, but in the end he's always better with lunch bucket type grinding out in the corners smart players who know where to go when we get zone time and in the cycle (Dupuis, Kunitz, Jake, Horn, etc)

The thought that Crosby is just going to be sending these fast guy types down the wings with tape to tape passes and they will snipe goals hasn't held water or played out that way throughout Sid's career
- TheGame316

Hes not as good with just pure sniper guys who like to find the soft spots.(Neal, Sykora)And if you get the right kind of star player who thinks similar it works great (Hossa, Guentzel, Even Kunitz). Iginla was good with him for team Canada along with Marchand. Too bad Guerin was at the end of his career when he came because they had great chemistry.

Everyone has always said that about Crosby, but in the end he's always better with lunch bucket type grinding out in the corners smart players who know where to go when we get zone time and in the cycle (Dupuis, Kunitz, Jake, Horn, etc)

The thought that Crosby is just going to be sending these fast guy types down the wings with tape to tape passes and they will snipe goals hasn't held water or played out that way throughout Sid's career
- TheGame316

You might be right but I think at least average to above average speed is needed just to keep up with a breakout scenario (and to get back on D).

I think Horny would still be playing there but he is just too slow now. The other guys you mention have/had pretty decent wheels.

JMO.... I've noticed over the years that different players adapt to new teams at different speeds. When a player is hurt (he was hurt in camp), it's going to take a lot longer. Plus, the entire roster has been a blender because of other injuries. Personally, I'd love to give Galch more time and some decent/consistent linemates because there's definitely some pedigree there. I hate giving up on skilled players too soon.

The only reason I agree with moving him now (or soon) is because the coach has clearly made up his mind.....and we've already seen this show before.

By the way.... Connor Sheary has 2 goals in his last 34 playoff games. Dude gets mauled in tight games. I'm getting sick to my stomach at the thought of him coming back here.
- madmike71

Yeah, apparently Galch couldn't figure out his responsbilities on the forecheck and backcheck. Sully is a task-master, but sometimes the problem is between the ears. Interesting, too, what Tocchet said about Galch drifting too far centrally on Malkin's line. Maybe his instincts are still as a center. Also, there is no place for him on the top PP unit, and since PP is one of his strengths, that's a problem.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if JR and Sully really didn't want Galch but didn't have a choice in the matter. If Kessel continues to flame out and POJ becomes a top 4 defenseman, we will look back on this trade fondly and will forget about Galch pretty quickly.

So, I heard Arizona isn't really that thrilled with Kessel, maybe you could get him as a winger for Malkin!

I agree with his attributes other than speed. However, Crosby's style is more of a grinder and passer, so I think Bjug is a little redundant. I'd like more of a sniper who can find the soft spots in a defense and be there for the glorious Crosby set-up. Someone who has 30-goal ability. I would love to see Toffoli tried on Crosby's RW. I think Guentzel has improved his defense so that's not as much of an issue.

The other thing about Bjug is that you can count on him being out injured 25% of the time (or more). I think this puts a big strain on chemistry, not to mention the salary cap. Really, for the amount of time he plays, his salary is more like $5.5M instead of $4.1. Will he be healthy when the playoffs roll around? Who knows. It may not matter much, though, since he was a big zero in 4 playoff games last year, making it 1 goal and 0 assists in his last 14 games. We can and should do better, IMO.
- Hockey66

Small sample size. His career has shown he's better than that.

30 goal ability would be nice but that's hard to find and I like Toffoli, but we were discussing what the line up might look like if we didn't add anyone of note.

For the record, my first choice was Bjugstad at 3C and McCann as that potential 30 goal wing, but I'm also curious with switching them.

So, I heard Arizona isn't really that thrilled with Kessel, maybe you could get him as a winger for Malkin!
- buster29

Ironically, Trading Kessel for Galchenyuk, based on prior years stats would probably help both teams

That being said... No Thanks, No Takebacks

I'd rather have the 5 million in capspace this offseason

So, I heard Arizona isn't really that thrilled with Kessel, maybe you could get him as a winger for Malkin!
- buster29

Phil is about as dangerous as Simon these days. 3 ES goals in his past 64 games.

