there was some sarcasm in there... moving letang at his lowest value of all time is a terrible move for the pens. Pens would possibly have to eat salary. neal should go, absolutely. Letang needs to be given the opportunity to bounce back while pouliot and the rest get some time.
- ChrisMS

Sometimes you have to admit mistakes. He should have been dealt this time last year. If 66 wants to change things up as in the roster and acquire the players he wants to, Letang is an obvious guy to deal. He told us all the things that are necessary to do. With our farm system holding zero answers; us being up against the cap and the free agent class not being that great, deals have to be made. Scuderi doesn't net you anything; Crosby and Malkin are going no where, so ... the next two players you look to deal are ...

Sorry, just trading James Neal doesn't change the roster. You have another move to make and no, you can't trade another forward like Kunitz, since we have zero forward depth as it stands now.

nisk's and orpiks money, glasses money, vokouns money,
- ChrisMS

What money? The Penguins have roughly 16 million in cap projection to work with. They have 14 players signed for next season. They have to resign Despres and Sutter, there goes about 4.5 to 5 million.

So now you have 11 to 11.5 million remaining with only 16 players signed. Who of great value comes in to the team?

Sometimes you have to admit mistakes. If 66 wants to change things up as in the roster and acquire the players he wants to, Letang is an obvious guy to deal. He told us all the things that are necessary to do. With our farm system holding zero answers; us being up against the cap and the free agent class not being that great, deals have to be made. Scuderi doesn't net you anything; Crosby and Malkin are going no where, so ... the next two players you look to deal are ...

Sorry, just trading James Neal doesn't change the roster. You have another move to make and no, you can't trade another forward like Kunitz, since we have zero forward depth as it stands now.
- Oneonta Penguin

okay, ill throw out the same scenario i asked about for neal with letang. what is a deal you would pull the trigger on?

Orpik's money has already gone somewhere - it went to Letang.

My argument is we have defensemen in the system that if they earn the right for a job, ala Maatta last year, they deserve to play. We have zero forwards on the horizon and very few free agents out there fire me up. Callahan, Moulson could be top 6 guys. Look at Kulemin as a third line guy only.

If Pittsburgh shores up the lines with guys that have a high compete level and some character, we can allow our D prospects to learn on the fly. We can't go with D prospects by staying status quo. Invest where we have the problems and no inhouse solution - that is at forward. We are in no position to trade 30-40 goal scorers for a defenseman IMO.
- Oneonta Penguin

i see letang-martin
maatta, trade
scuds-one of the kids
bortz

if the kids show there stuff, then you have a couple trade chips in letang and or martin.

PS. I have scuds because I really dont believe (hope I'm wrong) they will find a trade in anyone and dont think ML or RB will condone their money being flushed with a buyout.

Pic up a few Free agents (they will have the money) the 1st and 4th lines (adams, vitale, gibbons, megna, payerel etc) are set, 2nd line center set, need 4 players with up to 12 mil (even with cap only 68 mil) to fill out the middle 6. BB is one of the bottom 6 guys. It isn't as dire as people are making it seem

Sometimes you have to admit mistakes. He should have been dealt this time last year. If 66 wants to change things up as in the roster and acquire the players he wants to, Letang is an obvious guy to deal. He told us all the things that are necessary to do. With our farm system holding zero answers; us being up against the cap and the free agent class not being that great, deals have to be made. Scuderi doesn't net you anything; Crosby and Malkin are going no where, so ... the next two players you look to deal are ...

Sorry, just trading James Neal doesn't change the roster. You have another move to make and no, you can't trade another forward like Kunitz, since we have zero forward depth as it stands now.
- Oneonta Penguin

coulda shoulda woulda... goes back to my comment about crucifying in retrospect. All fairness to you... you definately were on the Letang trade from the beginning... but can't bring the stroke thing into the conversation about trading him last year. His health makes him worth a fraction of what he could be worth and thus the pens should hold out in hopes he gets better. thats a better option than trading him

What money? The Penguins have roughly 16 million in cap projection to work with. They have 14 players signed for next season. They have to resign Despres and Sutter, there goes about 4.5 to 5 million.

So now you have 11 to 11.5 million remaining with only 16 players signed. Who of great value comes in to the team?
- usethe1-2-2

that includes basically their top 6 forwards and 3 of their 4 top 4 d-men and their number 1 goalie. 4th liners should average 1.5 at best, so thats 3 players down, the pens don;t need so called great value... they need average to above average depth players...

fun of ek to say the pens held DB to try to get draft picks in return for rights to negotiate with him.

that includes basically their top 6 forwards and 3 of their 4 top 4 d-men and their number 1 goalie. 4th liners should average 1.5 at best, so thats 3 players down, the pens don;t need so called great value... they need average to above average depth players...
- ChrisMS

What? I'm sure you read this out of context but I'm saying this isn't enough to get the players you need to be successful. The Penguins have an opening at the left wing position for both the second and third line. If Duper and Bennett play third line you have two top six openings with roughly 11.5 million remaining. That doesn't include the fourth line that needs retooled as well.
Even if the fourth becomes Payerl, Sill, Harry Z, Archibald, any of them, you still have 2-3.5 million invested total in that fourth line.

