I’m the biggest Kessel fan in here. Hahaha
- j.boyd919

lol. I just thought we were giving up too much.

I'd love to see Panarin in a Pens uni but he'll command a lot of cash.

Yeah dealing with CBJ in general wont happen. Kessel + Torts haha. I dont think Panarin is possible for the Pens (*cries thinking of Plotnikov).

It's too bad Saad makes $6M or I could see a Kessel / Saad based trade.

What if hypothetically we could trade Kessel for a top 5 draft pick and be guaranteed to sign in the JVR for $6 - $7M range....would you do that?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Trading Kessel for Saad would be a terrible move. Saad is overrated around here because he’s from Pittsburgh. He’s good. But he’s no Kessel.

Trading Kessel for Saad would be a terrible move. Saad is overrated around here because he’s from Pittsburgh. He’s good. But he’s no Kessel.
- j.boyd919

Agreed.

I'd rather package him to Anaheim, Minnesota or LA alongside Hunwick.

Give me Rackell/Manson or Montour, Coyle or Niederreiter/Brodin OR Toffoli or Kempe/Forbot.

lol. I just thought we were giving up too much.

I'd love to see Panarin in a Pens uni but he'll command a lot of cash.
- Barnaby36

That’s kinda why we’d have to dump Sheary too. If the extension was already in place... if Panarin got ~8m per... I think it would be totally (frank)ing worth it. Pens LW aren’t terrible. But trading Kessel+ for Panarin, I think would be a good move for Pittsburgh, especially if Sheary is already being offered in trades. The first is whatever because you’re getting Panarin for a few prime years

I personally don’t want to trade Kessel at all. But if management wants to move him, I would want a player of similar caliber coming back.

That’s kinda why we’d have to dump Sheary too. If the extension was already in place... if Panarin got ~8m per... I think it would be totally (frank)ing worth it. Pens LW aren’t terrible. But trading Kessel+ for Panarin, I think would be a good move for Pittsburgh, especially if Sheary is already being offered in trades. The first is whatever because you’re getting Panarin for a few prime years

I personally don’t want to trade Kessel at all. But if management wants to move him, I would want a player of similar caliber coming back.
- j.boyd919

The more I think about it sending Phil to the Wild seems perfect. Coyle/Brodin would be a nice package. Something to think about. Minnesota would certainly be interested in bringing him home.

I think Phil is better than Saad and Van Riemsdyk. I dunno. Give $7M to JVR seems like a lot.

What about if Neal could be had for $5M and we could trade Phil for a few picks (one being 1st Round) and a roster player?
- Barnaby36

I mean I agree but for no cap increase JvR + 5th overall > than Kessel (in my opinion with 0 knowledge of the top of this draft class. i just know we are desperate for a young difference maker )

The Neal option could work from a hockey standpoint especially because we know he meshes with Geno...he's a big body...he is great on the PP (though not right handed). If trading Kessel for a mid 1st and roster player, I would expect it to be Domi-like player. I just struggle with knowing Neal is an bumhole lol.

Trading Kessel for Saad would be a terrible move. Saad is overrated around here because he’s from Pittsburgh. He’s good. But he’s no Kessel.
- j.boyd919

Totally agree. Thats why I was saying he makes too much. If Saad made $4M and CHI was adding in the deal..thatd be tempting. Younger, LW, two-way player, plays well with stars, etc. But at $6M its a non-starter.

The more I think about it sending Phil to the Wild seems perfect. Coyle/Brodin would be a nice package. Something to think about. Minnesota would certainly be interested in bringing him home.
- Barnaby36

I agree with that being a really good deal but two things... 1.) MIN would do it 2.) what we really need on D is a 3rd pair RHD...so if we got Brodin, I think that opens the door to trade Maatta.

I agree with that being a really good deal but two things... 1.) MIN would do it 2.) what we really need on D is a 3rd pair RHD...so if we got Brodin, I think that opens the door to trade Maatta.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I'm really not a fan of trading Määttä. He was excellent last season and is young. Dumoulin was very average the whole season and great when we got to the playoffs. It's like he turned a button. Schultz wasn't as good as before he got the big paycheck. Letang frustrating at times but still our go to guy. Oleksiak a good bottom pairing D-man, nothing less nothing more. I'd keep our core together.

I'm really not a fan of trading Määttä. He was excellent last season and is young. Dumoulin was very average the whole season and great when we got to the playoffs. It's like he turned a button. Schultz wasn't as good as before he got the big paycheck. Letang frustrating at times but still our go to guy. Oleksiak a good bottom pairing D-man, nothing less nothing more. I'd keep our core together.
- Barnaby36

Even if we had Brodin? That's a lot of money (and talent) on the backend and Coyle certainly wont be replacing Phil's offense.

Even if we had Brodin? That's a lot of money (and talent) on the backend and Coyle certainly wont be replacing Phil's offense.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I'd probably try to trade Letang for more assets (wings and D). I'll never forget how we won the Cup without a star d-man in the back end.

I mean I agree but for no cap increase JvR + 5th overall > than Kessel (in my opinion with 0 knowledge of the top of this draft class. i just know we are desperate for a young difference maker )

The Neal option could work from a hockey standpoint especially because we know he meshes with Geno...he's a big body...he is great on the PP (though not right handed). If trading Kessel for a mid 1st and roster player, I would expect it to be Domi-like player. I just struggle with knowing Neal is an bumhole lol.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I think JVR will get a big contract that everybody will hate sooner than later. I think I'd rather go for Neal.

I thought about a Saad for Kessel deal. They own Nashville's 1st. Maybe Saad plus that 1st. I wouldn't be totally against it. Still... I'd rather keep Kessel but I think the writing is on the wall.

