Ryan Wilson: Jim Rutherford speaks + Phil Kessel rumors Jim Rutherford speaks + Phil Kessel rumors

Trade for Bozak and cheer up Kessel. Bozak salary might be a bit steep at $4.2M

Ron Cook is such a hack.

I so miss the days of sports reporters, "reporting the news" not making it or suggesting trades based upon opinions of being a fan of the sport/team.

Ron Cook is such a hack.

- acdc1206

Word.

What an idiot cook is to think we would trade kessel. Let's also finally send malkin to Chicago while we're at it

You've eluded to it in other blogs, but in this one you didn't mention that would leave the Penguins with 2M+ in caps space PLUS any salary we might be moving out (Hagelin, HQ, Maatta). That gives us a lot of room to explore 3C options around the league. #FreePouliot

Without a doubt, HCMS has a problem with Phil Kessel. He refuses to put effort into all aspects of the game. He plays lazy defense and refuses to go to the corners and rough areas. Basically 81 refuses to put effort into the fundamentals of the game, the things that won them two Stanley Cups.

I so miss the days of sports reporters, "reporting the news" not making it or suggesting trades based upon opinions of being a fan of the sport/team.
- AlphaCharlie7

I have suggested trading for Namestnikov or E. Staal or Ryan Spooner. I have also suggested an offer sheet for Bo Horvat or Sam Bennett.

So, can I be a legitimate Sports Reporter?

who wants to take on kessels crappy contract for the next 6 yrs? he is what 30?

As Matt had mentioned Ruhd plays RD. Thoughts on trading Cole to free up ~2M and allow Ruhd to play bottom pairing with Hunwick?

You may be shocked when DP puts it all together this year and becomes an NHL regular you heard it here first

Without a doubt, HCMS has a problem with Phil Kessel. He refuses to put effort into all aspects of the game. He plays lazy defense and refuses to go to the corners and rough areas. Basically 81 refuses to put effort into the fundamentals of the game, the things that won them two Stanley Cups.
- joecool2931

Sarcasm

Mark Streit was offered $1.5M by MTL for 1yr deal.

Looks like he hasn't accepted it, yet.

Sarcasm
- holeinone

Not at all, 81 had more pts than 87 last year in playoffs...why didn't he win Conn Smythe? Because not only does he not do the little things/effort things that I mentioned, he refuses and actively avoids them. And anyone one that is slightly more than a casual fan should notice that. Its the reason why he worked so well with Bonino and Hagelin, because they worked so hard defensively, that 81 was able to cheat in most situations. 81 was basically invisible in the playoffs outside of PP.

As Matt had mentioned Ruhd plays RD. Thoughts on trading Cole to free up ~2M and allow Ruhd to play bottom pairing with Hunwick?
- Thorny87

I dont know. First off, I feel Cole has been a warrior for the Pens and at only 2 mill per he isnt hurting them financially. Secondly, I feel like Sullivan loves the Cole-Schultz pair and will want to keep it together.

Sarcasm
- holeinone

I am not saying trade 81. But I am saying that he is basically uncoachable, and could be a great trade chip and that option should be dismissed.

who wants to take on kessels crappy contract for the next 6 yrs? he is what 30?
- nyislsbossy

Kessel is a proven PPG playoff performer. Highest scoring playoff player the past two seasons and just coming off a 70 point regular season.....Your team has a cap hit of 5.5 mill per the next 5 seasons for a currently 31 year old Ladd who only had 31 points last season.

Kessel would be great on Tavares' wing....

Not at all, 81 had more pts than 87 last year in playoffs...why didn't he win Conn Smythe? Because not only does he not do the little things/effort things that I mentioned, he refuses and actively avoids them. And anyone one that is slightly more than a casual fan should notice that. Its the reason why he worked so well with Bonino and Hagelin, because they worked so hard defensively, that 81 was able to cheat in most situations. 81 was basically invisible in the playoffs outside of PP.
- joecool2931

I dont know. First off, I feel Cole has been a warrior for the Pens and at only 2 mill per he isnt hurting them financially. Secondly, I feel like Sullivan loves the Cole-Schultz pair and will want to keep it together.
- MattStrat

I don't dislike Cole and agree with most of this. Just looking for some more financial wiggle room, that would give the Pens a little over 4M for a 3C.

I don't dislike Cole and agree with most of this. Just looking for some more financial wiggle room, that would give the Pens a little over 4M for a 3C.
- Thorny87

Yeah, obviously if theres a trade for a 3C the Pens will most likely be having to send parts with at least somewhat substantial salary (non ELC) the other way.

I am not saying trade 81. But I am saying that he is basically uncoachable, and could be a great trade chip and that option should be dismissed.
- joecool2931

I wish more of our players were like kessel during the regular season. Our talent level alone should win us a lot of games. I've been begging Letang for years to take up some of "kessels" so called bad habits during the regular season. If the goal is to win cups then avoiding hits/blocking less shots will reduce injuries during the regular season.

No disagreement that you need to do that stuff during the playoffs. But for the highest skill team in the league we do not need to take injury risks to win games during the regular season. Make the product as safe and entertaining as possible.

Not at all, 81 had more pts than 87 last year in playoffs...why didn't he win Conn Smythe? Because not only does he not do the little things/effort things that I mentioned, he refuses and actively avoids them. And anyone one that is slightly more than a casual fan should notice that. Its the reason why he worked so well with Bonino and Hagelin, because they worked so hard defensively, that 81 was able to cheat in most situations. 81 was basically invisible in the playoffs outside of PP.
- joecool2931

Hey 2931, they have names.