They're not old, but they're not young. Kucherov, Stmakos, and Hedman will all be on the wrong side of 30 next year. I don't see their window necessarily shut, but it's closing fast, and I don't think they can still compete with top teams for 4 rounds.
- jmatchett383

I think they have 2 - 3 years of being serious contenders with a couple of good moves. I don't watch them enough to see if they should try to get another deal with Stamkos. Still put up 80 points this season.

I think they have 2 - 3 years of being serious contenders with a couple of good moves. I don't watch them enough to see if they should try to get another deal with Stamkos. Still put up 80 points this season.
- madmike71

Stamkos and Hedman are still good players no doubt. I just don't think they can hang with the top teams for that prolonged stretch anymore. But yes, with a few nice additions, a run isn't out of the question.

And hell, who knows what will happen with Toronto this year, they could be a #2 seed in the division for a bit (don't see them overtaking both Boston AND Florida).

Hot take: Kevin Weeks will coach baby pens.

I think if they did trade for Marner he would be paired with Malkin and Bunting.


LW FA - Crosby - Rust
Bunting - Malkin - Marner
DOC - Eller - Puustinen
Gruden - Ponomarev - FA
- 123Kid

Gotta find something better than Puustinen to play in that spot.

I think they have 2 - 3 years of being serious contenders with a couple of good moves. I don't watch them enough to see if they should try to get another deal with Stamkos. Still put up 80 points this season.
- madmike71

TB wasn't a serious contender this year. They were terrible at even strength (huge minus), lived off their great PP. Contenders don't do that.

Stamkos and Hedman are still good players no doubt. I just don't think they can hang with the top teams for that prolonged stretch anymore. But yes, with a few nice additions, a run isn't out of the question.

And hell, who knows what will happen with Toronto this year, they could be a #2 seed in the division for a bit (don't see them overtaking both Boston AND Florida).
- jmatchett383

what do you mean? They’re going to lose in the first round.

Gotta find something better than Puustinen to play in that spot.
- Grinder47

Yeah, I was 50-50 on bringing him back for that spot. I figured it would be a quick line with scoring potential. I do think they should bring some better talent to the bottom six. Eller definitely was a great get. They need tougher players to play against.

As much as the rumors might roll over there, I don't think there is any world where a Marner to the Pens trade works. Pens don't need another softie and we also don't have the assets Toronto is going to want.

I could totally see a Toronto-Calgary-Pittsburgh trade involving the Flames getting Jarry and the Leafs getting Markstrom.

I would do the following, only because we could treat Marner as a rental and it would get us out of the Jarry and Rackell contracts.

PIT: Marner
TOR: Markstrom, Rackell
CGY: Jarry, POJ

Has anyone heard anything about the Letang injury issues? That could end up being a big wildcard that holds up the gameplan in the offseason.

Has anyone heard anything about the Letang injury issues? That could end up being a big wildcard that holds up the gameplan in the offseason.
- MacPatty

Only what's already known. Getting second opinion with surgery likely. Doesn't sound like a small thing, although he played most of the season with it. Hip?

As much as the rumors might roll over there, I don't think there is any world where a Marner to the Pens trade works. Pens don't need another softie and we also don't have the assets Toronto is going to want.

I could totally see a Toronto-Calgary-Pittsburgh trade involving the Flames getting Jarry and the Leafs getting Markstrom.

I would do the following, only because we could treat Marner as a rental and it would get us out of the Jarry and Rackell contracts.

PIT: Marner
TOR: Markstrom, Rackell
CGY: Jarry, POJ
- MacPatty

Marner has a NMC, why would he waive it to become a rental?

TB wasn't a serious contender this year. They were terrible at even strength (huge minus), lived off their great PP. Contenders don't do that.
- MickV

Vasi wasn't himself this season after he returned. I honestly don't have a good read on that team other than they still have some great players in their (late) prime. I think they could easily be contenders next year If Vasi can return to form.

PIT: Marner
TOR: Markstrom, Rackell
CGY: Jarry, POJ
- MacPatty

Screw it. Imagination-GMs need to go for broke!

PIT: Marner
TOR: Graves, Jarry, 1st rounder

Marner has a NMC, why would he waive it to become a rental?
- MickV

Because when Toronto loses tonight, he won't be able to go out in public without being chided.

For the record, I don't really care to get him. Super talented.... super soft... super expensive.

Because when Toronto loses tonight, he won't be able to go out in public without being chided.

For the record, I don't really care to get him. Super talented.... super soft... super expensive.
- MacPatty

A lot of my Leafs loving friends believe he has a high ankle sprain he's trying to play through. Not that he's super physical player, or a bruiser type, but he's looked softer than usual this series. The guy is actually a very good 2 way forward. Great PKer, a big threat on it...came 2nd in Selke votes a few seasons ago while flirting with 100 points. Right handed and fantastic on the PP (35 PP points this season). Only 26 years old.

I would take him on the Pens.

TB wasn't a serious contender this year. They were terrible at even strength (huge minus), lived off their great PP. Contenders don't do that.
- MickV

Maybe we can trade some coaches. Out pp gets a boost, their ES gets a boost

A lot of my Leafs loving friends believe he has a high ankle sprain he's trying to play through. Not that he's super physical player, or a bruiser type, but he's looked softer than usual this series. The guy is actually a very good 2 way forward. Great PKer, a big threat on it...came 2nd in Selke votes a few seasons ago while flirting with 100 points. Right handed and fantastic on the PP (35 PP points this season). Only 26 years old.

I would take him on the Pens.
- MattStrat

Yea, he’s a potential 100pt player. Plays with speed, which the Pens have lost. He’s expensive, but with the cap going up and Dubas implying Smith could be moved in the offseason, they could fit him in.

My only problem is what they could possibly offer. Have to figure he’d cost more than Guentzel. Maybe Carolina can get to the finals that gives the Pens the 1st Rounder. Maybe Toronto takes Reilly Smith? Hes from Toronto, so maybe they take a chance on a homegrown Toronto guy to have a rebound season.

1st, 2 prospects (Not Yager), Smith? I feel like that wouldn’t be enough though