Hornqvist I consider protecting with a pick. Right now though I wouldn't just because we have so many wings and we'd lose a pick and a player, but I'd consider it due largely to his PP role, but he is often a 3rd liner as well.
Pens have Kessel, Guentzel, Sheary, Hornqvist, Rust, Hagelin, Wilson, Kuhnhackl as wing options. Rowney is also an option if he's not at center. Archibald is a depth option if he clears waivers. Kunitz may be an option at a reduced price. Ashton-Reese may be rrady near the start of the year and maybe at some point Sprong. There are just so many wing options for this team they can lose one.
On defense, it's Letang, Schultz, Dumoulin, Maatta, Cole and Pouliot, maybe Corrado, and nobody really knocking on the door. Losing a defenseman opens up a big hole.
- Tojo.
Guentzel is superior to Hornqvist in every aspect of being the netfront guy on the PP besides falling on the goalie. He has a better stick to deflect the puck, better hands to make tight passes in the crease, shoot, or pick up a rebound, and can actually help with zone entries and the cycle unlike Horny. Anyone can set a screen, and Hornqvist is honestly not that much bigger than Guentzel. Pretty sure Hornqvist is only like 5'8.
