Have been saying since the pens began golfing that moving Malkin makes the most sense. Finally, we can see that I am not alone in this thought. Love or hate Pierre all you want, but the man knows hockey. The idea of snagging ZP from Jersey is interesting, but still not sure why. Might as well keep Geno if that is the case. If ZP can be had for under 7.5 a year for a long long term contract we could consider this as long as Martin is gone. However, the pens need a very solid big D-man, maybe even two.

Have been saying since the pens began golfing that moving Malkin makes the most sense. Finally, we can see that I am not alone in this thought. Love or hate Pierre all you want, but the man knows hockey. The idea of snagging ZP from Jersey is interesting, but still not sure why. Might as well keep Geno if that is the case. If ZP can be had for under 7.5 a year for a long long term contract we could consider this as long as Martin is gone. However, the pens need a very solid big D-man, maybe even two.
- taleisyreXIII

Love parise as a player, but the only way we could afford him is if staal and martin leave and the cap does in fact go up

what about staal to the blues for berglund plus some?

what about staal to the blues for berglund plus some?
- drummer829

not a big fan of Berglund. STL def. has the assets, but not that interested in Berglund.

and for all those talking about Parise, i would rather go after Suter. Suter is more needed than Parise, plus i think he will ask for less. it would make more sense to go after him instead.

The issue with the Leafs prospects is that they do have potential, but for some reason, the organization is TERRIBLE at developing them. They would most likely have better value/potential with another organization which is more successful at deeloping players such as Detroit or Pittsburgh. Therefore, it's possible they might hold better value to other teams that know they would probably get more out of them than the Leafs would. I think maybe that's why it seems most Leaf fans overvalue the assets they could potentially bring back in a package deal. Having said that, I still think most of the offers some Leaf fans suggest are ridiculous.
- Phenom

Very grounded post which I respect. That said, IF and I mean BIG IF Pittsburgh is kicking the tires on trading someone like Staal, the return better be for someone that the word potential is more like proven. The Pens are in the mode of competing for Division, Conference and Stanley Cup titles and if they are going to trade someone of Staal's ability, it will be for someone who has proven to be an asset, not someone that could potentially be of help down the road. Potential isn't a certainty. Potential gets more coaches and GMs fired than hired.

not a big fan of Berglund. STL def. has the assets, but not that interested in Berglund.

and for all those talking about Parise, i would rather go after Suter. Suter is more needed than Parise, plus i think he will ask for less. it would make more sense to go after him instead.
- SuperHenderson13

just thinking that berglund could be a good fit to fill the 3rd line center role...but a swap straight up staal for oshie? Oshie could be signed long term at around 4 mil

just thinking that berglund could be a good fit to fill the 3rd line center role...but a swap straight up staal for oshie? Oshie could be signed long term at around 4 mil
- drummer829

Why swap your third line center in Staal for a lesser center in Berglund?

Why swap your third line center in Staal for a lesser center in Berglund?
- Oneonta Penguin

berglund PLUS...meaning berglund plus a prospect and draft pick or something along those lines

Very grounded post which I respect. That said, IF and I mean BIG IF Pittsburgh is kicking the tires on trading someone like Staal, the return better be for someone that the word potential is more like proven. The Pens are in the mode of competing for Division, Conference and Stanley Cup titles and if they are going to trade someone of Staal's ability, it will be for someone who has proven to be an asset, not someone that could potentially be of help down the road. Potential isn't a certainty. Potential gets more coaches and GMs fired than hired.
- Oneonta Penguin

Except in Buffalo.

Somehow we seem to have forgotten that McGuire has a strong sense of self importance that brings his credility into account. I say that by starting with Malkin is not going anywhere. Any time Sid has gone down Geno has had amazing runs.

Plus:

Sid's health is still a questionmark moving foward. In some ways Sid is in actuality more tradable. I understand the use of a McGuire interview, he is a TV personality. However his analytical and above all 'insider' abilities are questionable and in many ways self serving. Nothing against you, John.

The problem is, most 'expert' insiders are flawed at best. If a writer or hockey personality wishes to give his/her opinion based on a teams needs and curent assets and can make it entertaining, a la Bucigross, spot on. I'll buy it. Frankly, I am more interested in John's opinion and writing than most others.

So, trading Staal and you are fine giving back two centers in Bolland and Pirri? We wouldn't need two centers. We would need a winger, or a nice bruising dman.
- Oneonta Penguin

I agree that's the return, or at least the starting point, I would like in any potential trade for Staal.

VOTE MALKIN FOR COVER VOTE HE'S BARELY WINNING! VOTE NOW!

Usually Pierre McGuire has a well analysed answer which actually is acceptable to most listeners. This time, McGuire pulled one out of his ass.
Trade Malkin!!!!! who just finished highest in points and will win the Art Ross and possibly Hart, and who also won the World Cup with the MVP and most points.
Pierre, you need your head examined or need a long vacation.

