Ryan Wilson: Kris Letang vs. Simon Despres Who Stays, Who Goes? Who makes more sense to trade, Kris Letang or Simon Despres?

Are you sure his NTC doesn't kick in until next year?

It would be a crappy move to deal a guy that just committed to a long term contract (which could be argued was a tad under market value) with you guys that hasn't even kicked in. Look at Philly with Richards and Carter. Do you think they are regretting those trades? Maybe, maybe not. But, how does that look on the organization?

pretty good breakdown gunner. I'm of the opinion of trading Despres over Letang myself though I understand the argument both ways. I think Letang is to big a risk to trade even with the young guys coming up. Yeah Pouliot may be able to replace him and martin, maatta show good 2-way skill, Letang has proven himself to be a top talent. He has had a rough year and his injuty history is concerning but since the pens don't have to move him, I hope they don't. If pouliot does develop then they have 15 teams to move him to. I would hate losing Despres but he is the odd man out. I think the pens feel the loss of Letang far more than the loss of Despres. You failed to mention in your blog about possibly moving Martin. He still has one year left and has shown he is a good player yet. I am NOT advocating moving him but found it curious he was left out. I doubt his return would be as sound as either Despres or Letang but he would garner a forward that would be useful, IMO. Lastly, is the conversation even really in the works if Maatta hasn't played like a total f'n superstar.... Love that Kid

pretty good breakdown gunner. I'm of the opinion of trading Despres over Letang myself though I understand the argument both ways. I think Letang is to big a risk to trade even with the young guys coming up. Yeah Pouliot may be able to replace him and martin, maatta show good 2-way skill, Letang has proven himself to be a top talent. He has had a rough year and his injuty history is concerning but since the pens don't have to move him, I hope they don't. If pouliot does develop then they have 15 teams to move him to. I would hate losing Despres but he is the odd man out. I think the pens feel the loss of Letang far more than the loss of Despres. You failed to mention in your blog about possibly moving Martin. He still has one year left and has shown he is a good player yet. I am NOT advocating moving him but found it curious he was left out. I doubt his return would be as sound as either Despres or Letang but he would garner a forward that would be useful, IMO. Lastly, is the conversation even really in the works if Maatta hasn't played like a total f'n superstar.... Love that Kid
- ChrisMS

Letang will never be replaced by 1 player, it would be by commitee.

I didn't include Martin because there is no reason to move him. He is perfect for how the Penguins are built.

Simple, smart, effective blue liners that can get the puck to the forwards is optimal for the Penguins.

Are you sure his NTC doesn't kick in until next year?

It would be a crappy move to deal a guy that just committed to a long term contract (which could be argued was a tad under market value) with you guys that hasn't even kicked in. Look at Philly with Richards and Carter. Do you think they are regretting those trades? Maybe, maybe not. But, how does that look on the organization?
- riceroni

Under the new CBA, I believe trade and movement clauses are effective upon signing the extension, not once the term of the extension begins. If somebody could confirm that'd be grand.

Are you sure his NTC doesn't kick in until next year?

It would be a crappy move to deal a guy that just committed to a long term contract (which could be argued was a tad under market value) with you guys that hasn't even kicked in. Look at Philly with Richards and Carter. Do you think they are regretting those trades? Maybe, maybe not. But, how does that look on the organization?
- riceroni

This is exactly why I don't think Letang gets traded anytime soon. It's not Ray's MO to convince an UFA to sign a long term deal and then move him before that deal kicks in. Whitney's situation was kind of similar but he was an RFA, big difference.

Sadly I think they'll likely move Despres. It will be a mistake because they could use bigger bodies on the blue line when the playoffs roll around.

This is exactly why I don't think Letang gets traded anytime soon. It's not Ray's MO to convince an UFA to sign a long term deal and then move him before that deal kicks in. Whitney's situation was kind of similar but he was an RFA, big difference.

Sadly I think they'll likely move Despres. It will be a mistake because they could use bigger bodies on the blue line when the playoffs roll around.
- madmike71

For what it's worth I have been told that the Penguins can trade Letang anywhere they want until July 1.

I voted for neither because it was an option. However if that was unavailable I agree with what you said and would trade letang. Just the value of what you could bring back for letang should sway most.
If you're talking Kane or eberle those are young stars

For what it's worth I have been told that the Penguins can trade Letang anywhere they want until July 1.
- Ryan_Wilson

I remember that being a big part of the negotiation. Letang was very concerned about signing a deal then being moved to....say....the Islanders. There had to be some sort of a verbal guarantee. Not technically binding, but Ray's name would be mud after that. Players wouldn't trust him ever again. It's NOT his "style". Or Mario's for that matter.

