I'm glad Wilson touched on Rowney's numbers. I know it's a small sample size, but I don't think enough is being made of how good he's playing. He has very good hands, thinks the game fast and is a possession monster.

He's playing a safe game right now which is smart, but the way he's playing, the more comfortable he gets, it can only lead to points. They have Sundqvist on his way up, Cullen on his way out, Fehr likely to be moved and Bonino playing himself out of new contract.

Rowney might be old for starting his NHL career, but I think the Pens should take him seriously. He's a Center and RW. I think the Pens really need to give him as many looks as possible. Him and Sundqvist could be the answers to the bottom six centers next year. He probably will never be a big point-producer, but his style of play is conducive to success for his wingers.

According to Pierre LeBrun the pens and stars are talking about Fleury.
- Zac_O

About time....

According to Pierre LeBrun the pens and stars are talking about Fleury.
- Zac_O

In fairness he said they discussed Fleury but there is nothing imminent or ongoing. The Pens would have to take back Niemi, and I don't think they would do it since he's owed 4.5 mil through next year. The only way it makes sense is if the Stars ate around 2 mil of his contract, but then they'd have 13+ mil tied up in goaltenders - doubt that makes sense for them.

I personally think MAF makes more sense for teams looking for goalies since Bishop is going to want a long-term deal at around 6+ mil. They'd only have to commit to two years of MAF for under 6 mil. Bishop would be better for a cash strapped team that wants to make a run this year and let him walk at the end of the year.

In fairness he said they discussed Fleury but there is nothing imminent or ongoing. The Pens would have to take back Niemi, and I don't think they would do it since he's owed 4.5 mil through next year. The only way it makes sense is if the Stars ate around 2 mil of his contract, but then they'd have 13+ mil tied up in goaltenders - doubt that makes sense for them.

I personally think MAF makes more sense for teams looking for goalies since Bishop is going to want a long-term deal at around 6+ mil. They'd only have to commit to two years of MAF for under 6 mil. Bishop would be better for a cash strapped team that wants to make a run this year and let him walk at the end of the year.
- mw630

I dont see the problem with taking Niemi, they need a backup anyway sure 4.5m isn't ideal, but neither would be going into the draft begging Vegas not to take Murray. Dallas isnt in a position to retain salary so they will need to budge on the deal.

Fluery + 2nd to Dallas for Niemi + 1st + rights to Nichushkin.

They would then have another 1st to use in a deal for another top 4 dman.

I dont see the problem with taking Niemi, they need a backup anyway sure 4.5m isn't ideal, but neither would be going into the draft begging Vegas not to take Murray. Dallas isnt in a position to retain salary so they will need to budge on the deal.

Fluery + 2nd to Dallas for Niemi + 1st + rights to Nichushkin.

They would then have another 1st to use in a deal for another top 4 dman.
- stackthepads

You're asking for the moon with that trade.

In fairness he said they discussed Fleury but there is nothing imminent or ongoing. The Pens would have to take back Niemi, and I don't think they would do it since he's owed 4.5 mil through next year. The only way it makes sense is if the Stars ate around 2 mil of his contract, but then they'd have 13+ mil tied up in goaltenders - doubt that makes sense for them.

I personally think MAF makes more sense for teams looking for goalies since Bishop is going to want a long-term deal at around 6+ mil. They'd only have to commit to two years of MAF for under 6 mil. Bishop would be better for a cash strapped team that wants to make a run this year and let him walk at the end of the year.
- mw630

Why would that contract be an issue? The pens are happy with the contracts on hand now. This would make it be over a million less than what they have now. 1.25 million less for one year less is a good improvement. The issue here is losing Murray to expansion. This can stop that from happening. If Niemi has a NMC he can be bought out before the draft for cheaper and less time than it'd take to do to Fleury. Fleury would be a 3.795 mil cap hit for 4 years if bought out and Niemi would be 2.970 for 2 years. This is a huge improvement for the pens.

This is a best fit for a trade as far as I can see. The stars add in a pick and I'd be all over it.