Usually Pierre McGuire has a well analysed answer which actually is acceptable to most listeners. This time, McGuire pulled one out of his ass.
Trade Malkin!!!!! who just finished highest in points and will win the Art Ross and possibly Hart, and who also won the World Cup with the MVP and most points.
Pierre, you need your head examined or need a long vacation.
- intelligentscorpio

Sorry bud, but you have to think dollars sometimes too when you look at what trades make the most sense. This isnt the 90's anymore and teams can be hung out to dry for long long periods of time with two super sized contracts the size of Sid's and Malkin's. Moving forward both of these amazing players will command upwards if not over 10 million per season. This is flat out too much for two players to consume on one team. Throw in 6 mil for Neal and another 6-7 if you have any thoughts on keeping Letang here beyond the next couple years and by 2015 or so the pens will have around 33-34 million dollars tied up in FOUR players. Staal is cheaper than Geno, and plays an entirely different, yet vital role on the team. Trading Geno, can net the pens so much return(as his numbers are second only to Sid really). Everything is cyclicle, and the time is running out on the BIG THREE, because simply put, the pens cannot afford it long term.

Sorry bud, but you have to think dollars sometimes too when you look at what trades make the most sense. This isnt the 90's anymore and teams can be hung out to dry for long long periods of time with two super sized contracts the size of Sid's and Malkin's. Moving forward both of these amazing players will command upwards if not over 10 million per season. This is flat out too much for two players to consume on one team. Throw in 6 mil for Neal and another 6-7 if you have any thoughts on keeping Letang here beyond the next couple years and by 2015 or so the pens will have around 33-34 million dollars tied up in FOUR players. Staal is cheaper than Geno, and plays an entirely different, yet vital role on the team. Trading Geno, can net the pens so much return(as his numbers are second only to Sid really). Everything is cyclicle, and the time is running out on the BIG THREE, because simply put, the pens cannot afford it long term.
- taleisyreXIII

Again, until it is certain Sid is back to his old self and can take hits without a reoccurence of injury, Malkin is going nowhere.

Sorry bud, but you have to think dollars sometimes too when you look at what trades make the most sense. This isnt the 90's anymore and teams can be hung out to dry for long long periods of time with two super sized contracts the size of Sid's and Malkin's. Moving forward both of these amazing players will command upwards if not over 10 million per season. This is flat out too much for two players to consume on one team. Throw in 6 mil for Neal and another 6-7 if you have any thoughts on keeping Letang here beyond the next couple years and by 2015 or so the pens will have around 33-34 million dollars tied up in FOUR players. Staal is cheaper than Geno, and plays an entirely different, yet vital role on the team. Trading Geno, can net the pens so much return(as his numbers are second only to Sid really). Everything is cyclicle, and the time is running out on the BIG THREE, because simply put, the pens cannot afford it long term.
- taleisyreXIII

I continue to be baffled at the assumptions you continually make about a CBA that has yet to be ratified. The reality is you don't know what the Penguins can afford cap wise and neither do I.

And just an FYI Neal is already extended for 6 years at 5M/yr not the 6M you stated.

I continue to be baffled at the assumptions you continually make about a CBA that has yet to be ratified. The reality is you don't know what the Penguins can afford cap wise and neither do I.

And just an FYI Neal is already extended for 6 years at 5M/yr not the 6M you stated.
- Gunner Staal

Lawyered !!!

So Jagr is once again making excuses about why he didn't show up for the Devils series. Plus he'll only return to the Flyers if he gets top line minutes. Translation - he'll only play for a team that will pay him the most money.

Again, until it is certain Sid is back to his old self and can take hits without a reoccurence of injury, Malkin is going nowhere.
- powerhouse

Thankfully these kinds of decisions will be made by Shero and Mario. Knowing Mario's affinity for high impact offensive players, it's baffling that people believe Geno will be moved (at least in the next couple of years). The only question anyone needs to ask is.... Would you feel comfortable with Jordan Staal as your number one center? I can't understand anyone answering yes to that question......at least as far as the Pittsburgh Penguins are concerned.

So Jagr is once again making excuses about why he didn't show up for the Devils series. Plus he'll only return to the Flyers if he gets top line minutes. Translation - he'll only play for a team that will pay him the most money.
- acdc1206

Can we sign him

Can we sign him
- nh4442

NO!

VOTE MALKIN FOR COVER VOTE HE'S BARELY WINNING! VOTE NOW!
- PensMalkin71

No!!! The CURSE is real. Ask Beezer, Lemieux, Heater, Lindros, etc.

Vote GIROUX.

No!!! The CURSE is real. Ask Beezer, Lemieux, Heater, Lindros, etc.

Vote GIROUX.
- coohill

Didn't Stamkos just score 60?

Again, until it is certain Sid is back to his old self and can take hits without a reoccurence of injury, Malkin is going nowhere.
- powerhouse

Went through your neck of the woods this past weekend to get to Deep Creek. Went over the hill on 68 were it drops to 45 mph and there were 6 cops sitting there pulling people over non stop. They were everywhere.

So i thought no trades could happen until after the playoffs are over. Yet there was a minor trade before the weekend.