Ryan Wilson: What if Jack Johnson wasn't brought in to be a bottom pairing player? What if Jack Johnson wasn't brought in to be a bottom pairing player?

There’s no redeeming factors to Johnson on the pens. Either he’s a bottom six guy, and only does minimal damage, or he’s a top Four Guy, and then there really screwed.

Just throwing this out there...what if it's Shultz, Jarry, 1st for Karlsson (extended), Anderson (OTT retaining $2.75mil/yr)?

This keeps JJ on 3rd pairing, Karlsson/Shultz difference is only 1mil this year (next year Sheehan and Hagelin contracts are up, which is a bit more than what Karlsson's new contract would demand (~11mil/yr) and with main guys signed for a few years and young players coming up and cap going up it may not be a huge issue)

Lets just see what happens with JJ if he does indeed sign with us. The coaches obviously see something in him that we dont and feel his mistakes are coachable. We have to trust their judgment. Make no mistake, with JJ’s negative perceptions and the rumored term/financials we’re about to give him, JR had to get the green light from Mario.

As I said in the last tread. I don't want to trade Maatta. With that being said, if we were to ship him out, I would want a top 4 pairing D back someone like Tyler Myers +. Or I would like us to get Panarin or Zucker for Maatta, but it still wouldn't make sense to me for us to trade a good contract out. I doubt we make a trade, but I have read JR stated he is looking to make a "hockey trade". Some other forums are saying there is buzz of us trading Jarry or Brassard tomorrow. Which I could see us getting a lot from Montreal if we traded Brassard (maybe someone like Gallagher). They are saying Jarry is getting trade interest from Carolina, NYI, and Edmonton.

I've always liked that UFA season starts on Canada Day. Drunken check ins on signings then belligerent convos with buddies about them. The hockey news intertwines into the day's celebrations.

I’ll keep coming to my suggested trade scenario. A package involving Maatta, Jarry, and hagelin (plus some extra), for Faulk and Skinner.

I’ll keep coming to my suggested trade scenario. A package involving Maatta, Jarry, and hagelin (plus some extra), for Faulk and Skinner.
- drummer829

I'm interested in something that involves Maatta and Faulk. Pass on Skinner and I hope they don't move Jarry.

Just throwing this out there...what if it's Shultz, Jarry, 1st for Karlsson (extended), Anderson (OTT retaining $2.75mil/yr)?

This keeps JJ on 3rd pairing, Karlsson/Shultz difference is only 1mil this year (next year Sheehan and Hagelin contracts are up, which is a bit more than what Karlsson's new contract would demand (~11mil/yr) and with main guys signed for a few years and young players coming up and cap going up it may not be a huge issue)
- mventres

Didn’t Doughty just get around 11? My opinion is that EK thinks he’s the best and wants his salary to show it. I think someone likely gives him $12M. If we he doesn’t get it, he’ll just hold out until free agency.

Also, I’d like to hear what other people think of your offer because I don’t think it’s enough. I think you’d also have to add Sprong and a 2nd rounder. Seems to me for a franchise player the ask is usually: a roster player, a young player, and 3 blue chip prospects/1st/2nd rounders. Guys like Kessel aren’t a good comparison because the demand isn’t the same as it is for a #1 D man. And I think they’d ask for Maatta over Schultz. So it would be Maatta, Jarry, Sprong, 1st, 2nd for EK/Andy and I still don’t know if that’s enough.

I think the more likely target for Pitt would be Stone. My argument there is, why give up assets for either of them (the cost is huge) when you could potentially target JVR and save money on a guy like Franson?

As always, thoughts are welcome

3 team trade proposal: Panarin (extended) and Faulk to Pitt, Jarry, Maatta and Kessel to CAR, Skinner, Simon, - 1st and a 2nd
Pitt then signs Franson because we can’t afford JJ anymore and we snag a goalie off the open market

3 team trade proposal: Panarin (extended) and Faulk to Pitt, Jarry, Maatta and Kessel to CAR, Skinner, Simon, - 1st and a 2nd
Pitt then signs Franson because we can’t afford JJ anymore and we snag a goalie off the open market
- WSCTeton17

Both picks would not be from Pitt btw

3 team trade proposal: Panarin (extended) and Faulk to Pitt, Jarry, Maatta and Kessel to CAR, Skinner, Simon, - 1st and a 2nd
Pitt then signs Franson because we can’t afford JJ anymore and we snag a goalie off the open market
- WSCTeton17

I like the 3 team trade idea, but pass on trading Maatta or signing Franson (he's slow).