At the very least, Letang is here through the end of next year. I think longer, but you never know.

Letang
2014 1st round pick

For

Yakupov
Potter

Pittsburgh gets a RWer that can put up 40+ goals (you notice I didn't say could since he will be playing with Crosby or Malkin, lol) which more than makes up for losing Letangs production on an entry level deal no less and a depth defender for one of if not the best offensive defenseman in the league and a low 1st in a meh draft.

Edmonton gets the top defender they need and a top pick.

I'm pretty sure the deal would have to have other pieces attached to be even (with someone seriously overpaying) but I would love to see a Yakupov+ for Letang+ kind of deal.

Letang
2014 1st round pick

For

Yakupov
Potter

Pittsburgh gets a RWer that can put up 40+ goals (you notice I didn't say could since he will be playing with Crosby or Malkin, lol) which more than makes up for losing Letangs production on an entry level deal no less and a depth defender for one of if not the best offensive defenseman in the league and a low 1st in a meh draft.

Edmonton gets the top defender they need and a top pick.

I'm pretty sure the deal would have to have other pieces attached to be even (with someone seriously overpaying) but I would love to see a Yakupov+ for Letang+ kind of deal.
- Steven_Dean

Letang doesn't get dealt for players who have no track record of consistent success. Eberle is the guy in any Edmonton trade from the Penguins perspective.

Yakupov is still a question mark, not a sure thing.

Letang straight across for Jack Johnson.

As much as I hate to say it, moving Letang for Eberle would be amazing!

Letang is never healthy and his defensive shortcomings are not worth his offensive potential IMO. I love watching Letang play, but I think it's time. Not sure on E. Kane.

Either is do-able. I think something needs done, with the wealth of Dman and D-prospects the Pens have and the equally bare shelves of forward prospects. The possiblities of trading Letang are exciting, with the player or players they would be able to get for him. What i see happening is them trading Despres away for an up and coming winger. A Etem or Palmeri from the Ducks, or Jurco from the Red Wings, or maybe even Tlusty from Carolina. All i know is, when Shero decides to make a trade, it will probably be something no one has even thought about.

Ryan Wilson: Kris Letang vs. Simon Despres Who Stays, Who Goes?
Who makes more sense to trade, Kris Letang or Simon Despres?
- Ryan_Wilson

Letang, Bennett, Jarry, Martin, 1st to Edmonton

Yakupov, Ference, Klefbom to Pittsburgh


Pittsburgh adds firepower and defense to win now.

Edmonton adds two top 4 dmen, a future top 4 in Jarry and another young forward who is currently more proven than Yak.

Letang, Bennett, Jarry, Martin, 1st to Edmonton

Yakupov, Ference, Klefbom to Pittsburgh


Pittsburgh adds firepower and defense to win now.

Edmonton adds two top 4 dmen, a future top 4 in Jarry and another young forward who is currently more proven than Yak.
- therealagent

This makes no sense whatsoever..............

Letang, Bennett, Jarry, Martin, 1st to Edmonton

Yakupov, Ference, Klefbom to Pittsburgh


Pittsburgh adds firepower and defense to win now.

Edmonton adds two top 4 dmen, a future top 4 in Jarry and another young forward who is currently more proven than Yak.
- therealagent

Sorry, but the quote from the moderator in the debate scene from Billy Madison applies here.

Letang straight across for Jack Johnson.
- Ben37

You forgot to add the sarcastic font

This makes no sense whatsoever..............
- cap1681

you're telling me the Pens wouldn't jump at the chance to add Yakupov?

You forgot to add the sarcastic font
- cap1681

I agree.

Ben, we have a standard to uphold here.

Sorry, but the quote from the moderator in the debate scene from Billy Madison applies here.
- Ryan_Wilson

This makes no sense whatsoever..............
- cap1681

I think he's aware

Letang will never be replaced by 1 player, it would be by commitee.

I didn't include Martin because there is no reason to move him. He is perfect for how the Penguins are built.

Simple, smart, effective blue liners that can get the puck to the forwards is optimal for the Penguins.
- Ryan_Wilson

Just curious cause you included maatta. Another perfect guy who shouldn't be moved. IMO Martin should at least be in the conversation with them

Sorry, but the quote from the moderator in the debate scene from Billy Madison applies here.
- Ryan_Wilson

Especially since Jarry is a goalie



But I'm sure we all know he's kidding

you're telling me the Pens wouldn't jump at the chance to add Yakupov?
- therealagent

maybe, but what your talking about is the Penguins trading 3 active NHL players, a prospect, and a 1st for 2 prospect and an aging defenseman.