I would be game for Gagner has 4C if Cullen retires... But I'm not sure if I want him at 3C. But... there are worse options. All depends on term/dollars too.
- j.boyd919

True, the Cullen situation is troublesome, I think Gagner has the skill set to be a 3C but if the Pens can find a better alternative for a similar cost I'm in. I've seen a lot of Bozak over the years and I'm not a big fan. Just something about the guy.

I hated on Bozak a lot when he and Kessel were running mates in Toronto, but that was mostly because he was way above his pay grade as a 1C with Phil. I think Bozo would be a good trade target as a stop gap 3C. He only has one year of term, so I don't think he'd be too expensive to acquire if the Leafs want to trade him for assets.
- Victoro311

Bozak would be great as 3C. I think they would want a guy like Maata or Cole in exchange. Maata is the perfect defenceman for Babcock's system. Not sure they are really compatible trade partners unless the Leafs are ok taking Hagelin or prospects.

Ideally for me, the Pens would clear one of their left wing spots trading Hagelin or Sheary and then signing Marleau as a free agent. He has a couple good years left and would be a perfect fit on one of the top pairs. I've said it before, but a line of Marleau-Malkin-Sprong would be absolutely lethal. If Sprong is going to be successful in a top 6 role next year there needs to be a dominant, scoring winger on the opposite side of him to open up space.

I love Duchene but if it involves a massive haul like Maata, Sprong & a 1st, count me out.

I would be game for Gagner has 4C if Cullen retires... But I'm not sure if I want him at 3C. But... there are worse options. All depends on term/dollars too.
- j.boyd919

I'd prefer Gagner on a cheap deal to Bonino on a long term deal between 4.5 and 5 mil. I'd much prefer to find a bargain trade like the one that brought us Bonino. I'd also prefer either signing Gagner or overpaying for Bonino than spending assets to bring in a top line talent to play 3C.

I would be onboard with a Bozak trade if the price was right.

So many whack MC's you get the TV Bozak
Ain't even gonna call out your names cause you so whack
And one big oaf who's faker than plastic
The dictionary definition of the word spastic

Beyond that, I think most folks here are seriously overstating what the Penguins are going to be able to afford. They have 19 mil. Schultz/Dumo/Sheary is going to eat at least 10 of that, probably a little bit more. They'll need at least a 1 mil buffer so now we're talking 8 mil to spend with two centers and a defenseman to sign. 4th line center shouldn't be more than 1 mil, so that leaves 7 mil at the very most for a 3rd line center and a bottom pairing D man.

So we probably need to stop talking about options like Hanzal and Smith and start facing reality - it's probably going to be more like David Desharnais/Michael Stone/Roman Polak.

Bozak would be great as 3C. I think they would want a guy like Maata or Cole in exchange. Maata is the perfect defenceman for Babcock's system. Not sure they are really compatible trade partners unless the Leafs are ok taking Hagelin or prospects.
- MacPatty

I like Bozak, but for Maatta? Nope. I really don't think the Penguins have any interest in trading away defensemen. It just doesn't make sense when they're short there anyhow.

Bozak would have to be for picks/prospects.

I'd prefer Gagner on a cheap deal to Bonino on a long term deal between 4.5 and 5 mil. I'd much prefer to find a bargain trade like the one that brought us Bonino. I'd also prefer either signing Gagner or overpaying for Bonino than spending assets to bring in a top line talent to play 3C.
- Victoro311

Agree with all of this. Having a top flight offensive 3C seems overkill.

I can see why people would like to see it, Pens could ice 3 devastating lines if Kessel was to play on the 3rd with the likes of Duchene.

I wonder what Grigorenko would accept to play 4C?

Or Brian Boyle?

I don't think any of the realistic options out there will ever replace Cullen. The old man is so solid.

I wonder what Grigorenko would accept to play 4C?
- Thorny87

Probably not a lot because he's not that good.

