Bennett has looked good when he has played. You keep saying this, but the only knock on him is his injuries. If you don't think he has looked good when he has been healthy, then I don't know what to tell you. I thought he looked good last year and just needed to add some weight and muscle, which he clearly did in the off-season.

And just because mistakes were made last year with all of the rentals, doesn't mean you ignore the need to upgrade this year. And Kesler isn't a rental, we would have him for this year plus 2 more. And that goes for any other player we might go after as well that still has term. I don't think rental is the solution this year, especially with some of the ludicrous demands some teams have thrown out there, but if you can bring in a forward with term, you have to be willing to give something up, and why not a high end D prospect who best case scenario comes up next year, but more than likely doesn't see the NHL team until the following year or if he stumbles the year after.
- PensFan1103

The Pens have to be careful with this type of move. They are treading very closely to the Yankees in that regard. The Yankees won 3 rings on the backs of their farm system, then the Boss decided to chase bigger dreams by fleecing their farm for aging overpriced FA's. Now their farm system is absolutely horrible and empty and they are stuck in a FA cycle which has done next to nothing for them.

If the Pens deplete their farm, things can get ugly very fast.

Brittle Beau Bennett and his 4 career goals. Well, he really is our only hope inside the organization.

If he is the answer then the question must be pretty difficult.
- Sell My Monkey

If you take both players and quote Bennett's goals then you don't really
know what one is gonna do for the other do you?

and last year, Maatta would have been on your list. Look at what he has done. Not saying Pouliot is Maatta, but he is a valuable commodity to hold onto. To me, he is better than Despres and I hold Despres in high regards, certainly moreso than our organization does.

Kesler isn't the missing piece we need to contend for a title. Not even close. This roster was put together poorly in a few areas; we have had injuries that have hurt, and we are close to the cap.

The deal that would have ultimately made perfect sense would have been Kesler to Pittsburgh for Letang. Shero offering that extension to him and not trading him right after will cost this organization. It already has.
- Oneonta Penguin

Maatta never received the hype that Pouliot or Harrington/Morrow/Despres got, which just goes to show even more, that nothing is guaranteed with these prospects. Scouts and great hockey minds can analyze and analyze, but some guys adjust extremely well to the NHL and some don't, plain and simple.

I just don't get the Pouliot is a better asset than Kesler philosophy. You would rather hold onto a guy who might help this team 2 years from now, but not have a guy that you know will help this team for the next 3. But either way to each their own. I just hope that you can find some peace with the Pens, because it sounds like you hate everything about this team.

Bennett has looked good when he has played. You keep saying this, but the only knock on him is his injuries. If you don't think he has looked good when he has been healthy, then I don't know what to tell you. I thought he looked good last year and just needed to add some weight and muscle, which he clearly did in the off-season.

And just because mistakes were made last year with all of the rentals, doesn't mean you ignore the need to upgrade this year. And Kesler isn't a rental, we would have him for this year plus 2 more. And that goes for any other player we might go after as well that still has term. I don't think rental is the solution this year, especially with some of the ludicrous demands some teams have thrown out there, but if you can bring in a forward with term, you have to be willing to give something up, and why not a high end D prospect who best case scenario comes up next year, but more than likely doesn't see the NHL team until the following year or if he stumbles the year after.
- PensFan1103

When he has played. He has been in the pressbox more than he has played. I'm surprised you can remember how he played because it was so long ago. As people say, Pouliot and Harrington are just prospects. Same with Bennett. He could turn out to be a two six calibre forward or a complete bust. What makes him so needed to be kept? Because he is our best forward prospect in a system that has a sad overall forward collection?

The Pens have to be careful with this type of move. They are treading very closely to the Yankees in that regard. The Yankees won 3 rings on the backs of their farm system, then the Boss decided to chase bigger dreams by fleecing their farm for aging overpriced FA's. Now their farm system is absolutely horrible and empty and they are stuck in a FA cycle which has done next to nothing for them.

