There you go ... moving Neal for a pick, which is poor asset management. This is an example of why this franchise is in the standing its in. You have to wait three years to see anything resembling a return for Neal and that isn't a given. You need to get a top six forward back if you move him. A pick doesn't do jack poop. If pick busts, you received nothing for a 30-40 goal scorer at a relatively cheap cap hit.

Hemsky? Cami? LOL Flawed players as well. Hemsky is fragile as hell and Cami is an expensive, older Neal. If Neal is the one trick pony you say, so is Cami. He has been going down hill since 2008-09.
- Oneonta Penguin

What are you moving Letang for? I have yet to hear how you want to address the D. Letang is still > Martin and Martin is no spring chicken either, he has been injured plenty of times. He only played 2 more games than Letang this yr.

Hemsky and Cammi are just examples of UFA's out there. I would look into Hornquest, Okposo, Grabner, Kane, even Kesler. I don't keep track of every team's roster.

I would move Nisk's rights for a 2nd today. Tk got a 2nd.

I would move Scuds for just about anything as well.

So... just for fun and keeping in mind I'm for trying to keep Letang.... anyone else a bit suspicious about the timing of his "broken hand and foot." Imagine this completely made up conversation

Letangs agent- "Hey Mr. Botterill, Tanger's got a broken hand and foot... sux bro"

Botterill- "When will he recover?"

Letangs agent- "I'd say just about when his restricted no trade clause kicks in"

Botterill- "....................... MF'er"

we have no winger depth and to trade the highest scoring winger on the team makes zero sense
- all-pgh

trading the biggest D-bag on the team does make sense

Looks like Price is out for the rest of the playoffs with an injury. Wow. That sucks.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/bl...456&navid=DL%7CNHL%7Chome

It depends what you would have received in return. His value was higher last year.
- Oneonta Penguin

Whatever youre getting back was either going to cost more than 3.5 million or wouldn't be immediate help for the gaping hole left by one of your top puck moving dmen

What are you moving Letang for? I have yet to hear how you want to address the D. Letang is still > Martin and Martin is no spring chicken either, he has been injured plenty of times. He only played 2 more games than Letang this yr.

Hemsky and Cammi are just examples of UFA's out there. I would look into Hornquest, Okposo, Grabner, Kane, even Kesler. I don't keep track of every team's roster.

I would move Nisk's rights for a 2nd today. Tk got a 2nd.

I would move Scuds for just about anything as well.
- sammy87

I move Letang for Kesler straight up. Have said that numerous times. Letang going forward is a problem. He is an injury waiting to happen and that cap hit is a joke. Trade him for an aging, not happy to be in Vancouver Ryan Kesler. Alex Edler sucks ass and Vancouver at least needs a PMD. Maybe a change of scenary for Letang would be for the best. Kesler comes with risks. He is far from the 30-goal scorer he once was. He is a 20-goal, 55-point guy to me now that is more likely to end up on the IR, but he fills a role.

I have addressed the what would you do with the D ad nauseum. Play the kids and sign a UFA. I don't see all of Martin's gaffes end up in the back of the net. I don't see Martin with concussion issues, or having a stroke.

Kane? As in Evander? Didn't 66 say something about character? That eliminates Evander Kane. His lacks character. He isn't a solution to the problem. He causes more problems.

Okposo? I'd love him. However, he isn't realistic to get. Islanders won't deal him to Pittsburgh and we don't have the goods to get him, unless you want to trade Neal for him and I would do it.

Yes, move Niskanen's rights today. Second rounder might be high. Remember, TK was a RFA wasn't he when he was moved for a second rounder? Big difference there. SJ controlled things, where as Niskanen would control things with his status. He probably gets a third rounder, but I'd do it.

Ham sandwich for Scuderi. Getting him off the books is important.

