Just because they are available doesn't mean we can get them. Hell of a gamble. Now say a trade happens that someone had brought up before to get Domi and Petry...id consider it, hopefully we would be able to sign on of the free agent Dmen too.
- 668710

Petry won't be traded as sad enough to say. Especially with the promise they are showing during the playoffs. I actually question a Domi trade the more I think about it. I believe Montreal is going to want an over payment for him because of his previous 72 point season. If you take the name out of the trade would you want to trade our 1st round pick for a player who is 25 years old, slowly feel down the depth chart all season and was playing on the 4th line of a young team? Who also put up 44 points in 71 games.

Puljujarvi would be someone I am intrigued by, but I do question his ability to put up points as well. He played with McDavid and was only able to put up 12 goals and 20 total points in 65 games. I think he still has room to improve, but he also was someone Edmonton fans stated he didn't play with consistency.

I think Domi fits the bill with effort, but again. I think they will be looking for a lot in a trade for him.

Petry won't be traded as sad enough to say. Especially with the promise they are showing during the playoffs. I actually question a Domi trade the more I think about it. I believe Montreal is going to want an over payment for him because of his previous 72 point season. If you take the name out of the trade would you want to trade our 1st round pick for a player who is 25 years old, slowly feel down the depth chart all season and was playing on the 4th line of a young team? Who also put up 44 points in 71 games.

Puljujarvi would be someone I am intrigued by, but I do question his ability to put up points as well. He played with McDavid and was only able to put up 12 goals and 20 total points in 65 games. I think he still has room to improve, but he also was someone Edmonton fans stated he didn't play with consistency.

I think Domi fits the bill with effort, but again. I think they will be looking for a lot in a trade for him.
- 123Kid

I think they should go after Pulj regardless as he shouldn't cost too much, but they shouldn't stop there. I'm not stuck on Domi, I was just using it as an example due to a Letang trade that's all. Some people wanna trade Letang and think that all these free agent Dmen just wanna come here.

I think they should go after Pulj regardless as he shouldn't cost too much, but they shouldn't stop there. I'm not stuck on Domi, I was just using it as an example due to a Letang trade that's all. Some people wanna trade Letang and think that all these free agent Dmen just wanna come here.
- 668710

I know, I just more so get frustrated at the thought of how nice it would be to have him on this team as well. If Montreal advances to the next round, I would assume they won't be looking to trade anyone unless it makes them immediately better. I doubt prospects would get it done which I know a lot of fans would like.

I agree that a lot of the Dmen will probably receive better offers elsewhere. I think we will be in the middle of the pack, so maybe we able to land Pietrangelo, but if we move some salary around Shattenkirk, Tanev, or Barrie could be possibilities. I could also see JR signing someone like Zach Bogosian or Dmitri Kulikov just because we had been linked to both players at times previously (so I assume some of our talent scouts like them).

I think they should go after Pulj regardless as he shouldn't cost too much, but they shouldn't stop there. I'm not stuck on Domi, I was just using it as an example due to a Letang trade that's all. Some people wanna trade Letang and think that all these free agent Dmen just wanna come here.
- 668710

I've probably made the most comments about considering a Letang trade. To be clear, they shouldn't just get rid of him but if they can get a great return its an option.

I have no illusions about the Pens being a prime free agent destination either, my point was that there are a lot of good D on the market this year.

I've probably made the most comments about considering a Letang trade. To be clear, they shouldn't just get rid of him but if they can get a great return its an option.

I have no illusions about the Pens being a prime free agent destination either, my point was that there are a lot of good D on the market this year.
- MacPatty

Trading Letang isn't simply about the return. It's about replacing him which you won't do in a trade involving him. It would have to happen in a subsequent move or signing a FA unless a Subban/Weber type deal presents itself.

Letang can be frustrating to watch at times, but I echo what many say in it can't be explained enough how (frank)ing good he is and what he brings to this lineup. All that being said, I'm not against moving him if they can replace him.

Part of me feels if you're going to send a message, send the damn message, but if you wind up worse after sending that message then you don't do it.

Trading Letang isn't simply about the return. It's about replacing him which you won't do in a trade involving him. It would have to happen in a subsequent move or signing a FA unless a Subban/Weber type deal presents itself.

Letang can be frustrating to watch at times, but I echo what many say in it can't be explained enough how (frank)ing good he is and what he brings to this lineup. All that being said, I'm not against moving him if they can replace him.

