I definitely understand your thought process. But, I don't think trading Letang is a knee-jerk decision at all. If anything, it has at least been considered since they signed him to a contract extension. They did not give him the NTC because they needed that flexibility to trade him if the right situation was presented. Having him in the lineup the past couple of years has given Despres plenty of extra time to develop, and they are now reaping the rewards. I might be in the minority, but I don't think there will be any noticeable drop off if he is moved.

I do think that we could see a dramatic improvement in the 3rd line though, if he is moved. Getting someone as an UFA would always be ideal, but there is no guarantee that one will be available this year. We would also have the opportunity to replenish our D prospects with the additional pieces of the trade.
- mw630

When I said knee-jerk I was thinking in the mold of Flyers trading Richards and Carter to sign Bryzgalov. Filling one hole by creating one somewher else. Yes, Despres looks very good, but playing 10 gms for 18min/gm 5/6 role in the reglar season is very diffrent from a 1/2 for 24min/gm role during the Playoffs. I just don't see the need to create that kind of hole & hope it all turns out OK.

Also, I agree there is never any guarentee of what will be available as a UFA. But there is a much better chance of filling a 3rd-line role via UFA than most other roles, espeically if you can offer the UFA a price premium (which the Pens should be able to do).

See, my thought would be to get a return of maybe a proven top 6 guy, preferably in the Kunitz mold. There is no coincidence that Malkin has had his best years with Kunitz or Malone on his wing. The offensive boost of adding a guy like that to the top 6 i think would outweigh the offense Letang brings. Plus, the defenseman who would replace Letang (Despres or whoever) would be more responsible defensively the Letang.

Don't get me wrong, i am a fan of Letang, i just think that what they would be able to get would make a stronger team now and into the future then what it would be keeping him.
- cap1681

I understand what you are saying, but what is that trade? I mean, what would your ideal trade be. Personally, I don't see one out there that merits the risk.

Also, scoring goals hasn't really been the Pens weakness. Geno has done his best work with Kunitz, but its not like he disappears without him. Malkin & Neal had quite an October. Scoring is good, but the Pens already do that pretty well as they are.

It all depends on what the return is.

The D-depth Niskanen provides helps the Pens compete for the Cup now, especially since its almost guaranteed that at some point a Dman will go down with injury in the Playoffs. Plus, given the way Niskanen has played & his relatively young age, I can see Shero moving his rights for value prior to UFA, but after the trade deadline so i don't think it is an all or nothing kinda thing.

However, if the right deal is available & Shero needs to clear space, then I'd be all for it. Just have to make sure that you are getting real value for Niskanen & not just a mid-2nd round pick or something.
- s0rcerer1984

I think if you can get a gritty, 3rd liner and a late pick for Nisky, it would be a worthwhile deal.

I understand what you are saying, but what is that trade? I mean, what would your ideal trade be. Personally, I don't see one out there that merits the risk.

Also, scoring goals hasn't really been the Pens weakness. Geno has done his best work with Kunitz, but its not like he disappears without him. Malkin & Neal had quite an October. Scoring is good, but the Pens already do that pretty well as they are.
- s0rcerer1984

Then why would you be upset about moving Letang?? The upside of Letang is his offensive ability. That will be the toughest thing to replace. Replacing his defensive ability will not be difficult.

Then why would you be upset about moving Letang?? The upside of Letang is his offensive ability. That will be the toughest thing to replace. Replacing his defensive ability will not be difficult.
- cap1681

Replacing a multi-dimension player with a one dimensional player is easy. I don't want a Top-2 Dman who can't get the puck up to Geno and Sid quickly.

I think if you can get a gritty, 3rd liner and a late pick for Nisky, it would be a worthwhile deal.
- cap1681

So long as the 3rd-line W is a RFA or is signed for at least 1 more year, I'm fine with that. If its a swap of UFA's, I'll take the D depth over a 3rd liner.

