Ryan Wilson: Bargain hunting on the UFA lot Bargain hunting on the UFA lot

Considering the Pens need to a move a salary just to keep what they have and have room for one more 4th line player, I don’t see how any of this is possible.

I can’t see the pens making any moves until the dust settles from free agency and then dealing with teams who missed out on some free agents.

I can’t see the pens making any moves until the dust settles from free agency and then dealing with teams who missed out on some free agents.
- drummer829

He actually just tweeted this blog is irrelevant to the Pens. lol

Let's put it this way, the Pens need to move out roughly the equivalent of what they're spending on JJ and Gudbranson to have any room to sign a player like the ones mentioned in this blog.

https://www.capfriendly.c...ead/241439&post_id=935342

I posted this yesterday, but IMO while this doesn't have to be exact, this is the type of route the Pens will have to go just to have enough room to fill out their roster.

The real problem is the players/salary we need to dump like JJ and EG, no one wants. We’re stuck with these mistakes. A buyout offers some financial gain but not enough for the Pens to go shopping. That’s why I still think a big name will be traded. Otherwise it’s another year of going nowhere while watching the window close even more.

The real problem is the players/salary we need to dump like JJ and EG, no one wants. We’re stuck with these mistakes. A buyout offers some financial gain but not enough for the Pens to go shopping. That’s why I still think a big name will be traded. Otherwise it’s another year of going nowhere while watching the window close even more.
- Dr Blob

I actually think Gudbranson could be moved in a normal hockey trade at this point. Maybe not EASILY, but I think they have a shot at clearing at least some of his salary out.

You look at a team like Ottawa right now. They need to sign at least five players and they're roughly $12M away from the cap floor. Lots of teams will be calling them to take their garbage, but if the Pens offer the right deal I think they could unload JJ or Guds, but the question is, do the Pens WANT to unload either player?

Still no look at what they got in the draft...just more “look what is out there, but they can’t have it because of...well, you know.”

Come on RW.

I actually think Gudbranson could be moved in a normal hockey trade at this point. Maybe not EASILY, but I think they have a shot at clearing at least some of his salary out.

You look at a team like Ottawa right now. They need to sign at least five players and they're roughly $12M away from the cap floor. Lots of teams will be calling them to take their garbage, but if the Pens offer the right deal I think they could unload JJ or Guds, but the question is, do the Pens WANT to unload either player?
- Rinosaur

But finding a way to dump JJ, like we talked about yesterday is the better move. Gudbranson, while expensive can play in the third pairing.

@Rino

I bet they want to unload JJ and/or Guds but they aren’t finding any takers.

They don’t necessarily need to move Rust or Hörnqvist but would do this if they could.

Super pessimistic start to the article. I’m a realist so people often look at me as pessimistic but holy smokes. Free agency is exciting. Of course teams overpay often, but it’s also a chance to fill holes in your roster and make an immediate impact

I've been preaching Connolly on here for a few weeks, but I highly doubt he can be had for just 3 mil. 21 5v5 goals last season. 44 5v5 points. 27years old. I bet his floor is 4m per and someone gives him closer to 5.

I agree with the general sentiment so far that we've made our bed and now we have to lie in it.

Unless an insanely good hockey trade presents itself in the next 3 weeks, the window might be closed for good. This roster is not even good enough to make the playoffs in the metro right now IMO and FA doesn't seem like it's going to give us anything to change that. The Caps, Canes, Devils, possibly Isles and maybe Flyers all held serve or got better this offseason and we didn't.

Ottawa and Melnyk aren't going to eat a bad contract for nothing.... he's a notorious cheapskate so sending JJ there isn't going to work unless we eat the full 50% of that deal and send one of our few prospects too.

It was a good run....3 cups in the last 10 years.... and hopefully this post can be bumped in 3 years if we win again but I'm not seeing it without trading for futures or getting lucky in the draft lottery again.

Nah man, we’ve got our window open as long as we have 87,71, 58. We just have to bite the bullet on 73... He is such an addition by subtraction. EG will probably remain which sucks but he’s not the end all be all. It’s JJ. I hate him.

Just saw the Simmonds rumor. I’m ok with that if the pens have a taker for Hornqvist and Simmonds signs no more than a 3 year contract at under 3 mil

@Rino

I bet they want to unload JJ and/or Guds but they aren’t finding any takers.

They don’t necessarily need to move Rust or Hörnqvist but would do this if they could.
- Barnaby36

See, what’s troubling to me is that I don’t believe they want to move JJ. JR admitted he was never part of the MIN trade.

Lawls at the crybabies who say we wont even make the playoffs now.

Lawls at the crybabies who say we wont even make the playoffs now.
- Guile

Sid and Malkin remind me of the red wings Zetterberg/Datsyuk era. As long as they’re on your team, you have a good chance every year, no matter how old they get

Lawls at the crybabies who say we wont even make the playoffs now.
- Guile

The east is looking to be more competitive right now. I still think the Pens make it, but I don’t think they’re a lock.

Just saw the Simmonds rumor. I’m ok with that if the pens have a taker for Hornqvist and Simmonds signs no more than a 3 year contract at under 3 mil
- drummer829

I would much rather have Hornqvist at his Current contract, than Simmonds at 3mill.

I would much rather have Hornqvist at his Current contract, than Simmonds at 3mill.
- burgh4life87

Not to sound dramatic, but If the Pens sign Simmonds I think it officially ends the Crosby-Era Pens. This would send a clear sign they have no intention of getting back to the style of play that not only worked for them, but deviates from the style of play the NHL continue to head.

They would continue to get it older and slower.

Sanheim signed a two bridge deal, which is what I hope they do with Pettersson. The deal is $3.25 per year. I think Pettersson is worth half of that price.

The Pens need to come in around $1.75 for anything to work and I think that’s fair for a young dman who’s only played 1 full season.

I have never Samuel Puolin play but I can't believe Simmonds is the better skater.

Lawls at the crybabies who say we wont even make the playoffs now.
- Guile

Personally, I've only said I'm not assuming they're making the playoffs this year for first time in long time. I'm still very hopeful and think they have the tools to do so. I just haven't seen the roster get better (yet), know they've all gotten a year older, know that the division has gotten alot stronger and have seen a team that's looked very disinterested alot of nights the past two regular season. Then add to that I think there's some negative lockerroom factors going into this year.

I can see them signing Pett's at 2milly and im OK with that. We cant have both Simmonds and Horn on the roster however... The fact they have rumored interest tells me they are looking to ship out salary. If this forces them to move JJ, Im totally cool with both simmonds and Horn.

I can see them signing Pett's at 2milly and im OK with that. We cant have both Simmonds and Horn on the roster however... The fact they have rumored interest tells me they are looking to ship out salary. If this forces them to move JJ, Im totally cool with both simmonds and Horn.
- Grizzsh

Simmonds to me signals they’re still in the same mindset from when they overvalued Reaves. Wrong direction for the Pens.