Didn’t Doughty just get around 11? My opinion is that EK thinks he’s the best and wants his salary to show it. I think someone likely gives him $12M. If we he doesn’t get it, he’ll just hold out until free agency.

Also, I’d like to hear what other people think of your offer because I don’t think it’s enough. I think you’d also have to add Sprong and a 2nd rounder. Seems to me for a franchise player the ask is usually: a roster player, a young player, and 3 blue chip prospects/1st/2nd rounders. Guys like Kessel aren’t a good comparison because the demand isn’t the same as it is for a #1 D man. And I think they’d ask for Maatta over Schultz. So it would be Maatta, Jarry, Sprong, 1st, 2nd for EK/Andy and I still don’t know if that’s enough.

I think the more likely target for Pitt would be Stone. My argument there is, why give up assets for either of them (the cost is huge) when you could potentially target JVR and save money on a guy like Franson?

As always, thoughts are welcome
- WSCTeton17

To me, going after EK makes virtually no sense. I think it's a terrible idea considering the package we'd have to pay. I could see going after Faulk. I think that makes way more sense. We'd probably have the best collection of RD in the league.

People need to get over Letangs struggles last year. I'm betting he has a bounce back season. Karlsson isn't exactly a defensive god either.

Didn’t Doughty just get around 11? My opinion is that EK thinks he’s the best and wants his salary to show it. I think someone likely gives him $12M. If we he doesn’t get it, he’ll just hold out until free agency.

Also, I’d like to hear what other people think of your offer because I don’t think it’s enough. I think you’d also have to add Sprong and a 2nd rounder. Seems to me for a franchise player the ask is usually: a roster player, a young player, and 3 blue chip prospects/1st/2nd rounders. Guys like Kessel aren’t a good comparison because the demand isn’t the same as it is for a #1 D man. And I think they’d ask for Maatta over Schultz. So it would be Maatta, Jarry, Sprong, 1st, 2nd for EK/Andy and I still don’t know if that’s enough.

I think the more likely target for Pitt would be Stone. My argument there is, why give up assets for either of them (the cost is huge) when you could potentially target JVR and save money on a guy like Franson?

As always, thoughts are welcome
- WSCTeton17

Agree with your points - I was just throwing an idea out there, not that I think it is the best idea.

Concerning the holes PIT has, I think that CAR makes more sense. However, I think dealing Shultz instead of Maatta is the better option if Faulk is coming back. While Skinner has had concussion issues, he has also been otherwise healthy...if that makes any sense. In other words, if he's not concussed, he is likely playing. He does have a lot of skill, and while I also like Stone, he is a RW and PIT doesn't have a need for that (unless he can play LW too). Of the realistic options out there, it is Lucic and Skinner at LW via trade and JvR via FA. I think somebody will offer JvR 6.5-7mil over 6-7 years and that is too much imo.

Also, Jarry seems to have a pretty high trade value at this point, and while he may turn out to be a #1, it won't be with PIT and having him in the minors or on the bench seems like it would lower his value. Hence, I would be more in favor of trading him at this point.

If we can get EDM to retain a good chunk of Lucic's contract, I think he could be a solid pickup tbh. He is a huge frame, plays in front of the net and in the corners very well, works very hard and is absolutely nasty to play against in the playoffs...he is a bit slow, but PIT is a fast team so I am not too worried. EDM seems young-goalie desperate and maybe they would be open to Jarry+mid level pick for Lucic with say $2-3mil retained? Seems like low-risk, high reward for PIT and also solves EDM cap issues and Lucic just not wanting to play there as well (which I am sure has impacted his play). If the Klefbom wanting out of EDM rumors are true, then maybe we add him and Maatta or Shultz to the swap, essentially resulting in a reshuffle of most of the PIT D aside from Letang and Dumulin...