I know it is wishful thinking, because he probably wouldn't want to come here unless he was guaranteed a top two line role, but the player I would love to see come here would be Matt Moulson. He would be a hell of a 3rd liner and I don't think the Pens would skip a beat if they lost a top 6 winger, he could move up and do just as good. Also, I know Bennett has looked good, but I think for him to secure a spot in the top 6 he is going to have to do better and stay healthy, and if the Pens got Moulson, I would have him penciled in the top 6 over Bennett at least as of now. Until Bennett proved he deserved that spot. Then maybe after next year, Dupuis moves down to the third, and both Bennett and Moulson are in the top 6.

Edit: This is out of the free agents this upcoming offseason. There are other players I would love to see in a Penguins uniform, but they would mostly have to be acquired via trade.

So long as the 3rd-line W is a RFA or is signed for at least 1 more year, I'm fine with that. If its a swap of UFA's, I'll take the D depth over a 3rd liner.
- s0rcerer1984

A guy i think would be a perfect fit on the 3rd line is Tommy Wingels from San Jose, who could use d-depth. He's physical, and has a little bit of offensive ability. Plus, he's an RFA.

Replacing a multi-dimension player with a one dimensional player is easy. I don't want a Top-2 Dman who can't get the puck up to Geno and Sid quickly.
- s0rcerer1984

Where have any of the d-men that the Penguins have right now shown the inability to get the puck up to the forwards. Shero has made it a point to draft guys who have the ability to make that first pass regulary.

Replacing a multi-dimension player with a one dimensional player is easy. I don't want a Top-2 Dman who can't get the puck up to Geno and Sid quickly.
- s0rcerer1984

I don't want a top two Dman who is careless with the puck in which it seems like 65% of his mistakes end up in the back of the net. People overrate Letang's true value here.

I don't want a top two Dman who is careless with the puck in which it seems like 65% of his mistakes end up in the back of the net. People overrate Letang's true value here.
- Oneonta Penguin

I don't know, he's played some pretty phenomenal hockey for this team in the past. Enough good hockey where you have to believe it wasn't a fluke. I can't argue that outside of a few games this year he's been dreadful (rough playoffs too), but he also was making some strides and put in a few really solid games recently.

Who knows what his future is with the team, but I'll stand by my opinion that he'll not be traded next year.

I understand and agree there's logic to moving the guy, but I can't get past the way Ray has handled his players. He's the polar opposite of a guy like Holmgren. Can Pen Fan says he'll be shocked if Letang is on the roster next year, I'll be equally shocked if he's gone.

I don't know, he's played some pretty phenomenal hockey for this team in the past. Enough good hockey where you have to believe it wasn't a fluke. I can't argue that outside of a few games this year he's been dreadful (rough playoffs too), but he also was making some strides and put in a few really solid games recently.

Who knows what his future is with the team, but I'll stand by my opinion that he'll not be traded next year.

I understand and agree there's logic to moving the guy, but I can't get past the way Ray has handled his players. He's the polar opposite of a guy like Holmgren. Can Pen Fan says he'll be shocked if Letang is on the roster next year, I'll be equally shocked if he's gone.
- madmike71

I will be surprised if he is around.

I think Engo is useful player. He was actually playing pretty well prior to that hit. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a spot with the embarrassment of riches they currently have on the blue line.

I could see him being moved if they ever get healthy. The one good thing about all these injuries is the team is learning they have plenty of good options.
- madmike71

I personally really like engo as a 4th line winger. He played the role really well and if a d-man gets injured / thrown out of a game, he can slide back. I hope they keep him around in that role.

I would argue the other way. (as I usually do with you)

I think there was a very real reason why he negotiated the 15 teams list so hard, it was a deal breaker.
- canadianpenfan

I agree with the other gentleman. I think the "very real reason" he nogotiated 15 teams was because of ambiguity with the cap. Now that they know the cap will go up and allow them to sign FA, then they dont need to trade Letang

I personally really like engo as a 4th line winger. He played the role really well and if a d-man gets injured / thrown out of a game, he can slide back. I hope they keep him around in that role.
- ChrisMS

I agree it's ideal to have a dual role player , but I'm not sure if engo is good enough on both sides to justify this spot.