I've been saying that for a while. I think Shero's most critical mistake was extending Malkin over Staal. Staal is a very solid 2nd line center and much cheaper Malkin could have been moved for solid roster spots and picks to keep the team going into the future.
- sammy87

I was in that camp too... but in a thread that seems almost dedicated to crucifying a man with facts retrospect, this one he won. Staal, while not terrible in CAR, did not thrive in the top 6 role there. That trade will go down as even better than the neal/nisk trade in the future

I was in that camp too... but in a thread that seems almost dedicated to crucifying a man with facts retrospect, this one he won. Staal, while not terrible in CAR, did not thrive in the top 6 role there. That trade will go down as even better than the neal/nisk trade in the future
- ChrisMS

Agree with this one.

I move Letang for Kesler straight up. Have said that numerous times. Letang going forward is a problem. He is an injury waiting to happen and that cap hit is a joke. Trade him for an aging, not happy to be in Vancouver Ryan Kesler. Alex Edler sucks ass and Vancouver at least needs a PMD. Maybe a change of scenary for Letang would be for the best. Kesler comes with risks. He is far from the 30-goal scorer he once was. He is a 20-goal, 55-point guy to me now that is more likely to end up on the IR, but he fills a role.

I have addressed the what would you do with the D ad nauseum. Play the kids and sign a UFA. I don't see all of Martin's gaffes end up in the back of the net. I don't see Martin with concussion issues, or having a stroke.

Kane? As in Evander? Didn't 66 say something about character? That eliminates Evander Kane. His lacks character. He isn't a solution to the problem. He causes more problems.

Okposo? I'd love him. However, he isn't realistic to get. Islanders won't deal him to Pittsburgh and we don't have the goods to get him, unless you want to trade Neal for him and I would do it.

Yes, move Niskanen's rights today. Second rounder might be high. Remember, TK was a RFA wasn't he when he was moved for a second rounder? Big difference there. SJ controlled things, where as Niskanen would control things with his status. He probably gets a third rounder, but I'd do it.

Ham sandwich for Scuderi. Getting him off the books is important.
- Oneonta Penguin

So you want the Pens top D man to be a 33 yr old who played less than 40 games last season?

The more I think of Kesler, the more unappealing he is. Isnt he a center anyway?

Im not a huge E kane fan, but I like his style.

I would love Okposo. Dude would be a beast with Sid.

I move Letang for Kesler straight up. Have said that numerous times. Letang going forward is a problem. He is an injury waiting to happen and that cap hit is a joke. Trade him for an aging, not happy to be in Vancouver Ryan Kesler. Alex Edler sucks ass and Vancouver at least needs a PMD. Maybe a change of scenary for Letang would be for the best. Kesler comes with risks. He is far from the 30-goal scorer he once was. He is a 20-goal, 55-point guy to me now that is more likely to end up on the IR, but he fills a role.

I have addressed the what would you do with the D ad nauseum. Play the kids and sign a UFA. I don't see all of Martin's gaffes end up in the back of the net. I don't see Martin with concussion issues, or having a stroke.

Kane? As in Evander? Didn't 66 say something about character? That eliminates Evander Kane. His lacks character. He isn't a solution to the problem. He causes more problems.

Okposo? I'd love him. However, he isn't realistic to get. Islanders won't deal him to Pittsburgh and we don't have the goods to get him, unless you want to trade Neal for him and I would do it.

Yes, move Niskanen's rights today. Second rounder might be high. Remember, TK was a RFA wasn't he when he was moved for a second rounder? Big difference there. SJ controlled things, where as Niskanen would control things with his status. He probably gets a third rounder, but I'd do it.

Ham sandwich for Scuderi. Getting him off the books is important.
- Oneonta Penguin

I've commented on this before, but you can't argue about how much letang is an anti-asset to the pens and then talk about ow he can be an asset to someone else. He is either worth it or not. and no the arguement that there is some idiot out there willing to give up valuable assets for the oft injured, stroked out, cap killing Letang doesn't fly. Now if you put it this way, that there is a shrewd GM out there willing to take a gamble on a recent norris finalist at lowest value of his career, with a soon to be decent contract with a partial NTC then it makes sense... but then it makes sense for the pens to keep him in that case.

