i just have a hard time seeing how moving martin helps this team. if anything, they need more of what he brings. if they have the faith in their dynamic d prospects to fill that offensive role that they are designed for, letang may end up being easier t replace than martin.
- stayinthefnnet

I doubt it will be easier. Letang is a top 10 d man. Martin was steady for most of last year but atrocious the year before. I'd move Martin OR orpik before moving letang. I trust shero. He made all the right moves last year and the team underperformed. If he moved letang the team will remain a cup contender. But I strongly believe that future blogs will talk about the deal being a mistake

I doubt it will be easier. Letang is a top 10 d man. Martin was steady for most of last year but atrocious the year before. I'd move Martin OR orpik before moving letang. I trust shero. He made all the right moves last year and the team underperformed. If he moved letang the team will remain a cup contender. But I strongly believe that future blogs will talk about the deal being a mistake
- ChrisMS

what i just dont think you are properly taking into account is the fact that its not as if shero is making a 100 percent conscious, unforced decision to rid himself of letang here. its just the nature of a capped world, and letang is kind of forcing his hand. if letang would sign for 6 a year, i guarantee you shero would have it done by now.

and then when you take into account the likely high return you will get, that also factors into the decision

Chris is all about blowing things up. Trade Martin, trade Orpik ... get old pending free agents heading into the hall of fame on the downside of their career.

Trading Martin would be utterly stupid, especially if Letang is being shipped away. He wants to keep Letang long term regardless of his flaws and his possible fragileness the last two years. If anything, he is the one to go. With Sids and Malkin's contract, its utterly retarded to pay letang north of 7 million too.
- Oneonta Penguin

At first I thought you was just a tad ignorant. Now I know your just a troll. Its sad if calling people names such as retard and taking digs at people makes you feel like a big man. Rick on brother... I ain't botherin with it no more

I doubt it will be easier. Letang is a top 10 d man. Martin was steady for most of last year but atrocious the year before. I'd move Martin OR orpik before moving letang. I trust shero. He made all the right moves last year and the team underperformed. If he moved letang the team will remain a cup contender. But I strongly believe that future blogs will talk about the deal being a mistake
- ChrisMS

Dealing from an organizational strength is not a mistake. Pouliot, Maatta, Harrington, and Despres are the future core of blue liners.

The 2013-2014 season will be the only year that Letang's absence is felt. After that the growth and maturation of the top end d prospects will eliminate Letang's void completely.

Dealing from an organizational strength is not a mistake. Pouliot, Maatta, Harrington, and Despres are the future core of blue liners.

The 2013-2014 season will be the only year that Letang's absence is felt. After that the growth and maturation of the top end d prospects will eliminate Letang's void completely.
- Ryan_Wilson

i sure as hell hope so. i just keep telling myself that at least two of them have to pan out into something pretty damn decent

At first I thought you was just a tad ignorant. Now I know your just a troll. Its sad if calling people names such as retard and taking digs at people makes you feel like a big man. Rick on brother... I ain't botherin with it no more
- ChrisMS

haha not to speak for him or anything, but to be fair he called that contract retarded. not any of us.

what i just dont think you are properly taking into account is the fact that its not as if shero is making a 100 percent conscious, unforced decision to rid himself of letang here. its just the nature of a capped world, and letang is kind of forcing his hand. if letang would sign for 6 a year, i guarantee you shero would have it done by now.

and then when you take into account the likely high return you will get, that also factors into the decision
- stayinthefnnet

I am taking that into account. But 1 mil more a year when the cap supposed to start going back up seems like it would be worth finding a way to make it happen

"Update (1:50 p.m. ET)

Agent Kent Hughes on his meeting with Ray Shero today re: Letang: "We've agreed to have further talks. Not going to say more at this time."—
Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 19, 2013"

I am taking that into account. But 1 mil more a year when the cap supposed to start going back up seems like it would be worth finding a way to make it happen
- ChrisMS

i also think we may just have slightly divergent views on letangs merit as a player in the first place. if we wouldve had this talk last year, id be bending over backwards to give him the extra million per. now, im not really so sure.

Dealing from an organizational strength is not a mistake. Pouliot, Maatta, Harrington, and Despres are the future core of blue liners.

The 2013-2014 season will be the only year that Letang's absence is felt. After that the growth and maturation of the top end d prospects will eliminate Letang's void completely.
- Ryan_Wilson

And the whole point of stockpiling very high level puck moving defensive prospects, was to replace someone like Kris Letang.

Yes, Shero's hand might be forced for it to happen a year early, but this is why we took Derek Pouliot a little early in the draft, got Brian Doumolin, and why he was followed up by Ollii Maatta (while already having Morrow and Harrington). Sure, a stockpile of puck moving defensmen is good asset management, but part of the plan was that some of them would develop into top 4 NHL'ers for the Pens.

i also think we may just have slightly divergent views on letangs merit as a player in the first place. if we wouldve had this talk last year, id be bending over backwards to give him the extra million per. now, im not really so sure.
- stayinthefnnet

How can you invest that kind of money into an offensive defenseman,include a no movement clause, when he isn't even the best PP QB on the team?