I'd prefer Gagner on a cheap deal to Bonino on a long term deal between 4.5 and 5 mil. I'd much prefer to find a bargain trade like the one that brought us Bonino. I'd also prefer either signing Gagner or overpaying for Bonino than spending assets to bring in a top line talent to play 3C.
- Victoro311

What about Mike Ribeiro? Or that Jordan Weal kid?

Probably not a lot because he's not that good.
- j.boyd919

Do you think he could hold his own in a 4C role? I'm not sure what he was playing in Col.

What about Mike Ribeiro?
- j.boyd919

I always forget that guy is still playing.

I wonder what Grigorenko would accept to play 4C?

Or Brian Boyle?

I don't think any of the realistic options out there will ever replace Cullen. The old man is so solid.
- Thorny87

He was playing Bottom 6 C/W for the Avs however his issue was that he takes too many shifts off and is very soft on the puck, prone to turn overs.

Highly highly offensive ability when it turns it on, but doesnt do it enough to make up for his short comings. For a 6'4 big boy, he never uses his size.

Despite all that I hate that they gave up on him, should have kept his rights and let him go to Russia to work on his game

He was playing Bottom 6 C/W for the Avs however his issue was that he takes too many shifts off and is very soft on the puck, prone to turn overs.

Highly highly offensive ability when it turns it on, but doesnt do it enough to make up for his short comings. For a 6'4 big boy, he never uses his size.

Despite all that I hate that they gave up on him, should have kept his rights and let him go to Russia to work on his game
- DDM-Coga

Thanks for the info. Seems there are quite a few guys that never really learn to use their size to an advantage.

What about Mike Ribeiro? Or that Jordan Weal kid?
- j.boyd919

you can have comeau back..he played a lot of C on the PK for the Avs

Thanks for the info. Seems there are quite a few guys that never really learn to use their size to an advantage.
- Thorny87

I was hoping he would get a spot on the 3rd line this season. But Avs want to go really uptempo again and Grigs skating ability is very suspect, it has improved over the past few seasons but he had lead in his skates still

I wonder what Grigorenko would accept to play 4C?

Or Brian Boyle?

I don't think any of the realistic options out there will ever replace Cullen. The old man is so solid.
- Thorny87

Boyle isn't THAT bad. It would all come down to dollar amount for Boyle. A lot of Lightning fans wanted to bring him back at an expensive cap hit for a 4C... If it was around ~1m I would entertain the thought.

Gagner and Grigorenko would be solid for 3 & 4 C but it leaves a massive gap for the Pens on the PK. Who plays center that can kill penalties? Bonino and Cullen were great for that.

you can have comeau back..he played a lot of C on the PK for the Avs
- DDM-Coga

What did you think of his time there?

What did you think of his time there?
- j.boyd919

1st year loved him. Was really good on the PK and was a swiss army knife up and down the line up

Last year he was lost, as many of the older guys like Iggy, Soderberg and Colborne were...which is not suprising getting a new HC in August but still have the same coaching staff as Roy there. Mixed Messages.

I think he still is a good player to have around but after a season of seeing him on a line with Mitchell and Iggy, I had my fill

Boyle isn't THAT bad. It would all come down to dollar amount for Boyle. A lot of Lightning fans wanted to bring him back at an expensive cap hit for a 4C... If it was around ~1m I would entertain the thought.
- j.boyd919

He'll get more elsewhere (Boyle I mean). He fits into GMJR's get bigger plan, even if he plays 6 inches shorter.

What about Mike Ribeiro? Or that Jordan Weal kid?
- j.boyd919

Mike Ribeiro is so hard to root for. I can't do it. He's an ass hole and a probable sexual assault perp.

I see you guys have been having fun today. Not going to catch up since I'm lazy... but are we still packaging horny to Colorado? Kinda had the thought of "why the hell would they want him when they are tanking?"

I'll catch up later to see if I was alone in that thought or not.

https://www.dkpittsburghs...le-simplicity-pittsburgh/

Really good ZAR write up here from DK's site. ($$$)

Larsson alone got Taylor hall, so maatta for duchene isn't as far fetched as some would think
- drummer829

Wait, are you comparing Larson to matta? Lol do you think hall for Matta is a fair deal?