What? I'm sure you read this out of context but I'm saying this isn't enough to get the players you need to be successful. The Penguins have an opening at the left wing position for both the second and third line. If Duper and Bennett play third line you have two top six openings with roughly 11.5 million remaining. That doesn't include the fourth line that needs retooled as well.
Even if the fourth becomes Payerl, Sill, Harry Z, Archibald, any of them, you still have 2-3.5 million invested total in that fourth line.
- usethe1-2-2

Duper earned his place on top line, crosby's production noticeably declined after his injury. neal needs moved for a top 4 d-man or two servicable decent 3rd line type wingers

coulda shoulda woulda... goes back to my comment about crucifying in retrospect. All fairness to you... you definately were on the Letang trade from the beginning... but can't bring the stroke thing into the conversation about trading him last year. His health makes him worth a fraction of what he could be worth and thus the pens should hold out in hopes he gets better. thats a better option than trading him
- ChrisMS

No, I can't bring in his stroke. I can bring in the fact he was a very fragile player prior to that stroke though.

We have to agree to disagree on this.

What? I'm sure you read this out of context but I'm saying this isn't enough to get the players you need to be successful. The Penguins have an opening at the left wing position for both the second and third line. If Duper and Bennett play third line you have two top six openings with roughly 11.5 million remaining. That doesn't include the fourth line that needs retooled as well.
Even if the fourth becomes Payerl, Sill, Harry Z, Archibald, any of them, you still have 2-3.5 million invested total in that fourth line.
- usethe1-2-2

Duper would be a great third line player. That said, I think you need to realize something. The line of Kunitz, Crosby and Dupuis was one of the most effective lines in the NHL last year. Once Dupes suffered his injury, that line was a mess and still was late in the year. Dupes might not be flashy, but he earned the right to play on that line.

okay, ill throw out the same scenario i asked about for neal with letang. what is a deal you would pull the trigger on?
- stayinthefnnet

I have my thoughts about what you get for Letang. Trade his ass to vancouver for Kesler. That is a win-win. That is an even deal as Kesler is flawed as well.

I have to think more about Neal. When I think of one, I will let you know. Too many people have varying values on Neal. My price is higher than others. My initial thought was to call Winnipeg, but the guy I would want back makes more.

Habs swarming, they looked angry. Score!!!

Habs swarming, they looked angry. Score!!!
- powerhouse

Wow. Well that's 2 crazy goals.

Duper would be a great third line player. That said, I think you need to realize something. The line of Kunitz, Crosby and Dupuis was one of the most effective lines in the NHL last year. Once Dupes suffered his injury, that line was a mess and still was late in the year. Dupes might not be flashy, but he earned the right to play on that line.
- Oneonta Penguin

He is 34 and coming off of a major knee surgery. He probably wont be able to handle top line minutes for the first month or two of the season. Who knows what his body can handle.
You have to remove loyalties and do what is best for your team. That likely means duper is going to play with Sutter on the third line where he would be the most effective. You then can get a top six shooting winger for Sid in free agency.

Duper earned his place on top line, crosby's production noticeably declined after his injury. neal needs moved for a top 4 d-man or two servicable decent 3rd line type wingers
- ChrisMS

but he is 34 and coming off a bad knee injury. We don't know if he will ever be that duper again. It is a smarter bet to use him as a third liner with Sutter and get a top six right winger in free agency, unless you think Bennett is ready.

I have my thoughts about what you get for Letang. Trade his ass to vancouver for Kesler. That is a win-win. That is an even deal as Kesler is flawed as well.

I have to think more about Neal. When I think of one, I will let you know. Too many people have varying values on Neal. My price is higher than others. My initial thought was to call Winnipeg, but the guy I would want back makes more.
- Oneonta Penguin

wow. a letang for kesler one for one is a doozy. the lists of pros and cons are both very lengthy. im not sure if i would or would not take that one.

the second, since i know how you feel about kane, just off the top of my head, the only other guy that i think you could be referencing would be blake wheeler?

wow. a letang for kesler one for one is a doozy. the lists of pros and cons are both very lengthy. im not sure if i would or would not take that one.

the second, since i know how you feel about kane, just off the top of my head, the only other guy that i think you could be referencing would be blake wheeler?
- stayinthefnnet

Kesler isn't going to happen with a new GM....and that makes me happy. This team needs to get younger. Especially on wing.