Again, just throwing some thoughts out there...

I like the 3 team trade idea, but pass on trading Maatta or signing Franson (he's slow).
- 123Kid

No way Kessel accepts trade to CAR...and you won't get fair value for him, so you have to keep him at least for this year. At the end of the day, you have to ask "How many 80-90pt wingers make 6.8mil"?

I've always liked that UFA season starts on Canada Day. Drunken check ins on signings then belligerent convos with buddies about them. The hockey news intertwines into the day's celebrations.
- MattStrat

Agreed. Not sure what he’s on about.

Agree with your points - I was just throwing an idea out there, not that I think it is the best idea.

Concerning the holes PIT has, I think that CAR makes more sense. However, I think dealing Shultz instead of Maatta is the better option if Faulk is coming back. While Skinner has had concussion issues, he has also been otherwise healthy...if that makes any sense. In other words, if he's not concussed, he is likely playing. He does have a lot of skill, and while I also like Stone, he is a RW and PIT doesn't have a need for that (unless he can play LW too). Of the realistic options out there, it is Lucic and Skinner at LW via trade and JvR via FA. I think somebody will offer JvR 6.5-7mil over 6-7 years and that is too much imo.

Also, Jarry seems to have a pretty high trade value at this point, and while he may turn out to be a #1, it won't be with PIT and having him in the minors or on the bench seems like it would lower his value. Hence, I would be more in favor of trading him at this point.

If we can get EDM to retain a good chunk of Lucic's contract, I think he could be a solid pickup tbh. He is a huge frame, plays in front of the net and in the corners very well, works very hard and is absolutely nasty to play against in the playoffs...he is a bit slow, but PIT is a fast team so I am not too worried. EDM seems young-goalie desperate and maybe they would be open to Jarry+mid level pick for Lucic with say $2-3mil retained? Seems like low-risk, high reward for PIT and also solves EDM cap issues and Lucic just not wanting to play there as well (which I am sure has impacted his play). If the Klefbom wanting out of EDM rumors are true, then maybe we add him and Maatta or Shultz to the swap, essentially resulting in a reshuffle of most of the PIT D aside from Letang and Dumulin...

Again, just throwing some thoughts out there...
- mventres

Letang and Gustafsson for klefbom and RNH...

Letang and Gustafsson for klefbom and RNH...
- hipcheck_goalie

We already dealt Gustafsson to OTT in Brassard deal...plus, EDM has no reason to deal RNH...as PIT I would rather have Letang than Klefbom as well...

Agree with your points - I was just throwing an idea out there, not that I think it is the best idea.

Concerning the holes PIT has, I think that CAR makes more sense. However, I think dealing Shultz instead of Maatta is the better option if Faulk is coming back. While Skinner has had concussion issues, he has also been otherwise healthy...if that makes any sense. In other words, if he's not concussed, he is likely playing. He does have a lot of skill, and while I also like Stone, he is a RW and PIT doesn't have a need for that (unless he can play LW too). Of the realistic options out there, it is Lucic and Skinner at LW via trade and JvR via FA. I think somebody will offer JvR 6.5-7mil over 6-7 years and that is too much imo.

Also, Jarry seems to have a pretty high trade value at this point, and while he may turn out to be a #1, it won't be with PIT and having him in the minors or on the bench seems like it would lower his value. Hence, I would be more in favor of trading him at this point.

If we can get EDM to retain a good chunk of Lucic's contract, I think he could be a solid pickup tbh. He is a huge frame, plays in front of the net and in the corners very well, works very hard and is absolutely nasty to play against in the playoffs...he is a bit slow, but PIT is a fast team so I am not too worried. EDM seems young-goalie desperate and maybe they would be open to Jarry+mid level pick for Lucic with say $2-3mil retained? Seems like low-risk, high reward for PIT and also solves EDM cap issues and Lucic just not wanting to play there as well (which I am sure has impacted his play). If the Klefbom wanting out of EDM rumors are true, then maybe we add him and Maatta or Shultz to the swap, essentially resulting in a reshuffle of most of the PIT D aside from Letang and Dumulin...