Part of me feels if you're going to send a message, send the damn message, but if you wind up worse after sending that message then you don't do it.
- Rinosaur

Agreed. Sadly besides Marino we have no RHD who are pushing to make the top 2 D pairing. If we did then a Letang trade would make sense. Otherwise we will have a bigger hole in an already weak D group.

Holland will not be satisfied with Murray as a return.

Trading Letang isn't simply about the return. It's about replacing him which you won't do in a trade involving him. It would have to happen in a subsequent move or signing a FA unless a Subban/Weber type deal presents itself.

Letang can be frustrating to watch at times, but I echo what many say in it can't be explained enough how (frank)ing good he is and what he brings to this lineup. All that being said, I'm not against moving him if they can replace him.

Part of me feels if you're going to send a message, send the damn message, but if you wind up worse after sending that message then you don't do it.
- Rinosaur

Please explain whats "so F'in Good about him"

-Isn't a shutdown D, isn't a guy who's your 1D with offensive skill that also shuts down the other teams top line

-Isn't a good PP Quarterback. Doesn't have a lethal shot or 1 timer. Actually doesn't really shoot at all and when he does he misses the net... A Lot

-Good transition game, but lets keep in mind, he gets deployment with the Crosby Line, which is a huge leg up on getting points and dishing off to players with extreme skill. Also since he's deployed with Crosby, is going up against the other teams 3rd or 4th line

- Isn't tough. Doesn't intimidate the other teams top players

-Doesn't lift up his partner. Is NOT good enough to carry a pairing. He literally needs the best defensive partner on the team (Dumo) or Letang turns into a dumpster fire

Age Aside, Now compare him to Shea Weber. Who can do all those things and is a prototypical 1D

Lets try to find one of those guys

Please explain whats "so F'in Good about him"

-Isn't a shutdown D, isn't a guy who's your 1D with offensive skill that also shuts down the other teams top line

-Isn't a good PP Quarterback. Doesn't have a lethal shot or 1 timer. Actually doesn't really shoot at all and when he does he misses the net... A Lot

-Good transition game, but lets keep in mind, he gets deployment with the Crosby Line, which is a huge leg up on getting points and dishing off to players with extreme skill. Also since he's deployed with Crosby, is going up against the other teams 3rd or 4th line

- Isn't tough. Doesn't intimidate the other teams top players

-Doesn't lift up his partner. Is NOT good enough to carry a pairing. He literally needs the best defensive partner on the team (Dumo) or Letang turns into a dumpster fire

Age Aside, Now compare him to Shea Weber. Who can do all those things and is a prototypical 1D

Lets try to find one of those guys
- TheGame316

I do agree with the thought of needing an upgrade to our 1st pairing, but it is not that easy to find a Shea Weber type of player. The only player I would consider to be a top D in FA is Pietrangelo and Krug and I doubt we can out bid teams for either player. Look at our history. We don't sign top FAs available. Our team would rather go for a middle tier player who could do an above average job. Which seems odd since we have a history of trading for top talent.

I do agree with the thought of needing an upgrade to our 1st pairing, but it is not that easy to find a Shea Weber type of player. The only player I would consider to be a top D in FA is Pietrangelo and Krug and I doubt we can out bid teams for either player. Look at our history. We don't sign top FAs available. Our team would rather go for a middle tier player who could do an above average job. Which seems odd since we have a history of trading for top talent.
- 123Kid

Agreed

I just despise this notion that Letang is somehow irreplaceable. Just because he's "Core" there's never a reason to extract value and look for an upgrade

GMJR needs to get on the phone and put out feelers for Letang (which is what he lowkey did by not mentioning him as unmovable)

If there's a trade to be made, then put in a full push offer for Pietrangelo or Krug. If they sign, pull the trigger on the Letang deal and don't give it a second thought. Might end up paying more $$ then Letang, but if the new guy is a better 1D and the guy coming back in trade provides value from a $ standpoint then the overall trade is a win

If you can't sign a Top FA, then just stick with Letang, warts and all

I saw an interesting swap Marcus Johansson for Bjudstad in another forum. I think Johansson (even though he is a Left handed shot) would bring that Kunitz factor to our team.

Also Jake Virtanen is rumored to potentially be available this offseason. He was a 6th overall pick with Vancouver and he is more of a powerforward type. I wonder if we can get him and turn his career a jolt kinda like we did with Gudbranson. Gudbranson, who Vancouver saw as the worst player ever, played well on our bottom pairing.

I saw an interesting swap Marcus Johansson for Bjudstad in another forum. I think Johansson (even though he is a Left handed shot) would bring that Kunitz factor to our team.