I CAN'T STOP EATING PISTACHIOS

So you want the Pens top D man to be a 33 yr old who played less than 40 games last season?

The more I think of Kesler, the more unappealing he is. Isnt he a center anyway?

Im not a huge E kane fan, but I like his style.

I would love Okposo. Dude would be a beast with Sid.
- sammy87

Sure ... Martin is better than Letang. Absent the play-offs, our power play is better with him out top, or Niskanen and defensively, he is way better IMO. His mistakes aren't as egregious as well.

Kesler can play wing. You can put him with Sid or Geno. His compete level would go well with both. I like Sutter right now, as long as you put him with capable wingers. He is the perfect third line center here, again, as long as he isn't toting around Glass and Pyatt.

Kane's style would fit ... his head and immaturity fit elsewhere.

I have a hockey crush on Okposo. He would be awesome with Sid. Agree.

You trade Letang before Martin. It's not even close. Martin is a better Dman. 7.3 million for the next XXX years is too much to swallow.
- Oneonta Penguin

Martin is much older than Letang and the cap hit that comes with Letang is huge. I don't care about wants here, I'm saying that Letang won't be able to be moved this offseason because of injury concerns. That is going to be the reality. From that you have to trade away your next best asset and that is Paul Martin.

I've commented on this before, but you can't argue about how much letang is an anti-asset to the pens and then talk about ow he can be an asset to someone else. He is either worth it or not. and no the arguement that there is some idiot out there willing to give up valuable assets for the oft injured, stroked out, cap killing Letang doesn't fly. Now if you put it this way, that there is a shrewd GM out there willing to take a gamble on a recent norris finalist at lowest value of his career, with a soon to be decent contract with a partial NTC then it makes sense... but then it makes sense for the pens to keep him in that case.
- ChrisMS

Fine, let the shrewd GM out there pay for him. It's not a decent salary when he misses half the year with a stroke or his various other injuries. If the season were still going, this would be his third or fourth trip to the IR this year alone. Sorry, while he has flair and can move the puck, his contract moving forward hurts this organization moreso than helps. Changes need to be made and if the big two aren't moved, the only one's you look to are dealing Letang and Neal.

There you go ... moving Neal for a pick, which is poor asset management. This is an example of why this franchise is in the standing its in. You have to wait three years to see anything resembling a return for Neal and that isn't a given. You need to get a top six forward back if you move him. A pick doesn't do jack poop. If pick busts, you received nothing for a 30-40 goal scorer at a relatively cheap cap hit.

Hemsky? Cami? LOL Flawed players as well. Hemsky is fragile as hell and Cami is an expensive, older Neal. If Neal is the one trick pony you say, so is Cami. He has been going down hill since 2008-09.

You need to start putting long term solutions in there, not aging free agents with flaws in their games at expensive prices. If you are going to spend the necessary $$$ on Cami, may as well sign Callahan. He is better than the two you mentioned.
- Oneonta Penguin

AGREE WITH NEAL...sorry caplocks. But where people see the need for a forward, I see the need for a top 4 d-man. with orpik/nisk gone, and PROBABLY martin/letang as the top pairing, Maatta needs a partenr thats not a rookie. If neals money went to a d-man, and orpiks and nisk's 5.5 mil went to filling out the offense, along with glasses 1.1, volouns 2, and the cap rise, it should be decent enough

Martin is much older than Letang and the cap hit that comes with Letang is huge. I don't care about wants here, I'm saying that Letang won't be able to be moved this offseason because of injury concerns. That is going to be the reality. From that you have to trade away your next best asset and that is Paul Martin.
- usethe1-2-2

So, you are going to trade our best defenseman away. That helps how?