Again, just throwing some thoughts out there...
- mventres

I was just appealing to your thoughts but for me I don’t think Karlsson and Pitt makes any sense because Ottawa is going to want to get rid of Bobby Ryan and that’s not a contract we can take on- which is another reason why a guy like Faulk makes more sense.

Letang, Maatta, Hagelin, Jarry, 2nd for Hamilton, Faulk, Skinner

I was just appealing to your thoughts but for me I don’t think Karlsson and Pitt makes any sense because Ottawa is going to want to get rid of Bobby Ryan and that’s not a contract we can take on- which is another reason why a guy like Faulk makes more sense.

Letang, Maatta, Hagelin, Jarry, 2nd for Hamilton, Faulk, Skinner
- WSCTeton17

I think that the really only place Karlsson could get dealt, if Ryan has to be in the package is Vegas, tbh. VGK could sent Theodore, Miller and 1st - at least to OTT. I think Ryan could do well with a reboot and away from Canadian hockey media...

Not sure CAR would make that deal...I'd rather have Hamilton vs Letang and Maatta if I was them. More likely they do Faulk and Skinner for Shultz/Maatta, Jarry and a second.

However, as a PIT fan, I would prefer to use Jarry to get Lucic (with significant salary retained), and maybe Klefboom (if EDM would take Shultz or Maatta in return).

I was just appealing to your thoughts but for me I don’t think Karlsson and Pitt makes any sense because Ottawa is going to want to get rid of Bobby Ryan and that’s not a contract we can take on- which is another reason why a guy like Faulk makes more sense.

Letang, Maatta, Hagelin, Jarry, 2nd for Hamilton, Faulk, Skinner
- WSCTeton17

Hamilton-Dumo
Cole-Schultz
Rig-Faulk

Guentzel-Sid-Sprong
Skinner-Geno-Kessel
Rust-Brassard-Hornqvist
ZAR-Sheahan-Who cares it’s not Kuhnackle

Agreed. Not sure what he’s on about.
- Thorny87

I could see it being a bit of an F you to Canadian players...but Canada as a whole? nah.

I think that the really only place Karlsson could get dealt, if Ryan has to be in the package is Vegas, tbh. VGK could sent Theodore, Miller and 1st - at least to OTT. I think Ryan could do well with a reboot and away from Canadian hockey media...

Not sure CAR would make that deal...I'd rather have Hamilton vs Letang and Maatta if I was them. More likely they do Faulk and Skinner for Shultz/Maatta, Jarry and a second.

However, as a PIT fan, I would prefer to use Jarry to get Lucic (with significant salary retained), and maybe Klefboom (if EDM would take Shultz or Maatta in return).
- mventres

I think part of the appeal for CAR is that Letang and Maatta are locked up to favorable cap hits for more years. They also get the goalie the want(?). But maybe it’s not Hamilton, Faulk, Skinner - maybe it’s Hamilton, TVR, Skinner

I’ll keep coming to my suggested trade scenario. A package involving Maatta, Jarry, and hagelin (plus some extra), for Faulk and Skinner.
- drummer829

I wouldn't ship out Hagelin unless we were getting a player capable of PK back or if we signed a speedy pk player in his place. Also after reading some articles from Carolina it looks as though they aren't trading Skinner unless they get an overpayment in the trade. I was thinking maybe a trade with Edm. Puljujarvi for Jarry and a conditional pick. A cheap contract which could he a solid 2nd-4th line option. Could play with Malkin, Brassard, or Sheahan and provide some scoring punch. Could be an awesome 4th line with ZAR - Sheahan - Puljujarvi. Could provide problems for many teams.

I think part of the appeal for CAR is that Letang and Maatta are locked up to favorable cap hits for more years. They also get the goalie the want(?). But maybe it’s not Hamilton, Faulk, Skinner - maybe it’s Hamilton, TVR, Skinner
- WSCTeton17

CAR is a young team though, Letang is too old and why bother paying 7.25 for 4 more years when you have a much younger, healthier, better D in Hamilton at under 5.75 for 3 more years?