Also Jake Virtanen is rumored to potentially be available this offseason. He was a 6th overall pick with Vancouver and he is more of a powerforward type. I wonder if we can get him and turn his career a jolt kinda like we did with Gudbranson. Gudbranson, who Vancouver saw as the worst player ever, played well on our bottom pairing.
- 123Kid

Virtanen may be available. I'm from Vancouver and the Nucks are in a pending cap crunch with way too many middle 6 players under contract with Pettersson and Hughes due major raises. I could see them not having the 3-4 Million "Shotgun Jake" may command and would look for a lower priced prospect or pick in exchange

He's amazingly inconsistent though, but still a major upgrade over a guy like Sheary

Agreed

I just despise this notion that Letang is somehow irreplaceable. Just because he's "Core" there's never a reason to extract value and look for an upgrade

GMJR needs to get on the phone and put out feelers for Letang (which is what he lowkey did by not mentioning him as unmovable)

If there's a trade to be made, then put in a full push offer for Pietrangelo or Krug. If they sign, pull the trigger on the Letang deal and don't give it a second thought. Might end up paying more $$ then Letang, but if the new guy is a better 1D and the guy coming back in trade provides value from a $ standpoint then the overall trade is a win

If you can't sign a Top FA, then just stick with Letang, warts and all
- TheGame316

I agree with this thought and I think most fans do as well. If we landed Pietrangelo or Krug for around 9-9.5 million per season and traded Letang. I think a lot of fans wouldn't be upset. I know I wouldn't be. Especially to recover some of the money lost and potentially provided upgrades to our team in other areas. Then it would almost be a no brainer. I don't foresee this happening though, which pains me to say.

Virtanen may be available. I'm from Vancouver and the Nucks are in a pending cap crunch with way too many middle 6 players under contract with Pettersson and Hughes due major raises. I could see them not having the 3-4 Million "Shotgun Jake" may command and would look for a lower priced prospect or pick in exchange

He's amazingly inconsistent though, but still a major upgrade over a guy like Sheary
- TheGame316

Thank you for your incite! Is he a net front guy? Or more just a crash the boards and net type? I know he at one time was seen as a Iginla type. He is also Right handed which I think we need more of.

Thank you for your incite! Is he a net front guy? Or more just a crash the boards and net type?
- 123Kid

crash the boards

scores a lot from the high slot

Kinda like Kunitz, but without the silky hands and not as "hockey smart" Tougher though and hits harder. Sometimes stupid hits that lead to penalties

crash the boards

scores a lot from the high slot
- TheGame316

Seems like a good younger option.

Please explain whats "so F'in Good about him"

-Isn't a shutdown D, isn't a guy who's your 1D with offensive skill that also shuts down the other teams top line

-Isn't a good PP Quarterback. Doesn't have a lethal shot or 1 timer. Actually doesn't really shoot at all and when he does he misses the net... A Lot

-Good transition game, but lets keep in mind, he gets deployment with the Crosby Line, which is a huge leg up on getting points and dishing off to players with extreme skill. Also since he's deployed with Crosby, is going up against the other teams 3rd or 4th line

- Isn't tough. Doesn't intimidate the other teams top players

-Doesn't lift up his partner. Is NOT good enough to carry a pairing. He literally needs the best defensive partner on the team (Dumo) or Letang turns into a dumpster fire

Age Aside, Now compare him to Shea Weber. Who can do all those things and is a prototypical 1D

Lets try to find one of those guys
- TheGame316

This argument has be beaten to death on these boards with loads of stats and proof of this team's success with him on the ice vs. when he's not, so I'm not going to sit here and rehash this discussion. At this point if you don't like him, you don't like him and I'm not going to waste my time lol.

This is definitely an agree to disagree moment.

This argument has be beaten to death on these boards with loads of stats and proof of this team's success with him on the ice vs. when he's not, so I'm not going to sit here and rehash this discussion. At this point if you don't like him, you don't like him and I'm not going to waste my time lol.

This is definitely an agree to disagree moment.
- Rinosaur

That's the thing, I'm not against a Letang move but where are we signing a top pair right handed guy for 7.5? I'd take Pietrangelo over Letang but we're talking what, around 9-10mil? It's just to much movement. The only way is like what was said, a Weber for Subban move.

That's the thing, I'm not against a Letang move but where are we signing a top pair right handed guy for 7.5? I'd take Pietrangelo over Letang but we're talking what, around 9-10mil? It's just to much movement. The only way is like what was said, a Weber for Subban move.
- 668710

People who are in a rush to move Letang I don't think see the alternatives.