If I'm GM, my number one priority is getting Sid a long term RW. Preferably with size.

You take what you can get for Scuds, I don't care what it is...if you can, you dump him. You have to run with two of the young kids on D out of camp. They have to learn and you have to find out, if they can handle the NHL game. You have 60 games to figure out if they can play or not. If they can't, you have ample time to make a trade. I like the Letang/Martin pair, I thought they played really well together. Thats a top pair, my biggest question with it, is how long can they stay healthy. I think you have to give Depres his run, along with one of the other young guys. I think you move Neal in a trade, and if you do..a 2nd line winger back is a must, and if you can get a 3rd line one or a 5th or 6th type dman, I do that deal in a minute. If you can keep Sutter for about 3 mil a year, do it. I thought he played really well when he actually had NHL players on his wings. NO NO NO to Glass and Engelland.

wow. a letang for kesler one for one is a doozy. the lists of pros and cons are both very lengthy. im not sure if i would or would not take that one.

the second, since i know how you feel about kane, just off the top of my head, the only other guy that i think you could be referencing would be blake wheeler?
- stayinthefnnet

It's not Wheeler. Winnipeg wouldn't do that deal. This guy has some flaws to his game, but possesses some qualities that we have been lacking for a while. That said, I'm not sure he is worth Neal, but since everyone wants to dump him, may as well get something for him other than a pick that might not do jack crap.

He is 34 and coming off of a major knee surgery. He probably wont be able to handle top line minutes for the first month or two of the season. Who knows what his body can handle.
You have to remove loyalties and do what is best for your team. That likely means duper is going to play with Sutter on the third line where he would be the most effective. You then can get a top six shooting winger for Sid in free agency.
- usethe1-2-2

Vrbata would be my choice. Or give Bennett a legit shot for a few games. If (frank)ing tangradi can get top line minutes for 10 games, then Bennett should get a good look

but he is 34 and coming off a bad knee injury. We don't know if he will ever be that duper again. It is a smarter bet to use him as a third liner with Sutter and get a top six right winger in free agency, unless you think Bennett is ready.
- usethe1-2-2

LOL on me thinking Bennett is ready comment. People know how I feel about him as well.

Exactly, we don't know ... that means you don't know either. Very well could return strong. He might be older, but his work ethic is very high and he will come back strong.

By the way, I do remove loyalties. Care to give him credit that once he got hurt, Sid's line was a mess and he really didn't look like the same player? Give the dude credit. He was/is a very productive player with Sid and Kunitz.

Kesler isn't going to happen with a new GM....and that makes me happy. This team needs to get younger. Especially on wing.

If I'm GM, my number one priority is getting Sid a long term RW. Preferably with size.
- madmike71

Kesler isn't going anywhere with a new Vancouver GM? I disagree.

But ... people are so hellbent about trading a 26-year old 30-40 goal scorer and are pinning their hopes on another young one that hasn't done jack crap in the NHL as of yet.

It's not Wheeler. Winnipeg wouldn't do that deal. This guy has some flaws to his game, but possesses some qualities that we have been lacking for a while. That said, I'm not sure he is worth Neal, but since everyone wants to dump him, may as well get something for him other than a pick that might not do jack crap.
- Oneonta Penguin

hm. im trying to think of their roster. ladd? i didnt think he made that much.

You take what you can get for Scuds, I don't care what it is...if you can, you dump him. You have to run with two of the young kids on D out of camp. They have to learn and you have to find out, if they can handle the NHL game. You have 60 games to figure out if they can play or not. If they can't, you have ample time to make a trade. I like the Letang/Martin pair, I thought they played really well together. Thats a top pair, my biggest question with it, is how long can they stay healthy. I think you have to give Depres his run, along with one of the other young guys. I think you move Neal in a trade, and if you do..a 2nd line winger back is a must, and if you can get a 3rd line one or a 5th or 6th type dman, I do that deal in a minute. If you can keep Sutter for about 3 mil a year, do it. I thought he played really well when he actually had NHL players on his wings. NO NO NO to Glass and Engelland.
- Thorny

It's time to give the young guys their shots. Despres needs to be a regular in the lineup. If he's not, then you need to trade him and same with bortuzzo. dumoulin and Harrington need to get some time in the nhl as well. There's absolutely no reason to keep those guys down there for another season, especially with the positive remarks I've heard about them. I really think if they can dump scuds, they should try to sign Niskanen at around 5-5.5 mil.