Dude... FIVE YEARS. Are you kidding me? He's already started his decline and you want a $4M hit for FIVE YEARS?

I'm soooo trying not to be a Richard right now lol
- Rinosaur

I just have a feeling he'd fit in well with us. He's not bad. A change of scenery can do wonders to a player.

Maybe $4M would be a bit too much but not the end of the world.

And to think they traded Hall and signed Lucic to the same cap hit..

And all of a sudden the Sharks seem to be a bit revatilized.
- Victoro311

Two wings that would work well for us: E.Kane and Hoffman.

But we've got to consider their baggage. SJ is desperate to win something with their core players.

“Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the Panthers have acquired forward Mike Hoffman and a 2018 seventh round pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Florida's 2019 second round pick, 2018 fourth round pick and 2018 5th round pick.”

That part makes me weary. The idea of Hunwick playing for the Pens again is unnerving.
- Rinosaur

I really liked what I started seeing from Hunwick right before the concussion and layoff, he was never the same after he came back. If he can get back to that level, I'm fine with him on the bottom pair. Having said that, id rather have a player that doesnt have a big "if" there plus the fact he'd probably be paired with Oleksiak which doesnt sound like a match made in heaven.

Two wings that would work well for us: E.Kane and Hoffman.

But we've got to consider their baggage. SJ is desperate to win something with their core players.
- Barnaby36

As players yes but not with those cap hits and baggage.

I just have a feeling he'd fit in well with us. He's not bad. A change of scenery can do wonders to a player.

Maybe $4M would be a bit too much but not the end of the world.

And to think they traded Hall and signed Lucic to the same cap hit..
- Barnaby36

I watched a handful of Oilers games this year and Lucic was just plodding around. I agree with Rino, he's the wrong fit.....especially with that contract. I think we need to revitalize our depth with some bigger players on wing, but they need to be able to skate.

I just thought this was so interesting. I got this from Pittsburgh Hockey Now. I believe this is one of the main factors in why we lost to the Caps this year. Our smallish wings got killed on the boards and couldn't win those battles....

Based upon some recent reporting by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, we have further confirmation of that fact, with the most interesting comment coming from former Penguin Matt Niskanen. Per Niskanen, Capitals coach Barry Trotz had some pointed words late in a regular season that was the team’s worst since 2014-15.

“It was February or March, I can’t remember exactly when,” Niskanen told Friedman. “But he told us the reason we always lose to Pittsburgh is because we let little guys like Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust win battles against us. I don’t know if that stayed with anyone else, but it sure stuck with me.”

Adding size....Yes! Lucic....No thanks.

I just have a feeling he'd fit in well with us. He's not bad. A change of scenery can do wonders to a player.

Maybe $4M would be a bit too much but not the end of the world.

And to think they traded Hall and signed Lucic to the same cap hit..
- Barnaby36

5 years of a player on a decline...

Get Z. Smith out of OTT for nothing today!!!!

Not sure he'd keep up would he? I know the Oilers guys were saying he's ok but at times can't keep up. Not sure if that's with McD though???

Remember 5 more years - 5. He's probably playing bottom 6 in 2.
- Aussiepenguin

He struggles to keep up to McDavid but most guys do.

He struggles to keep up to McDavid but most guys do.
- Reveen.

If Maroon can keep up with him that says a lot; he’s not slow, but he’s not fast either nor a very skilled skater.

He isn't fast, but he could add the element of net front presence to the 2nd line. He is good for garbage goals and shielding goalies. He also is good for dishing out hits similar to Reaves, but he is almost impossible to move. My friend is an Oilers fan and told me he is slow as ever, but he does score goals in front of the net and when he does park himself in front of the net he is impossible to move. He wouldn't be the fastest to join the rush, but he could shield the goalie and allow Kessel and Malkin to shoot the puck from further out without the goalie seeing it as well. He also scored 50 points a year ago and 12 power play goals. Overall I believe he is someone who may not put up the points, but could help teammates put up points.
- 123Kid

Kessel and Malkin are not going to be on the same line. Sprong will probably end up with Crosby and Guentzel. Hornqvist and Sheary or Simon will be with Malkin. That leaves Brassard with Kessel and Rust or Aston Rease.

Anyone able to read TIOPS post on Kessel/Brassard? Not that I find it reliable, just curious what they are saying..

Get Z. Smith out of OTT for nothing today!!!!
- stowerkraut

He might be worth trading Sheary for as he's a different style player....but he's at just over $3M...age 30...I dunno I think a Sheary move should clear cap or be part of a more impactful trade.

Based on what I have read I feel like Rust is definitely going to be the odd man out. Rutherford has made comments about playing guys on their natural sides, which puts Rust or Sprong on the 4th line. Can't imagine Sprong finally coming up and being planted somewhere that they aren't taking advantage of his skills. So that means Rust on the 4th line RW. Don't see the Pens giving him good money if that is where they expect him to play. I am guessing they try to package him with Sheary or Hagelin to get an upgrade at LW to play with Malkin and Hornqvist. Whoever remains out of Sheary and Hagelin is 3rd line LW. Aston-Reese and Simon on the 4th w/Sheahan.

I hope this isn't the case because I love what Rust brings, but this just seems like the most plausible scenario, at least in my mind.

Based on what I have read I feel like Rust is definitely going to be the odd man out. Rutherford has made comments about playing guys on their natural sides, which puts Rust or Sprong on the 4th line. Can't imagine Sprong finally coming up and being planted somewhere that they aren't taking advantage of his skills. So that means Rust on the 4th line RW. Don't see the Pens giving him good money if that is where they expect him to play. I am guessing they try to package him with Sheary or Hagelin to get an upgrade at LW to play with Malkin and Hornqvist. Whoever remains out of Sheary and Hagelin is 3rd line LW. Aston-Reese and Simon on the 4th w/Sheahan.