Phil is about as dangerous as Simon these days. 3 ES goals in his past 64 games.
- Tojo.

Oh no you didn't!

Small sample size. His career has shown he's better than that.

30 goal ability would be nice but that's hard to find and I like Toffoli, but we were discussing what the line up might look like if we didn't add anyone of note.

For the record, my first choice was Bjugstad at 3C and McCann as that potential 30 goal wing, but I'm also curious with switching them.
- Tojo.

I know, but maybe his career has peaked? Last year on pace for only 31 points; this year is even worse. He is 27.5 years old, so expecting him to get back into the 40-point level might be a stretch, even if he can stay healthy.

Sorry, I missed the premise of the exercise. Tough call, but I think I'd go with Bjug at RW. I don't even know if McCann plays RW. He is a lefty. I might try McCann as Malkin's LW, though. McCann is looking good this year. Hard to leave Kahun out of the top 6, though.

I think we need a RW. Bjug is taking up a roster spot and we don't know if he'll come around and/or be healthy. And he makes $4.1M this year and next which isn't nothing.

I know, but maybe his career has peaked? Last year on pace for only 31 points; this year is even worse. He is 27.5 years old, so expecting him to get back into the 40-point level might be a stretch, even if he can stay healthy.

Sorry, I missed the premise of the exercise. Tough call, but I think I'd go with Bjug at RW. I don't even know if McCann plays RW. He is a lefty. I might try McCann as Malkin's LW, though. McCann is looking good this year. Hard to leave Kahun out of the top 6, though.

I think we need a RW. Bjug is taking up a roster spot and we don't know if he'll come around and/or be healthy. And he makes $4.1M this year and next which isn't nothing.
- Hockey66

I think Bjugstad would excel on this team as a RW. I know he has played most of his career as a Center, but he was a whole different player for Florida when he played RW. I think they need to give him a chance at RW once he is healthy to see what he can do. I think he has struggled to stay healthy his whole career which hurts his production.

I would see if New Jersey would be interested in Murray. I’d rather pay Hall than Murray next year. If I’m GM I’d also make someone take Simon so the coach literally can’t play him. Trade him for someone that fights. If you’re incapable of scoring might as well fight. Funny thing though most guys in the league with fm this year also have more tangible offense than Simon. Dude sucks!

I think Bjugstad would excel on this team as a RW. I know he has played most of his career as a Center, but he was a whole different player for Florida when he played RW. I think they need to give him a chance at RW once he is healthy to see what he can do. I think he has struggled to stay healthy his whole career which hurts his production.
- 123Kid

Yeah, hopefully he plays soon so we can see what we have before the trade deadline. If he continues to struggle, I say cut him loose for the cap space and hopefully an upgrade at RW.

I would see if New Jersey would be interested in Murray. I’d rather pay Hall than Murray next year. If I’m GM I’d also make someone take Simon so the coach literally can’t play him. Trade him for someone that fights. If you’re incapable of scoring might as well fight. Funny thing though most guys in the league with fm this year also have more tangible offense than Simon. Dude sucks!
- Grinder47

I thought about that, too, but supposedly Blackwood is their goalie of the future. I know you hate Simon, but he is a good, cheap player for the 4th line.

I know, but maybe his career has peaked? Last year on pace for only 31 points; this year is even worse. He is 27.5 years old, so expecting him to get back into the 40-point level might be a stretch, even if he can stay healthy.

Sorry, I missed the premise of the exercise. Tough call, but I think I'd go with Bjug at RW. I don't even know if McCann plays RW. He is a lefty. I might try McCann as Malkin's LW, though. McCann is looking good this year. Hard to leave Kahun out of the top 6, though.

I think we need a RW. Bjug is taking up a roster spot and we don't know if he'll come around and/or be healthy. And he makes $4.1M this year and next which isn't nothing.
- Hockey66

He's just had 49 in 17-18. Bryan Rust is the same age and has never hit 20 G or 40 pts and some people think he hasn't peaked. I think Bjugstad is a middle six guy who has some seasons in the 30s an some in the 40s. He's not a true top 6, but he's better than the 10 games this season.