If the Pens deplete their farm, things can get ugly very fast.
- Reverend Killtaker

I agree which is why I don't want to see Bennett or the 1st rd pick moved, but I am ok with Pouliot because while Harrington, Dumoulin, Samuelsson, and the likes may not pan out into difference makes, we have Martin, Letang, and Maatta leading the way for a while, we only need guys who can step in and fill the 4-7 spots. And I fully think we should resign Niskanen, now you are only looking at spots 5-7, which I feel comfortable we have guys who can fill those roles.

i dont think this team will go very far into the playoffs. They have no one outside the top 6 who can score and my fear is that playoff fleury will come back. he has not had a strong post season since 2009. wasting sid and geno in prime years.

look at the hawks, they didnt stand pat and have a stronger team because of it. they are not going to win with engellend, glass, and who ever against the flyers, islanders, etc. vokoun won that series last year. someone needs to put the puck in the net and it cant only be 87, 71, 14.

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
6 years, $5.5 per for Girardi staying with Rangers.

in case anybody was interested

Maatta never received the hype that Pouliot or Harrington/Morrow/Despres got, which just goes to show even more, that nothing is guaranteed with these prospects. Scouts and great hockey minds can analyze and analyze, but some guys adjust extremely well to the NHL and some don't, plain and simple.

I just don't get the Pouliot is a better asset than Kesler philosophy. You would rather hold onto a guy who might help this team 2 years from now, but not have a guy that you know will help this team for the next 3. But either way to each their own. I just hope that you can find some peace with the Pens, because it sounds like you hate everything about this team.
- PensFan1103

I don't hate everything about this team. I happen to see more than you do. I'm bothered by decisions made by Shero in the past. He is all the sudden horrid with asset management. The Iggy trade was terrible. He was redundant and not needed. Shero's response last year "you only get one chance to acquire Jerome Iginla" There was no plan. He saw a legend and went for a trade without a plan. He gave away a tremendous amount of assets last year for rentals, maybe of which could have helped land more long term solutions.

This year, the roster wasn't put together well. There were more questions this year than last. Injuries haven't helped. I have said this many, many times - extending Letang to that contract was idiotic and especially not trading him right after. That would have brought more assets that would have not only helped this year but in the future. Instead, we are on pins and needles for the next XXX years with a 7.25 million contract for a defenseman, who is fragile, has a hole in his heart, and is careless with the puck. Remember, this is a league with a cap too. He is untouchable right now as far as other teams. Couldn't foresee this coming, but you could foresee his fragileness.

I happen to be one that wants short and long term success and not live year to year. We are going down the path of an all or nothing thing and the hell with the future. I don't like that at all. That is why I respect Detroit to no end. They might not make the playoffs this year, due to an injury to Zetterberg. However, they are set up to win big every year. They don't make too many foolish decision; they draft and develop well and they don't mortgage the future for today.

Right now, we won't have much talent in the farm system moving forward. Maybe I should just get that in my head. Why? Shero doesn't value first or second round picks all the sudden and wants to trade all his D prospects for players that really don't solve the initial problems.

I will always remain a Penguin fan. However, I'm not thrilled with the way decisions are being made. Nothing wrong with making minor adjustments to the third line with a trade or two and then restructuring the roster in the offseason. Sometimes you have to say "we aren't good enough to win the Stanley Cup." It's alright to do that. Only one can win. The Rags are doing just that as Ryan Calahan is going to be dealt; Tampa is doing that if MSL is dealt; Vancouver - the same with Ryan Kesler. Ryan Kesler makes us a little better, but doesn't solve our pressing problems because I vied him as our third line center, not a winger for Sid.

I agree which is why I don't want to see Bennett or the 1st rd pick moved, but I am ok with Pouliot because while Harrington, Dumoulin, Samuelsson, and the likes may not pan out into difference makes, we have Martin, Letang, and Maatta leading the way for a while, we only need guys who can step in and fill the 4-7 spots. And I fully think we should resign Niskanen, now you are only looking at spots 5-7, which I feel comfortable we have guys who can fill those roles.
- PensFan1103

Martin only has one more year left after this year. He isn't here for a while. We need six capable defensemen, last time I checked.

Quick question and I need a detailed explanation if you can give me one. If you bring in Kesler; knowing that Letang's salary goes up over 3 million next year and there are a few more raises - Kunitz (minor bump), Malkin and maybe one other, how do you expect the Penguins to resign Niskanen based on the way he is playing and what the market will be for him. Be reasonable with your explanation please. Thanks in advance.

