I think Orpik is approaching the point where he stays based on past success versus current production.
I know he's now a masterful postseason offensive machine (j/k), and he can still lower the boom from time to time. But he's really getting to be a liability.
- jmatchett383

I thought both him and Martin played very good together. I don't view Orpik as a liability. In fact I would say Orpik's best hockey from the past 3 years was during this spring.

Very well-written! Perhaps management should consuder removing your "interim" tag!
- BOSS_TWEED

Excellent blog, I second this^^^^^

As an Oiler fan I would love to see Letang to the Oil. Edm is kinda short on forward prospects as well. I think it would have to be a player like Yak to satisfy Shero, as he still has 2 more cheap years of ELC for now.

I don't think the Oilers would do that, as Yak has shown potential to be a very special player, and they have thier own cap issues to deal with.

Also, as the author says... Letang as good as he is, probably isn't going to be worth the huge contract that he will be demanding.

I think Orpik is approaching the point where he stays based on past success versus current production.
I know he's now a masterful postseason offensive machine (j/k), and he can still lower the boom from time to time. But he's really getting to be a liability.
- jmatchett383

He was perfectly fine this year in the playoffs. The thing with Orpik, is keep him fresh and healthy. He's a leader and a very good d-man. He'd start in any team right away.

I thought both him and Martin played very good together. I don't view Orpik as a liability. In fact I would say Orpik's best hockey from the past 3 years was during this spring.
- Ryan_Wilson

Well, granted, I only watch full Pens games sparingly, but he just seems to be out of position more often than before, and he looks to have lost a step when he never had great speed to begin with. Maybe I just saw bad glimpses though.

I thought both him and Martin played very good together. I don't view Orpik as a liability. In fact I would say Orpik's best hockey from the past 3 years was during this spring.
- Ryan_Wilson

Indeed.

Well, granted, I only watch full Pens games sparingly, but he just seems to be out of position more often than before, and he looks to have lost a step when he never had great speed to begin with. Maybe I just saw bad glimpses though.
- jmatchett383

I'd agree with the others, Orpik has been rock solid. Whenever we see a dip in his play, its usually because he's forcing him self to play through some injury or another. Guy is a warrior and a leader in the locker room. I certainly think he eventually takes a lesser role, but he's exactly the kind of guy you want to have around to mentor this group of young kids they are bringing along.

Letang will get $7 million and over a big period of time. Probably 8 years. Maybe not from the Pens but from someone.

His new contract is next year, so this year we won't take the hit. Next year? We have alot of UFAs and Paul Martin could be moved with 1 year left on his contract at a decent $5 million rate. I think there isn't a huge panic.

If we trade him, given our depth on defensive prospects, I would suggest we suffer a bit there and trade for offensive prospects and VERY GOOD ONES.

Letang will get $7 million and over a big period of time. Probably 8 years. Maybe not from the Pens but from someone.

His new contract is next year, so this year we won't take the hit. Next year? We have alot of UFAs and Paul Martin could be moved with 1 year left on his contract at a decent $5 million rate. I think there isn't a huge panic.

If we trade him, given our depth on defensive prospects, I would suggest we suffer a bit there and trade for offensive prospects and VERY GOOD ONES.
- coohill

What would you think of making a trade revolving around Letang to Calgary for the #6 overall, Johnny Gaudreau, and a conditional 2014 first and second (if he resigns)? A sign and trade could bring more.

Thought I'd chime in and say great blog. Apparently you are not the permanent guy? You defiantly should be.

As for Letang, I personally think Pitts would be crazy to move him. It doesn't make much sense to move a top 10 NHL defensman. When you look at the lists in the blog all those d-men are for the most part, are staying with their clubs long term. Unless you can replace him with a player of the same calibre (whether it be at D, forward, or goal) you should try your best to keep him in your plans. Defense was Pitts weakness this year, why get rid of your best defensemen?