This argument has be beaten to death on these boards with loads of stats and proof of this team's success with him on the ice vs. when he's not, so I'm not going to sit here and rehash this discussion. At this point if you don't like him, you don't like him and I'm not going to waste my time lol.

This is definitely an agree to disagree moment.
- Rinosaur

This

But I would be happy to go after virtanen.

This argument has be beaten to death on these boards with loads of stats and proof of this team's success with him on the ice vs. when he's not, so I'm not going to sit here and rehash this discussion. At this point if you don't like him, you don't like him and I'm not going to waste my time lol.

This is definitely an agree to disagree moment.
- Rinosaur

I like Letang, I like his tenacity and athleticism. But it isn’t a waste of time to consider trading him now. Letang has always been able to skate himself out of the bad decisions he makes, and he makes a lot of them because he’s a high risk player. But he is slowing down and Letang is not the kind of dman who can change his game, eventually and probably soon he won’t be able to outskate his mistakes, especially not with how fast the league is.

If you can get a package of Petry and Domi back for Letang + (depending on the plus) you do it.

And anyone thinking you won’t be able to get Perry doesn’t understand Quebec and the sheer lunacy of their pursuit of French Canadian players.

Letang would benefit from reduced TOI. I don't see how they effectively replace him this off-season when considering cap hit. The available free agents are non-starters because of asking price.

Steigy was on the radio this morning. People seem to dislike him, but I've always liked his insight on the Pens. I think he's always "spot-on" when assessing the team.

A couple of things he mentioned...which I entirely agree with... The Pens need to get a little bigger. Not saying speed isn't important, just saying the NHL is constantly changing and they've largely adjusted to what the Pens want to do with the smaller, speedy players. (By the way... Trotz basically said this about the Pens when they finally got over the hurdle. Said they were letting the Sheary's and Rusts beat them by giving them so much space.)

He said Jarry is the goalie of the future. Murray is basically gone.

He mentioned Poulin and isn't sold on his skating. Likes him, but is worried about his first couple of steps being NHL caliber.

Said he really likes Legare. Likes the combination of size and shot even if his skating isn't great either.

He mentioned ZAR... Says he was sold as another Hornie, but doesn't see any of that in his game. Pretty much said he blows (my words) ha ha.

I like Letang, I like his tenacity and athleticism. But it isn’t a waste of time to consider trading him now.
- stackthepads

I never said it was a waste of time. I said it just has to be very calculated and making sure you're properly replacing him which is not an easy thing to do.

Letang would benefit from reduced TOI. I don't see how they effectively replace him this off-season when considering cap hit. The available free agents are non-starters because of asking price.

Steigy was on the radio this morning. People seem to dislike him, but I've always liked his insight on the Pens. I think he's always "spot-on" when assessing the team.

A couple of things he mentioned...which I entirely agree with... The Pens need to get a little bigger. Not saying speed isn't important, just saying the NHL is constantly changing and they've largely adjusted to what the Pens want to do with the smaller, speedy players. (By the way... Trotz basically said this about the Pens when they finally got over the hurdle. Said they were letting the Sheary's and Rusts beat them by giving them so much space.)

He said Jarry is the goalie of the future. Murray is basically gone.

He mentioned Poulin and isn't sold on his skating. Likes him, but is worried about his first couple of steps being NHL caliber.

Said he really likes Legare. Likes the combination of size and shot even if his skating isn't great either.

He mentioned ZAR... Says he was sold as another Hornie, but doesn't see any of that in his game. Pretty much said he blows (my words) ha ha.
- madmike71

The flip side of the coin is that we cannot get slow. I’m happy the Pens org is high on Poulin and Legere and think they can challenge for spots soon. Effective players on ELC is super important, but if 30% of our roster can’t skate, we’re not gonna do well as Sid and Geno age. Poulin, Legere, ZAR, and Hornqvist is a not insignificant percentage of the forwards that don’t skate well if all four of those guys are regulars.

The flip side of the coin is that we cannot get slow. I’m happy the Pens org is high on Poulin and Legere and think they can challenge for spots soon. Effective players on ELC is super important, but if 30% of our roster can’t skate, we’re not gonna do well as Sid and Geno age. Poulin, Legere, ZAR, and Hornqvist is a not insignificant percentage of the forwards that don’t skate well if all four of those guys are regulars.
- Victoro311

It is time to get younger. Our speed guys are all in their late 20's. They aren't getting any faster. Not to mention there really isn't that many of them. Rust, Tanev, Sheary, Rodrigues and Simon are all that I can say are fast.