Maatta never received the hype that Pouliot or Harrington/Morrow/Despres got, which just goes to show even more, that nothing is guaranteed with these prospects. Scouts and great hockey minds can analyze and analyze, but some guys adjust extremely well to the NHL and some don't, plain and simple.

I just don't get the Pouliot is a better asset than Kesler philosophy. You would rather hold onto a guy who might help this team 2 years from now, but not have a guy that you know will help this team for the next 3. But either way to each their own. I just hope that you can find some peace with the Pens, because it sounds like you hate everything about this team.
- PensFan1103

Maatta received alot of hype. You realize he is more than likely a top 10 pick if not for an injury he sustained in his drat year. He was ranked something like sixth by NA Scouting early in the year.

The Pens have to be careful with this type of move. They are treading very closely to the Yankees in that regard. The Yankees won 3 rings on the backs of their farm system, then the Boss decided to chase bigger dreams by fleecing their farm for aging overpriced FA's. Now their farm system is absolutely horrible and empty and they are stuck in a FA cycle which has done next to nothing for them.

If the Pens deplete their farm, things can get ugly very fast.
- Reverend Killtaker

Very very true. Have made the reference with the Yanks as well when making a comparison.

Martin only has one more year left after this year. He isn't here for a while. We need six capable defensemen, last time I checked.

Quick question and I need a detailed explanation if you can give me one. If you bring in Kesler; knowing that Letang's salary goes up over 3 million next year and there are a few more raises - Kunitz (minor bump), Malkin and maybe one other, how do you expect the Penguins to resign Niskanen based on the way he is playing and what the market will be for him. Be reasonable with your explanation please. Thanks in advance.
- Oneonta Penguin

If Kesler is coming in, Nisk won't be resigned nor does he have to. It all depends on what goes out the door for Kesler. My guess is Despres stays and Pouliot, Sutter and somethin else goes. A bad Murray and Iginla trade doesn't mean this one will be. Of course it could not work out, but I'd rather take a risk if you wanna call it that and get a very good established player.

I don't hate everything about this team. I happen to see more than you do. I'm bothered by decisions made by Shero in the past. He is all the sudden horrid with asset management. The Iggy trade was terrible. He was redundant and not needed. Shero's response last year "you only get one chance to acquire Jerome Iginla" There was no plan. He saw a legend and went for a trade without a plan. He gave away a tremendous amount of assets last year for rentals, maybe of which could have helped land more long term solutions.
- Oneonta Penguin

You bring up the Iggy trade, and while it wasn't needed, all it cost was a late 1st rounder following a year where we had two first rounders.

The Pens have to be careful with this type of move. They are treading very closely to the Yankees in that regard. The Yankees won 3 rings on the backs of their farm system, then the Boss decided to chase bigger dreams by fleecing their farm for aging overpriced FA's. Now their farm system is absolutely horrible and empty and they are stuck in a FA cycle which has done next to nothing for them.

If the Pens deplete their farm, things can get ugly very fast.
- Reverend Killtaker

This is a great comparison. I REALLY hope they don't make this move. In the past when people would complain about Ray's defensive heavy drafts, Shero would cite the James Neal deal as his ability to turn Goli into the pieces he needs. This Kessler deal is NOT that. He's older and has some hard miles on him.

I've got to admit, I was really looking forward to this deadline in hopes Ray would pick up a couple of decent 3rd liners. Now I'll be hanging on hoping he doesn't do anything stupid.

You bring up the Iggy trade, and while it wasn't needed, all it cost was a late 1st rounder following a year where we had two first rounders.
- rival22

It cost us a chance to draft probably a kid who would be our best forward prospect - Ryan Hartman. The two prospects were insignificant. Any trade that wasn't needed and turns into a failure that involves a first round pick isn't good. Shero traded away an asset - a first round pick, for a player that wasn't needed.