There you go ... moving Neal for a pick, which is poor asset management. This is an example of why this franchise is in the standing its in. You have to wait three years to see anything resembling a return for Neal and that isn't a given. You need to get a top six forward back if you move him. A pick doesn't do jack poop. If pick busts, you received nothing for a 30-40 goal scorer at a relatively cheap cap hit.

Hemsky? Cami? LOL Flawed players as well. Hemsky is fragile as hell and Cami is an expensive, older Neal. If Neal is the one trick pony you say, so is Cami. He has been going down hill since 2008-09.

You need to start putting long term solutions in there, not aging free agents with flaws in their games at expensive prices. If you are going to spend the necessary $$$ on Cami, may as well sign Callahan. He is better than the two you mentioned.
- Oneonta Penguin

what are some potential wingers you would look at in a deal for neal, with more pieces coming or going the other way as needed. i am having difficulty thinking of workable hypotheticals that are both legitimate and not detrimental.

Fine, let the shrewd GM out there pay for him. It's not a decent salary when he misses half the year with a stroke or his various other injuries. If the season were still going, this would be his third or fourth trip to the IR this year alone. Sorry, while he has flair and can move the puck, his contract moving forward hurts this organization moreso than helps. Changes need to be made and if the big two aren't moved, the only one's you look to are dealing Letang and Neal.
- Oneonta Penguin

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.

Martin is much older than Letang and the cap hit that comes with Letang is huge. I don't care about wants here, I'm saying that Letang won't be able to be moved this offseason because of injury concerns. That is going to be the reality. From that you have to trade away your next best asset and that is Paul Martin.
- usethe1-2-2

losing martin would be awful. not only that, but i do not think he fetches nearly enough in a trade to offset his loss to the team. he is worth more to the pens than he would be perceived around the league.

he has to stay. i would look to resign him before i looked to move him.

So, you are going to trade our best defenseman away. That helps how?
- Oneonta Penguin

You need depth scoring don't you? It doesn't just magically appear. Trade Martin to get a decent asset back and then you take his 5 mill off the books. How else do you address the issue?

losing martin would be awful. not only that, but i do not think he fetches nearly enough in a trade to offset his loss to the team. he is worth more to the pens than he would be perceived around the league.

he has to stay. i would look to resign him before i looked to move him.
- stayinthefnnet

I feel the same about martin as fluery... let them rise out there last year, see how it goes, and deal with it next offseason... definately dont move either

You need depth scoring don't you? It doesn't just magically appear. Trade Martin to get a decent asset back and then you take his 5 mill off the books. How else do you address the issue?
- usethe1-2-2

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

Sure ... Martin is better than Letang. Absent the play-offs, our power play is better with him out top, or Niskanen and defensively, he is way better IMO. His mistakes aren't as egregious as well.

Kesler can play wing. You can put him with Sid or Geno. His compete level would go well with both. I like Sutter right now, as long as you put him with capable wingers. He is the perfect third line center here, again, as long as he isn't toting around Glass and Pyatt.

Kane's style would fit ... his head and immaturity fit elsewhere.

I have a hockey crush on Okposo. He would be awesome with Sid. Agree.
- Oneonta Penguin

Martin is going to struggle in a system where the coaching staff is going to want physical play from their D. Many times I saw a scramble around the net and the players on the ice were Penguins, it did not matter if it was offensive zone or defensive zone. This should be one of the first things that the new coaching staff addresses, at least that is what I am hoping for.

AGREE WITH NEAL...sorry caplocks. But where people see the need for a forward, I see the need for a top 4 d-man. with orpik/nisk gone, and PROBABLY martin/letang as the top pairing, Maatta needs a partenr thats not a rookie. If neals money went to a d-man, and orpiks and nisk's 5.5 mil went to filling out the offense, along with glasses 1.1, volouns 2, and the cap rise, it should be decent enough
- ChrisMS

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.

You need depth scoring don't you? It doesn't just magically appear. Trade Martin to get a decent asset back and then you take his 5 mill off the books. How else do you address the issue?
- usethe1-2-2

Vinny is available