I agree it's ideal to have a dual role player , but I'm not sure if engo is good enough on both sides to justify this spot.
- Bradlee3

I thought he played really well in the 4th line role. no glaring mistakes, scored a couple goals... (how many compared to our current 4th liners?) and can throw some good hits. I wouldn't keep him as a depth d-man with our wealth in d, but as a 4th liner... yeah.. if he's willing

I don't know, he's played some pretty phenomenal hockey for this team in the past. Enough good hockey where you have to believe it wasn't a fluke. I can't argue that outside of a few games this year he's been dreadful (rough playoffs too), but he also was making some strides and put in a few really solid games recently.

Who knows what his future is with the team, but I'll stand by my opinion that he'll not be traded next year.

I understand and agree there's logic to moving the guy, but I can't get past the way Ray has handled his players. He's the polar opposite of a guy like Holmgren. Can Pen Fan says he'll be shocked if Letang is on the roster next year, I'll be equally shocked if he's gone.
- madmike71

I agree... Letang wont be moved, despite some of the haters opinions. There is plenty of cap room to address ourforward depth problems without moving him. Some people on the board to think they could get a top 6 winger and a top prospect and a pick.... couple problems. one... doubtful they get that for several reasons... two, some people seem stuck in the rebuild age of hockey in pittsburgh where it made sense to trade a star for futures... we want to go forward people, not backward. Moving letang would have logic if the cap didn't go up, but now it makes sense to trade or let nisk walk, and see if orpik takes a hometown deal... otherwise, scuds, letang, maata, despres, bortz, martin our top 6...

I thought he played really well in the 4th line role. no glaring mistakes, scored a couple goals... (how many compared to our current 4th liners?) and can throw some good hits. I wouldn't keep him as a depth d-man with our wealth in d, but as a 4th liner... yeah.. if he's willing
- ChrisMS

Come to think of it maybe your right at least about the 4th line role , I forgot about those goals he scored , obviously he can hit (and fight)

I thought he played really well in the 4th line role. no glaring mistakes, scored a couple goals... (how many compared to our current 4th liners?) and can throw some good hits. I wouldn't keep him as a depth d-man with our wealth in d, but as a 4th liner... yeah.. if he's willing
- ChrisMS

He won't be back next year in either role. If the D is looking healthy come deadline time I say trade him if you can get a pick.

Like I said he's a useful player, but I'd rather have a real forward at that position. A guy like Sill should play over Engo. Good on FO's, can Pk.

He won't be back next year in either role. If the D is looking healthy come deadline time I say trade him if you can get a pick.

Like I said he's a useful player, but I'd rather have a real forward at that position. A guy like Sill should play over Engo. Good on FO's, can Pk.
- madmike71

respectfully disagree... we still need 13-14-15-16 guys as this year showed. adams and vitale probably back and both can take faceoffs... I like Menga on third line with sutter, and a solid 2-3 winger FA would be excellent. sill hasn't shown me he's a full time nhler yet, though its nice to know he is in the , ahem, wings, waiting

edit--- dont respectfully disagree wth the idea he isnt back... I doubt he'd be willing to fill that role if a team wants him as a starter d... and I bet someone does

I agree... Letang wont be moved, despite some of the haters opinions. There is plenty of cap room to address ourforward depth problems without moving him. Some people on the board to think they could get a top 6 winger and a top prospect and a pick.... couple problems. one... doubtful they get that for several reasons... two, some people seem stuck in the rebuild age of hockey in pittsburgh where it made sense to trade a star for futures... we want to go forward people, not backward. Moving letang would have logic if the cap didn't go up, but now it makes sense to trade or let nisk walk, and see if orpik takes a hometown deal... otherwise, scuds, letang, maata, despres, bortz, martin our top 6...
- ChrisMS

The haters as you call them bring up valid points and understand what dumping Letang allows the franchise to do as far as current Dmen and what it can bring in. No one has said top six forward. I made mention of an NHL ready forward prospect, a first round pick and a prospect. That certainly is reasonable for the guy you lust over.