I think JVR will get a big contract that everybody will hate sooner than later. I think I'd rather go for Neal.

I thought about a Saad for Kessel deal. They own Nashville's 1st. Maybe Saad plus that 1st. I wouldn't be totally against it. Still... I'd rather keep Kessel but I think the writing is on the wall.
- madmike71

I’m also against trading Phil, but if it happens they need a top 6 LW. I’d look to ANH for Rackell or STL for Schwartz (both would need to add)

Maybe it's just me, but I still think Brassard is a candidate to be moved. Teams are hurting for good centers. It would be really good asset management if someone over-paid for him. Obviously an extension would have to be involved.

Maybe it's just me, but I still think Brassard is a candidate to be moved. Teams are hurting for good centers. It would be really good asset management if someone over-paid for him. Obviously an extension would have to be involved.
- madmike71

Then we dont have a 3C again....I am really bullish on Brassard for this upcoming season and his $3M cap hit is amazing. I would already start thinking about keeping him in the long term plans.

Maybe it's just me, but I still think Brassard is a candidate to be moved. Teams are hurting for good centers. It would be really good asset management if someone over-paid for him. Obviously an extension would have to be involved.
- madmike71

Wouldn’t surprise me, he didn’t exactly fit right in last year. An off-season in the system can do wonders but GMJR would be prudent to at least gauge interest.

Then we dont have a 3C again....I am really bullish on Brassard for this upcoming season and his $3M cap hit is amazing. I would already start thinking about keeping him in the long term plans.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Sheahan is very similar to Bones. Maybe even a little better.....think of it in those terms. An upgrade at 4c would be absolutely necessary and there's a couple of guys that fit that bill in free agency. IMO Brassard isn't exactly a good fit for 3c. He's not a good PK'r......which is usually a big part of that job.

Beyond that, Brassard isn't staying here. He's already moaning a little about the 3c role.....which is understandable with one year til UFA. He needs TOI and PP time to put up good numbers before he becomes a FA.

Would the Habs consider Patches for Brass? He'd be a sick LW for us.

Sheahan is very similar to Bones. Maybe even a little better.....think of it in those terms. An upgrade at 4c would be absolutely necessary and there's a couple of guys that fit that bill in free agency. IMO Brassard isn't exactly a good fit for 3c. He's not a good PK'r......which is usually a big part of that job.

Beyond that, Brassard isn't staying here. He's already moaning a little about the 3c role.....which is understandable with one year til UFA. He needs TOI and PP time to put up good numbers before he becomes a FA.

Would the Habs consider Patches for Brass? He'd be a sick LW for us.
- madmike71

I just think Brassard and Sheahan at 3C / 4C is a huge competitive advantage. I think Sheahan has a very limited offensive ability and Kessel makes him look better than he is. And most importantly, if Sid or Geno go down Brassard will be a lifesaver.

Patches would certainly be good value...and we need a LW. But he does cost $1.5M more. I'd give the edge to the center.

Sheahan is very similar to Bones. Maybe even a little better.....think of it in those terms. An upgrade at 4c would be absolutely necessary and there's a couple of guys that fit that bill in free agency. IMO Brassard isn't exactly a good fit for 3c. He's not a good PK'r......which is usually a big part of that job.

Beyond that, Brassard isn't staying here. He's already moaning a little about the 3c role.....which is understandable with one year til UFA. He needs TOI and PP time to put up good numbers before he becomes a FA.

Would the Habs consider Patches for Brass? He'd be a sick LW for us.
- madmike71

Would Montreal deal Pacioretty straight up for Brassard? I don't know but they could use another C on their team.

I'd much rather go after Gallagher but it's unlikely he'd be available.

Would Montreal deal Pacioretty straight up for Brassard? I don't know but they could use another C on their team.

I'd much rather go after Gallagher but it's unlikely he'd be available.
- Barnaby36

Brassard to the Rags for Kreider.

Sign Derek Ryan 4th line C, She-man 3C.

Yes I realise the Rags have about 8 centres.

I read an article about Simom Despres finally being healthy and wanting another short in the NHL. Even though he is left handed, I honestly wouldn't mind bringing him in on a minimum deal.

He admitted to drinking too much and not taking things seriously. He sounds really focused/committed now.

I read an article about Simom Despres finally being healthy and wanting another short in the NHL. Even though he is left handed, I honestly wouldn't mind bringing him in on a minimum deal.

He admitted to drinking too much and not taking things seriously. He sounds really focused/committed now.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Bring him to camp on a tryout. I guess he got over the concussion issues? I thought his career was over because of that. Oleksaik was damn good playing the right side when paired with Cole.

Bring him to camp on a tryout. I guess he got over the concussion issues? I thought his career was over because of that. Oleksaik was damn good playing the right side when paired with Cole.
- madmike71

Well that's what Despres is saying....whether he's actually fully healthy may or may not be true.

He's been training mixed martial arts and totally changed his diet.

Camp tryout makes sense to me....he'd immediately be our number 8 defenseman with an opportunity to become a number 6.

I read an article about Simom Despres finally being healthy and wanting another short in the NHL. Even though he is left handed, I honestly wouldn't mind bringing him in on a minimum deal.

He admitted to drinking too much and not taking things seriously. He sounds really focused/committed now.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

This guy had so much upside. I guess an invite to a try out would be the way to go.

I also thought his problems were concussion and gambling related.

This guy had so much upside. I guess an invite to a try out would be the way to go.

I also thought his problems were concussion and gambling related.
- Barnaby36

Didn't JR come out with the 'off ice' issues? Some here (me included big time), thought that was just a little lip service for trading him. Now if he says he drank too much, might be some truth in the old fellas words.