I went with:
McCann/Guentzel-Crosby-Kahun
Guentzel/McCann-Malkin-Rust
Simon/Tanev-Bjugstad-Hornqvist
ZAR-Blueger-Tanev/Simon

Someone else wanted McCann at 3C and used Bjugstad, which I agreed I'd also like to see if it clicks, because Bjugstad has been capable.

Unless he has a monster second half, I'd probably deal Bjugstad in the off-season and he's not untouchable now. I mostly want the flexibility to use McCann on the wing. The 3rd line isn't that important since the Blueger line plays alot and I think McCann is the best in-house wing candidate other than Guentzel to play with Crosby or Malkin.

I thought about that, too, but supposedly Blackwood is their goalie of the future. I know you hate Simon, but he is a good, cheap player for the 4th line.
- Hockey66

Problem is Sully will undoubtedly play him with Sid when he returns, except of course when they really need a goal he gets bumped from that line. Which makes no sense of him being there in the first place.

Hes not as good with just pure sniper guys who like to find the soft spots.(Neal, Sykora)And if you get the right kind of star player who thinks similar it works great (Hossa, Guentzel, Even Kunitz). Iginla was good with him for team Canada along with Marchand. Too bad Guerin was at the end of his career when he came because they had great chemistry.
- 668710

I seem to remember Kunitz-Crosby-Neal being extremely dominant when Geno was out.

I'm a little torn because I think ideally we want skill as the key attribute of whomever we would be trading for. But isn't Galch already that guy? Or is he just a bad fit?

That's why I think a Miles Wood or Craig Smith type player may be a better option. Obviously inferior talent to Galchenyuk....but from the pens side we would save a little money... they fit the system with speed/forechecking... and they dont have long contracts

Yeah, apparently Galch couldn't figure out his responsbilities on the forecheck and backcheck. Sully is a task-master, but sometimes the problem is between the ears. Interesting, too, what Tocchet said about Galch drifting too far centrally on Malkin's line. Maybe his instincts are still as a center. Also, there is no place for him on the top PP unit, and since PP is one of his strengths, that's a problem.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if JR and Sully really didn't want Galch but didn't have a choice in the matter. If Kessel continues to flame out and POJ becomes a top 4 defenseman, we will look back on this trade fondly and will forget about Galch pretty quickly.
- Hockey66

I don't even think that's a question. They didn't want a lesser Phil clone but had no choice. They wanted someone like Zucker. Those comments from Rutherford clearly said he valued the contract status as much as Galch.

Still.... I stand by my assessment. If he wouldn't have been hurt in camp and the team wouldn't have been crippled by injuries, I think he's in a better place right now. Sullivan has already made his decision however. I doubt there's any going back at this point. Hopefully we trade for another UFA. No more Hags for Pearson deals.

I'm a little torn because I think ideally we want skill as the key attribute of whomever we would be trading for. But isn't Galch already that guy? Or is he just a bad fit?

That's why I think a Miles Wood or Craig Smith type player may be a better option. Obviously inferior talent to Galchenyuk....but from the pens side we would save a little money... they fit the system with speed/forechecking... and they dont have long contracts
- YouMeAndDupuis9

A bad fit/horrible injury luck for camp and beginning of season combo IMO.

I seem to remember Kunitz-Crosby-Neal being extremely dominant when Geno was out.
- MattStrat

Other way around. Kunitz Malkin Neal when Sid was out. That was the year the flyers beat us in the first round. Sid came back and played with Duper and Sullivan.

Other way around. Kunitz Malkin Neal when Sid was out. That was the year the flyers beat us in the first round. Sid came back and played with Duper and Sullivan.
- burgh4life87

I know how dominate Kunitz-Geno-Neal was...they were together a long time. Geno won the Art Ross with that line. I'm talking about the times that it was Kunitz-Crosby-Neal...there wasnt much of it but when there was it was dominating.

Problem is Sully will undoubtedly play him with Sid when he returns, except of course when they really need a goal he gets bumped from that line. Which makes no sense of him being there in the first place.
- Grinder47

He plays with Sid because since the start of the 2017-18 season, Sid has more points playing with him on the right than any other roster player. As for bumping him off in tight goal situations they seem to do that for offensive draws, but not defensive. Hornqvist is not great at carrying the puck up ice and Sid clearly doesn't like that.