i stopped reading after the first few words
- dpard

Can't say that I blame you......

Even though I'm of the opinion Staal won't be dealt this summer...

Why would Pit. be interested in Saad....Someone who grew up there and was speculated to be drafted by the Pens and they passed on last summer??
- Al

It would help ease the PR hit by bringing home the popular hometown kid. They may have passed on him last draft because they had someone higher on their draft board. Smart hockey teams, like the Pens, draft ranked players over sentimental reasons or positional needs in the pipeline. The fact that Saad had a really good season last year in juniors probably only increased his value, too.

Saad was a home town kid who dropped at the Draft and was available for Pit.
The story back then was Saad was just what the Pens needed,
a skillful winger...

I guess anything is possible and right now many want to believe the Penguins will be anxious to trade Staal, who just about every team would want, for a "hope"(someone they could have had for free basically last summer) and a player who isn't as good as Staal.

Sounds feasible to me...NOT.
- Al

And after next year, the Pens will have to find a way to sign Crosby AND Staal (who will get a large raise) into their cap. Getting one of the true top 3rd line centers in the game at a lower cap number than Staal, PLUS has 2 more years left on his deal makes great sense. Saad is a good PR move, and a quality prospect; there would also have to be more included (Leddy?? Who I would include in a heartbeat), but I think the Hawks definitely have an advantage in a possible Staal trade over most teams, unless they are looking for only picks and prospects in return. Like the Hawks, Pittsburgh wasn't good enough this year and needs to make changes; Staal brings them the best return unless they are going to trade Malkin or Crosby (NOT GOING TO HAPPEN).