"Update (1:50 p.m. ET)

Agent Kent Hughes on his meeting with Ray Shero today re: Letang: "We've agreed to have further talks. Not going to say more at this time."—
Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 19, 2013"
- Habitants98

Letang will resign ,and its a good thing

How can you invest that kind of money into an offensive defenseman,include a no movement clause, when he isn't even the best PP QB on the team?
- Ryan_Wilson

exactly. for as good as letang is, he should be so much better. granted, letang can do much more individually than martin, but with the forward firepower on this team, sometimes its best to have the guy out there who can put them in the best spots to succeed through smart, simple plays. and that is martin.

How can you invest that kind of money into an offensive defenseman,include a no movement clause, when he isn't even the best PP QB on the team?
- Ryan_Wilson

and typically no movement clauses really dont bother me, as i wouldnt typically want to move someone who i just went out of my way to sign. but that could be a dagger in a few years, if these d prospects do turn out to be really good after all.

The numbers are a tight crunch for 2014-15 if they keep Letang at 7 million and I mean tight... the cap would have to go up substantially to help the Pens out... Despres is RFA after 2013-14 and Bennett the year after.... those guys are 3.5-4 million dollar players easy on those deals. If Shero gets a great return I would take the deal but he is gambling for the 2013-14 season, I would love to see Despres step up but its risky with the amount of playing time that has to be eaten up.

The numbers are a tight crunch for 2014-15 if they keep Letang at 7 million and I mean tight... the cap would have to go up substantially to help the Pens out... Despres is RFA after 2013-14 and Bennett the year after.... those guys are 3.5-4 million dollar players easy on those deals. If Shero gets a great return I would take the deal but he is gambling for the 2013-14 season, I would love to see Despres step up but its risky.
- nelson911

they have to produce first. while they atill are prospects now, come time for first deal both will be around 2.5-3 mil deals...

and typically no movement clauses really dont bother me, as i wouldnt typically want to move someone who i just went out of my way to sign. but that could be a dagger in a few years, if these d prospects do turn out to be really good after all.
- stayinthefnnet

The NMC would be a deal breaker to me.... Even if he signs for $7 mil, it will always be a movable contract. He will always get his points, and he will always have his skating and skill.

If Pouliot or Maatta or whomever becomes the real deal, then you can move out Letang for that roster spot and for cap room. But a 7 year NMC just hamstrings you.

This is my final deal that I would offer as Shero:

6 years - $6.75 million, with a full NMC that kicks in on the third year.


The problem from Letang's side though, is that he has been decently underpaid for probably 3 years out of his current 4 year deal. I can't imagine that he would want to give too much of a discount to the Pens.

The numbers are a tight crunch for 2014-15 if they keep Letang at 7 million and I mean tight... the cap would have to go up substantially to help the Pens out... Despres is RFA after 2013-14 and Bennett the year after.... those guys are 3.5-4 million dollar players easy on those deals. If Shero gets a great return I would take the deal but he is gambling for the 2013-14 season, I would love to see Despres step up but its risky with the amount of playing time that has to be eaten up.
- nelson911

We'll see about that. They will likely be producing at a 3.5-4 million dollar clip while being on a lower salary.

The NMC would be a deal breaker to me.... Even if he signs for $7 mil, it will always be a movable contract. He will always get his points, and he will always have his skating and skill.

If Pouliot or Maatta or whomever becomes the real deal, then you can move out Letang for that roster spot and for cap room. But a 7 year NMC just hamstrings you.

This is my final deal that I would offer as Shero:

6 years - $6.75 million, with a full NMC that kicks in on the third year.


The problem from Letang's side though, is that he has been decently underpaid for probably 3 years out of his current 4 year deal. I can't imagine that he would want to give too much of a discount to the Pens.
- rival22

i dont expect him to at all

Dupuis should stay, hard worker. Letang is too much of a head case and defensive liability for 7 million. Trade for defensive defenseman. Cooke is like a reformed alcoholic who has a reputation. He may be clean but his blackouts and hanging from chandeliers is all anyone remembers. If he were in my family I would forgive him but since he is not, bye and get a checker who has wheels.

Dealing from an organizational strength is not a mistake. Pouliot, Maatta, Harrington, and Despres are the future core of blue liners.

The 2013-2014 season will be the only year that Letang's absence is felt. After that the growth and maturation of the top end d prospects will eliminate Letang's void completely.
- Ryan_Wilson

We hope. And while those guys have great potential. Is there a letang among them? In shero I trust.

haha not to speak for him or anything, but to be fair he called that contract retarded. not any of us.
- stayinthefnnet

I was also referring to previous posts. I come here to debate and have fun, not deal with insults and hostility

How can you invest that kind of money into an offensive defenseman,include a no movement clause, when he isn't even the best PP QB on the team?
- Ryan_Wilson

That's the question I've been asking is entire season while Paul Martin has proven to be a ridiculously good player at a ridiculously great value. The haves are going to probably take advantage of a have nots in this case. I'm just glad that the Penguins are dealing from a position of strength.

We hope. And while those guys have great potential. Is there a letang among them? In shero I trust.
- ChrisMS

Despres will be that person, I believe. At least if Disco gives him a chance and doesn't paralyze his development with over analysis.

Dupuis should stay, hard worker. Letang is too much of a head case and defensive liability for 7 million. Trade for defensive defenseman. Cooke is like a reformed alcoholic who has a reputation. He may be clean but his blackouts and hanging from chandeliers is all anyone remembers. If he were in my family I would forgive him but since he is not, bye and get a checker who has wheels.
- powerhouse

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. I don't even know you anymore