I hope this isn't the case because I love what Rust brings, but this just seems like the most plausible scenario, at least in my mind.
- PensFan1103

Rutherford can't really dictate to Sullivan how to deploy his players and Sully has no issue deploying Rust on the left side. I see no world in which Sheary leapfrogs Rust on the depth chart because Rutherford wants guys to play on their natural side.

Anyone able to read TIOPS post on Kessel/Brassard? Not that I find it reliable, just curious what they are saying..
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Same old speculation. Says there's 5 or 6 teams interested in Kessel. With 2 that have been linked. Minny and Kings are said to be players.

As far as Brassard... Says teams are really interested because cap hit is very low. He mentions the Habs and Patches.

If Maroon can keep up with him that says a lot; he’s not slow, but he’s not fast either nor a very skilled skater.
- Rinosaur

Maroon couldnt either... he just cleaned up the garbage goals

Rutherford can't really dictate to Sullivan how to deploy his players and Sully has no issue deploying Rust on the left side. I see no world in which Sheary leapfrogs Rust on the depth chart because Rutherford wants guys to play on their natural side.
- Victoro311

Agreed, but would have to think for Rutherford to make these comments that him and Sully have talked and that it is more of a whole organization plan than just GMJR's individual wishes.

Agreed, but would have to think for Rutherford to make these comments that him and Sully have talked and that it is more of a whole organization plan than just GMJR's individual wishes.
- PensFan1103

This is very true, but I just don't think that this really applies to Rust who Sullivan loves and doesn't have a noticeable drop on play in his off wing. I'm just not sure I see a scenario where Rust isn't part of the future. He's super effective in his role, the coaches love him, and Hagelin only has one more year of term left.

After reading the new TIOPS articles. I believe maybe we get blown away with an offer for Kessel and he gets traded this offseason (probably LA maybe a 3 team deal). It would make sense from JR's statement of being more balanced and his goal of getting deep depth for our team. He could easily add multiple good players. If we land a good LW and you put Sprong in Kessels place you may lose a little ability from the RW spot, but still could have a really solid line. Plus if you add Sheary, Hagelin, or Hunwich as many have leaving Pittsburgh VIA trade it does allow us to bring in moderate contracts back and still have money for free agency or for other trades. TIOPS is discussing us also trying to trade Letang and he has gaining interest, but mostly only if Kessel is traded and a replacement Defenseman comes back in a trade. I doubt Letang gets traded, but if JR thinks Sprong will take the next step forward and we get what JR feels could be a good package that blows him away (I would assume 2 roster players a high pick and a prospect). I think since we are in win now mode the pick and prospect would go to another team for an additional player.

This is very true, but I just don't think that this really applies to Rust who Sullivan loves and doesn't have a noticeable drop on play in his off wing. I'm just not sure I see a scenario where Rust isn't part of the future. He's super effective in his role, the coaches love him, and Hagelin only has one more year of term left.
- Victoro311

I think Sullivan loves Hagelin as well.
Can you see Hags taking a 3 years $2.5-3M/per deal? He's a valuable guy to have on the roster.

After reading the new TIOPS articles. I believe maybe we get blown away with an offer for Kessel and he gets traded this offseason (probably LA maybe a 3 team deal). It would make sense from JR's statement of being more balanced and his goal of getting deep depth for our team. He could easily add multiple good players. If we land a good LW and you put Sprong in Kessels place you may lose a little ability from the RW spot, but still could have a really solid line. Plus if you add Sheary, Hagelin, or Hunwich as many have leaving Pittsburgh VIA trade it does allow us to bring in moderate contracts back and still have money for free agency or for other trades. TIOPS is discussing us also trying to trade Letang and he has gaining interest, but mostly only if Kessel is traded and a replacement Defenseman comes back in a trade. I doubt Letang gets traded, but if JR thinks Sprong will take the next step forward and we get what JR feels could be a good package that blows him away (I would assume 2 roster players a high pick and a prospect). I think since we are in win now mode the pick and prospect would go to another team for an additional player.
- 123Kid

Well there's your issue.

After reading the new TIOPS articles. I believe maybe we get blown away with an offer for Kessel and he gets traded this offseason (probably LA maybe a 3 team deal). It would make sense from JR's statement of being more balanced and his goal of getting deep depth for our team. He could easily add multiple good players. If we land a good LW and you put Sprong in Kessels place you may lose a little ability from the RW spot, but still could have a really solid line. Plus if you add Sheary, Hagelin, or Hunwich as many have leaving Pittsburgh VIA trade it does allow us to bring in moderate contracts back and still have money for free agency or for other trades. TIOPS is discussing us also trying to trade Letang and he has gaining interest, but mostly only if Kessel is traded and a replacement Defenseman comes back in a trade. I doubt Letang gets traded, but if JR thinks Sprong will take the next step forward and we get what JR feels could be a good package that blows him away (I would assume 2 roster players a high pick and a prospect). I think since we are in win now mode the pick and prospect would go to another team for an additional player.
- 123Kid

Packages for Kessel/Hunwick:

-Rackell/Mason or Montour (Ducks);
-Toffoli or Kempe/Forbot (Kings);
-Coyle or Niederreiter/Brodin (Min).

Anyone see Friedman tweet that Panarin won’t consider an extension with CBJ at this time so they are feeling out the market.

Not that they would trade him to us, but man he’d look good with Geno.

I'm all for kunitz and Comeau on the FA market. Both players have enough skill to be productive in the bottom 6, enough speed to play the pens swarming style, and much needed grit.