Who the hell says its a rebuild if they trade an overrated, and fragile Dman? We have a wealth of D talent playing at a high level. It's not like we would be trading our best point man on the power play (Letang isn't); its not like we would be trading our best Dman (Letang isn't). Someone will overvalue him to death. There are dumb GMs out there who couldn't help themselves. He isn't moving tyo Philly, but Holmgren is one idiot in the NHL that would. McTavish is another ... if Burke is the GM in Calgary - he is also. A rebuild is trading some players you can't replace (Crosby and Malkin). This franchise still has long term needs that you fail to realize. Letang helps with that. It's not rocket science.

The haters as you call them bring up valid points and understand what dumping Letang allows the franchise to do as far as current Dmen and what it can bring in. No one has said top six forward. I made mention of an NHL ready forward prospect, a first round pick and a prospect. That certainly is reasonable for the guy you lust over.

Who the hell says its a rebuild if they trade an overrated, and fragile Dman? We have a wealth of D talent playing at a high level. It's not like we would be trading our best point man on the power play (Letang isn't); its not like we would be trading our best Dman (Letang isn't). Someone will overvalue him to death. There are dumb GMs out there who couldn't help themselves. He isn't moving tyo Philly, but Holmgren is one idiot in the NHL that would. McTavish is another ... if Burke is the GM in Calgary - he is also. A rebuild is trading some players you can't replace (Crosby and Malkin). This franchise still has long term needs that you fail to realize. Letang helps with that. It's not rocket science.
- Oneonta Penguin

Agreed , he would bring back some much needed pieces, and it's not like we are short on great puck moving d-men, his loss wouldn't hurt as much as people think

The haters as you call them bring up valid points and understand what dumping Letang allows the franchise to do as far as current Dmen and what it can bring in. No one has said top six forward. I made mention of an NHL ready forward prospect, a first round pick and a prospect. That certainly is reasonable for the guy you lust over.

Who the hell says its a rebuild if they trade an overrated, and fragile Dman? We have a wealth of D talent playing at a high level. It's not like we would be trading our best point man on the power play (Letang isn't); its not like we would be trading our best Dman (Letang isn't). Someone will overvalue him to death. There are dumb GMs out there who couldn't help themselves. He isn't moving tyo Philly, but Holmgren is one idiot in the NHL that would. McTavish is another ... if Burke is the GM in Calgary - he is also. A rebuild is trading some players you can't replace (Crosby and Malkin). This franchise still has long term needs that you fail to realize. Letang helps with that. It's not rocket science.
- Oneonta Penguin

its scary to try to put myself in your world. So people "lust over" players if they dont hate on them like you do? trade a legitimate top pairing d-man for futures? when there is no rebuild or no financial need to do so? I can only think your actually a troll for another team hoping the pens sabotage their team. It's amazing 29 other teams haven't hired you as GM yet seeing as they all have dumb people running the teams! The team can fill all it's long term needs through free agency at this point. You can't have it both ways... either Letang is a top line d-amn that can bring in a good return (he is, but trading him is dumb) or he isn't and you wont get anything near the value for him that keeping him brings.

I trust in Shero ! He hasn't made but a few mistakes while he's been gm , he'll probably shock us all and do something we haven't even thought of yet .

its scary to try to put myself in your world. So people "lust over" players if they dont hate on them like you do? trade a legitimate top pairing d-man for futures? when there is no rebuild or no financial need to do so? I can only think your actually a troll for another team hoping the pens sabotage their team. It's amazing 29 other teams haven't hired you as GM yet seeing as they all have dumb people running the teams! The team can fill all it's long term needs through free agency at this point. You can't have it both ways... either Letang is a top line d-amn that can bring in a good return (he is, but trading him is dumb) or he isn't and you wont get anything near the value for him that keeping him brings.
- ChrisMS

I'm a fan of Letang, but trading him is an interesting prospect, considering the teams wealth of defensemen. Being able to get depth at the forward position, which is something this orginization is lacking, would be a benefit.