I dont see the problem with taking Niemi, they need a backup anyway sure 4.5m isn't ideal, but neither would be going into the draft begging Vegas not to take Murray. Dallas isnt in a position to retain salary so they will need to budge on the deal.

Fluery + 2nd to Dallas for Niemi + 1st + rights to Nichushkin.

They would then have another 1st to use in a deal for another top 4 dman.
- stackthepads

Way to much. I'd do Fleury for Niemi and a conditional 2nd. The benefit of this trade is cap room and keeping Murray. The assets are a secondary benefit

In fairness he said they discussed Fleury but there is nothing imminent or ongoing. The Pens would have to take back Niemi, and I don't think they would do it since he's owed 4.5 mil through next year. The only way it makes sense is if the Stars ate around 2 mil of his contract, but then they'd have 13+ mil tied up in goaltenders - doubt that makes sense for them.

I personally think MAF makes more sense for teams looking for goalies since Bishop is going to want a long-term deal at around 6+ mil. They'd only have to commit to two years of MAF for under 6 mil. Bishop would be better for a cash strapped team that wants to make a run this year and let him walk at the end of the year.
- mw630

If Niemi can be a competent backup, I'd take him if Dallas kept 1 mil. We still need a backup for this season (who can be exposed in the draft), and probably next year too as Jarry needs another year in the AHL.

Niemi (1mil retained) + prospect or 2nd for MAF sounds fair to me. On the flip side, Dallas would be nuts letting 1 or 1.5 get in the way of getting a solid #1 tender. They have 22mil in cap space next year.

I dont see the problem with taking Niemi, they need a backup anyway sure 4.5m isn't ideal, but neither would be going into the draft begging Vegas not to take Murray. Dallas isnt in a position to retain salary so they will need to budge on the deal.

Fluery + 2nd to Dallas for Niemi + 1st + rights to Nichushkin.

They would then have another 1st to use in a deal for another top 4 dman.
- stackthepads

HAHHHHHHHH!

Lucky to get a 2nd/3rd for Flower

If Niemi can be a competent backup, I'd take him if Dallas kept 1 mil. We still need a backup for this season (who can be exposed in the draft), and probably next year too as Jarry needs another year in the AHL.

Niemi (1mil retained) + prospect or 2nd for MAF sounds fair to me. On the flip side, Dallas would be nuts letting 1 or 1.5 get in the way of getting a solid #1 tender. They have 22mil in cap space next year.
- madmike71

The pens would be nuts to not protect Murray for 1 or 1.5 mil.

Do you think the pens would trade him this year before the deadline if a team called JR and gave him a reasonable offer? Let's say a 2nd round pick.
- drummer829

Pens have as good if not better than most teams to win this year. Kunitz only makes us better, so I think it is highly unlikely he is traded no matter what is being offered - no team will offer a 1st for Chris Kunitz, & a 2nd or another player won't add value (or why would the other team trade the player??), so no, Kuni will win another cup with the Pens!!

HAHHHHHHHH!

Lucky to get a 2nd/3rd for Flower
- The-O-G

What was that Billy Joel song............."you maybe right, I may be crazy, but..........."

You're asking for the moon with that trade.
- j.boyd919

always ask for the moon.
Dallas has to do something, their window is starting to narrow. They have so much money tied up in goalies who arent getting it done, and they have no way of shedding either of those contracts (not considering a buyout). The Pens could very well be their only option. Maybe drop the picks, but I think they can get Nich in that deal.

HAHHHHHHHH!

Lucky to get a 2nd/3rd for Flower
- The-O-G

a 2nd/3rd rounder gets you a Brian Elliot.
We are talking about a real goalie.

always ask for the moon.
Dallas has to do something, their window is starting to narrow. They have so much money tied up in goalies who arent getting it done, and they have no way of shedding either of those contracts (not considering a buyout). The Pens could very well be their only option. Maybe drop the picks, but I think they can get Nich in that deal.
- stackthepads

Niemi has been better than MAF this year.