Cullen is going to reitre! Sundqvist or Rowney could easily be the 4C. The Pens would benefit immensely from getting Sam Bennett! He is big! And faster than Thornton or Hanzel or most of the other 3C's talked about here.

The question IS: Can GMJR make the deal to get Sam Bennett?
- so_buzz11

I'll bite, what would Bennett cost? Joe is no sure signing so there should be other options.

Getting Letang back is a huge difference in that defense. He logged 30 minutes a game in the 16 cup run that trickles down quite well. Jarry will likely serve as a back up he seems to be a promising young goalie. Any long term I'm sure JR could find a more established back up type goalie. We need a 3c regardless of those other needs you pointed out so why not thornton on a friendly deal chasing the cup. No guarantee we'd be able to get back and have success.
- dbell646

Oh I'm all for it. Crosby - Malkin - Thornton... that would be ridiculous.

Joe has a very similar skill set to Sid when he's on the half wall. A nightmare to get the puck from with excellent vision and passing ability. My only worry is we're hanging Geno out to dry when it comes to line mates.

Cullen was signed to be a 4C for $1M. Thornton would be closer to 2.7 - 3M. Thornton has had very difficult injuries over his carreer and the big knee issue recently! Cullen is in better shape at 40!
- so_buzz11

In the last 11 seasons Thornton has missed a total of 12 games...

Didn't really miss much time before that either.

Problem with that is i don't think Jarry is ready to play every day in the case of a Murray injury. Miller or Elliott give you that solid #2 guy that can hold the fort down when needed.
- cap1681

Jarry is fine. IF the rest of the roster is stacked ala 15-16.. Doesn't matter who's in net.

I'll bite, what would Bennett cost? Joe is no sure signing so there should be other options.
- Tojo.

Sheary/Guentzel + Sprong

Are you a physician that's been monitoring both Cullen and Thornton?
- j.boyd919

Sam Bennett is 20 YEARS younger and could be amazing for the future of the Penguins!

So how about this...just assume these things would work..which would you rather

Sign Thorton and keep defense the same
OR
trade Maatta (+) for Galchenyuk and sign a Brendan Smith/Karl Alzner level D-man
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Depending on the plus I'd take Galchenyuk. The plus probably is significant though. Either way I'd try to sign Smith and trade Maatta though.

Joe has a very similar skill set to Sid when he's on the half wall. A nightmare to get the puck from with excellent vision and passing ability. My only worry is we're hanging Geno out to dry when it comes to line mates.
- Thorny87

How so? Hagelin-Geno-Rust could be solid. Malkin has worked with all of them before. And, despite what people think, he doesn't give a (frank) who his linemates are. He just wants to win.

Sam Bennett is 20 YEARS younger and could be amazing for the future of the Penguins!
- so_buzz11

This isn't about the future. This is about winning next year. And Joe Thornton gives them a better possibility to do that. The Pens are in win now mode every season for the remainder of Sid/Geno's contracts. Joe Thornton costs ZERO assets this year, while Bennett is going to cost an arm and a leg and could actually damage the Pens future, given it would probably take Sprong+ to even get them to answer the phone.

Also, you didn't answer my question. Are you a physician monitoring Cullen and Thornton? How can you make the statement that Cullen is in better shape? Are you both of their physical trainer?

Sheary/Guentzel + Sprong
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah let's overpay for a 3C at the expense of our cost controlled forwards for a player thats never put up more than 35 points because he's young and age matters.

The only other UFA goalie i would want to see the Pens go after is Brian Elliott.
- cap1681

I'd be looking into it. Murray has had his share of injuries.

What was the difference in signing Cullen at 38 and signing Thornton at 38?
- j.boyd919

about 4 million dollars

Sheary/Guentzel + Sprong
- Feds91Stammer

Probably more then I'd want to give for him to play 3C then. Thought so.

about 4 million dollars
- YouMeAndDupuis9

And 69 points over the past 2 years.

I'll bite, what would Bennett cost? Joe is no sure signing so there should be other options.
- Tojo.

Calgary has some older D and may lose some D to free agency/expansion draft...

I would say Bennett would cost:
Maatta+Rust+2nd rounder 2018
Or maybe
Maatta + Sundqvist+ pick

And 69 points over the past 2 years.
- j.boyd919

Nice.

Calgary has some older D and may lose some D to free agency/expansion draft...

I would say Bennett would cost:
Maatta+Rust+2nd rounder 2018
Or maybe
Maatta + Sundqvist+ pick
- so_buzz11

CGY would have 0 interest in Maatta. Sundqvist and Rust are bums. Try again or simply delete your account.

How so? Hagelin-Geno-Rust could be solid. Malkin has worked with all of them before. And, despite what people think, he doesn't give a (frank) who his linemates are. He just wants to win.
- j.boyd919

Got Hornqvist to fit in there too. Wilson had nice production in a limited role. And by playoffs we may have Ashton-Reese or Sprong as possibilities as well. Lots of options for Malkin without Kessel, which is why the Pens should pursue a move like this

CGY would have 0 interest in Maatta. Sundqvist and Rust are bums. Try again or simply delete your account.
- Feds91Stammer

Offer Sheet for Sam Bennett would cost future picks and a lot of money! Unless Calgary decided to offer a trade or match the offer sheet!

Calgary has some older D and may lose some D to free agency/expansion draft...

I would say Bennett would cost:
Maatta+Rust+2nd rounder 2018
Or maybe
Maatta + Sundqvist+ pick
- so_buzz11

Calgary has Brodie and Giordano as LD. Brodie I think I read can also play RD, but think their preference would be a RD.

Offer Sheet for Sam Bennett would cost future picks and a lot of money! Unless Calgary decided to offer a trade or match the offer sheet!
- so_buzz11

Brilliant plan...

Calgary has Brodie and Giordano as LD. Brodie I think I read can also play RD, but think their preference would be a RD.
- Tojo.

They also have Kylington close to being ready as a LHD and Andersson close to being ready as a RHD. They aren't looking for D. Also have Dougie Hamiltion.

Got Hornqvist to fit in there too. Wilson had nice production in a limited role. And by playoffs we may have Ashton-Reese or Sprong as possibilities as well. Lots of options for Malkin without Kessel, which is why the Pens should pursue a move like this
- Tojo.

Sheary-Sid-Guentzel
Hagelin-Geno-Rust
Kunitz-Thornton-Kessel
Wilson-Cullen-Hornqvist

The thing is.. Sully shuffles his forwards so (frank)ing often that it's going to change a LOT throughout the season, he was pretty adamant on keeping his pairings together tho, which is crazy.

How so? Hagelin-Geno-Rust could be solid. Malkin has worked with all of them before. And, despite what people think, he doesn't give a (frank) who his linemates are. He just wants to win.
- j.boyd919

If Hags has a bounce back year. Rust should do fine, I like Geno and Phil together.

I agree he wants to win but you can't know that for sure.