If Kesler is coming in, Nisk won't be resigned nor does he have to. It all depends on what goes out the door for Kesler. My guess is Despres stays and Pouliot, Sutter and somethin else goes. A bad Murray and Iginla trade doesn't mean this one will be. Of course it could not work out, but I'd rather take a risk if you wanna call it that and get a very good established player.
- nelson911

You have made my point as to why you don't trade a D prospect. Pittsburgh only has four Dmen under contract for next year - Letang at a steep price; Martin; Maatta and Bortuzzo. Not exactly a great collection and with questions surrounding Letang, it could be worse. Kesler ends any chance at bringing back Niskanen, Martin is off the books the following year. Despres and Pouliot would be cheap talents. We won't have the $$$ to go out and get two solid and capable defensemen with little money and that doesn't include any upgrades on the third and fourth lines.

A bad Murray, Morrow and Iggy trade doesn't mean this one will. However, if Shero gets into this ridiculous "all in" mode, we will have no trade assets to go out and get anyone the following few years. He couldn't help himself last year. My fear if Vancouver continues to say no, he goes to the Islanders and offers a first and Pouliot for a rental in Vanek. I wouldn't put it past him. We have seen that movie not long ago and it didn't end well.

This is a great comparison. I REALLY hope they don't make this move. In the past when people would complain about Ray's defensive heavy drafts, Shero would cite the James Neal deal as his ability to turn Goli into the pieces he needs. This Kessler deal is NOT that. He's older and has some hard miles on him.

I've got to admit, I was really looking forward to this deadline in hopes Ray would pick up a couple of decent 3rd liners. Now I'll be hanging on hoping he doesn't do anything stupid.
- madmike71

Exactly.

I know this is far fetched and the price to pay would be too high for both, but if we could wake up next Thursday and have Ott and Kesler on this team, I would be happy.

I know it is far fetched

I know this is far fetched and the price to pay would be too high for both, but if we could wake up next Thursday and have Ott and Kesler on this team, I would be happy.

I know it is far fetched
- ryman1566

We don't have the assets for Kesler and Buffalo wants a first and a prospect for Ott. You are right, its very far fetched. We don't have two first round picks. Do people honestly think we have like 20 assets everyone wants?

Joe Starkey just tweeted that Jason Botchford in Vancouver has reported that Pens have indeed contacted the Canucks about Kesler, and Kesler said he would waive his NT to play in Pittsburgh, he wants to play in the US and in the East.

Looks like the Kesler rumors are true.
- nbartley9

Reports are the Canucks originally contacted Pittsburgh before the Olympic break pitching Kesler for Sutter and Pouliot. I'd hate to give away such a great prospect in Pouliot for a #rd line center when there is a more important need at the first line wing position.

Reports are the Canucks originally contacted Pittsburgh before the Olympic break pitching Kesler for Sutter and Pouliot. I'd hate to give away such a great prospect in Pouliot for a #rd line center when there is a more important need at the first line wing position.
- Genev21

Price would be too steep. Apparently the Pens went to them with Sutter and Despres and Vancouver wanted more, according to Vancouver beat writer. Ugh

Apparently Strickland is tweeting that Ott and Miller are scratches in Buffalo tonight

Anybody else think the Pens called up Despres to park him on the bench and not get him hurt before the deadline?

Anybody else think the Pens called up Despres to park him on the bench and not get him hurt before the deadline?
- madmike71

Considering he is their now best option for a stretch pass and their best puck mover out of the D-zone to 'Get to their game' He should not be scratched.

Put Engelland on the 4th line.....hell put him on the 3rd line the way he has been scoring goals from the slot lol

Our boy is at it, lol

Hockeyy Insiderr ‏@HockeyyInsiderr · 1m
Source in Buffalo just informed a deal is in place for Ott. #Sabres

Hockeyy Insiderr ‏@HockeyyInsiderr · 9m
Source says deal in place for Miller to #stlblues




and also

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie · 3m
Not saying this is it, but one scenario that has definitely been discussed: 3-way trade involving BUF, STL and OTT. A # of variations

Oneonta:

Scuderi is under contract thus making 5 NHL D under contract. Despres is RFA, if he signs his qual offer he is under a million, maybe he signs a two year at 1.25.

Martin Letang
Scuderi Maata
Despres Bortuzzo

I dunno about you but that looks just fine to me as far as locks under contract