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I think the Penguins should trade Brooks Orpik.

Orpik’s perceived value dwarfs his actual value these days and I think the proper play is to get assets in return for him. He isn’t a difference maker on the ice anymore (at least in a positive way). Orpik is not the player that he used to be and because of that he no longer will be able to provide the same role he once did on a consistent basis. If he isn’t the Orpik of old, then I’m not really sure he can help in the Penguins in the playoffs anyways.

I see no discernible difference in the quality of play between Orpik and a guy like Robert Bortuzzo these days. If that is the case then it would make more sense to roll with Bortuzzo in Orpik’s spot and let another team foolishly overpay. Gritty defensemen always bring back a solid return near the deadline; look no further than Doug Murray and Robyn Regehr as recent examples of that.

Trading Orpik would get the Penguins a few assets that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get. Given the fact that the Penguins are often in a position to give up draft picks and prospects to improve their team, I see Orpik as a good opportunity to replenish some of those assets without really losing anything from the on ice product. Orpik isn’t in the long term plans, might as well get some value.

The day Rob Scuderi signed was the day Orpik stopped having a long term future in Pittsburgh. I think the Pens should cut their losses now and fleece a team that would buy Orpik based on reputation.

I don’t think that this will be a popular opinion with everyone who follows the Penguins and that is understandable. Orpik is an original Penguin from the dark ages and was able to grow from within the Penguins system into the fan favorite he is today. He has been a solid locker room guy and an easy guy for fans to root for. All that said, this is a results driven business and I don’t think the on ice product merits the benefit of the doubt anymore.

Logic may point to moving Orpik, but I don’t think there is a chance in hell that the Penguins actually make that move.

Would you trade Brooks Orpik?





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