EDM would seem to be an ovious partner. What would you expect from them? With only oneyear left I think his value is severly diminished unless he is sure to sign.
- coffee junkie

starts with the 7th overall pick and more pieces to be added from there, pending on him resigning.

What would you think of making a trade revolving around Letang to Calgary for the #6 overall, Johnny Gaudreau, and a conditional 2014 first and second (if he resigns)? A sign and trade could bring more.
- jmatchett383

Why would Calgary do that????

Why would Calgary do that????
- riceroni

Because they have a ton of cap space and need a piece to build a team around. A Norris candidate fits that role.

Thought I'd chime in and say great blog. Apparently you are not the permanent guy? You defiantly should be.

As for Letang, I personally think Pitts would be crazy to move him. It doesn't make much sense to move a top 10 NHL defensman. When you look at the lists in the blog all those d-men are for the most part, are staying with their clubs long term. Unless you can replace him with a player of the same calibre (whether it be at D, forward, or goal) you should try your best to keep him in your plans. Defense was Pitts weakness this year, why get rid of your best defensemen?
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Exactly, you cannot replace his skillset. Better off buying out Fleury and signing a guy like Mike Smith or Ray Emery. Use the cap space for Letang.

Trade him to Edm for Hemsky, Omark and Potter..

Bring him to the Island

Trade him to Edm for Hemsky, Omark and Potter..
- Jodes

you wish

Trade him to Edm for Hemsky, Omark and Potter..
- Jodes

Harry Potter?

If Pit thinks it has a guy that can fill the void left by Letang then move him for max value and fill the holes. I think Malkin is way more valuable and sacrificing Letang is a necessary evil. Letang is a great D man but on another roster I think it would be hard to replicate the same numbers. I'd gladly take him on my team but I think trading for him and signing him to a huge extention may be detremental. If Pit does trade him away they should sign a guy like JBo who can replicate Letangs skating ability. JBo will most likely be bought out by St Louis if Peto and Shat get big money.

Harry Potter?
- mighty13duck

It's not levioSA. It's leviOsa.

Good blog Gunner. Reports are out there that Letang is looking for 7+ with a full NMC. The Pens aren't going to pay that. Even if they're willing to cough up the cash, the NMC is an absolute deal killer.

His absence will be noticed. It will be a must to bring back a very good defensman in any deal. The Pens don't have anybody capable of replacing his minutes.

he signs or shero trades him like he did with staal.

letang, fleury, bennett to the blues.

shattenkirk, stewart, halak to pens.

Letang would be foolish to not go to free agency next summer. Despite the shortcomings that we who watch him every game see, he has these things going for him:
1) Norris Trophy finalist
2) 2nd (barely) to only Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson for points per game over last 3 seasons.
3) Stanley Cup ring
4) His skating and skill are obvious to the naked eye, and he plays a more physical game than most offensive defensemen
5) He'll have an Olympic medal after 2014

Ryan Suter didn't have the first 3 last summer and got himself a HUGE payday. 7 years is the new max deal for the open market, and Suter is making $10.14 million per year on his first 7 years.

Letang EASILY gets offers at $8 million next summer, especially if cap rises more than expected, and with a Phoenix move, it will.

How bout this:

Edler
Gaunce
2nd rounder
Ballard(Pens Buyout)

for

Letang(resigned)
Kennedy or Jeffrey

If you know anything about hockey, analyze the players don't show the typical eastern hypocrisy of I hate every Canuck.

What would you think of making a trade revolving around Letang to Calgary for the #6 overall, Johnny Gaudreau, and a conditional 2014 first and second (if he resigns)? A sign and trade could bring more.
- jmatchett383

If I was Calgary I go no where near that much.

What would you think of making a trade revolving around Letang to Calgary for the #6 overall, Johnny Gaudreau, and a conditional 2014 first and second (if he resigns)? A sign and trade could bring more.
- jmatchett383

Feaster would need his head examinied if he made that trade!