Gagner was 6th overall, Cogliano was in the 20s
- cap1681

So then they've drafted top 10 in 6 of the last 7 years with 3 1st overalls.

England, Nisk, and Orpik are UFA's next yr. Pens have 9 D men this yr on NHL type contracts. With the prospect pool being as deep as it is, I cant see all 3 coming back. Orpik and that's about it. I cant imagine anyone trading for Nisk, he's a UFA rental. Letang I can see getting a big return, but I think the prospects could land a solid rental as well. Maata isn't going anywhere. Despress or Bortuzzo could go. Either way, come playoffs the D line up will look a bit different.

So then they've drafted top 10 in 6 of the last 7 years with 3 1st overalls.
- canadianpenfan

just checking some oiler drafting stuff, traded away the 2nd round pick that became Lucic for a rental in Samsonov, brutal

54 and 65 pounds amongst 6 guys is hardly a big difference. Arcobello is 10 times more physical than any of those other forwards. Perron too. Size does not always = physical presence. Penner was a top 6 forward with us for a few years and had all the physical presence of a houseplant. Breaking it down to poundage is simplistic.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Well, basic physics would disagree with you.
Penner was slow on his skates in comparison to the likes of Kane, Toews, Crosby, Kunitz.

Force = mass x acceleration

When a 200 lbs person like Kunitz is skating at 25 mph, and he runs into a 186 lb RNH skating the same speed. Who do you think is going to come out worse?

The standings would look awesome today if Florida would have lost last night.

Every team in the Metro is on a winning streak, every team except Florida in the Atlantic is on a losing streak.

England, Nisk, and Orpik are UFA's next yr. Pens have 9 D men this yr on NHL type contracts. With the prospect pool being as deep as it is, I cant see all 3 coming back. Orpik and that's about it. I cant imagine anyone trading for Nisk, he's a UFA rental. Letang I can see getting a big return, but I think the prospects could land a solid rental as well. Maata isn't going anywhere. Despress or Bortuzzo could go. Either way, come playoffs the D line up will look a bit different.
- sammy87

If Shero really wanted to, he could probably get a 1st for Nisk at the deadline, with the way he is playing, from a team making a push for the playoffs. Hell, we were just talking about Gastaud getting a first. A top 4 defenseman with some offense should be able to get one.

Changing up the topic some, but just curious what people's thoughts on Gaborik are going into the offseason. He has had some injury issues this year, and hasn't put up great numbers when he has played (granted one would expect a drop off of numbers playing for Columbus). But between those two things it may lead to a somewhat substantial reduction in his salary from where it currently sits this year. What kind of deal do you think he will sign this offseason, because I don't see him sticking around Columbus? And would you be interested in him as a winger for the Pens playing with Crosby or Malkin?

If Shero really wanted to, he could probably get a 1st for Nisk at the deadline, with the way he is playing, from a team making a push for the playoffs. Hell, we were just talking about Gastaud getting a first. A top 4 defenseman with some offense should be able to get one.
- cap1681

Wouldn't that be something? Goligoski for Neal and a first. I wonder what NHL13 would have to say about that.

The standings would look awesome today if Florida would have lost last night.

Every team in the Metro is on a winning streak, every team except Florida in the Atlantic is on a losing streak.
- canadianpenfan

It's crazy to think right now there are 9 teams within 9 points of the final 2 playoff spots. It's going to be an interesting trade deadline if this stays the same.

Changing up the topic some, but just curious what people's thoughts on Gaborik are going into the offseason. He has had some injury issues this year, and hasn't put up great numbers when he has played (granted one would expect a drop off of numbers playing for Columbus). But between those two things it may lead to a somewhat substantial reduction in his salary from where it currently sits this year. What kind of deal do you think he will sign this offseason, because I don't see him sticking around Columbus? And would you be interested in him as a winger for the Pens playing with Crosby or Malkin?
- PensFan1103

No way. He makes Hemsky look like an ironman.

Since we all complain about Letangs coming contract (me included), something to consider. It will look even better than we think it will next year.

Bob McKenzie reported Subban is looking at 8-8.5 million a year contract. Its no secret salaries are on the rise. But is his $7.25 going to look bad or incredibly, incredibly attractive from the Pens and perspective trading partners' viewpoint.

No way. He makes Hemsky look like an ironman.
- canadianpenfan

The hit he broke is collarbone on was so soft. Kind of unbelievable when I saw it.

Changing up the topic some, but just curious what people's thoughts on Gaborik are going into the offseason. He has had some injury issues this year, and hasn't put up great numbers when he has played (granted one would expect a drop off of numbers playing for Columbus). But between those two things it may lead to a somewhat substantial reduction in his salary from where it currently sits this year. What kind of deal do you think he will sign this offseason, because I don't see him sticking around Columbus? And would you be interested in him as a winger for the Pens playing with Crosby or Malkin?
- PensFan1103

Someone will overpay for him. He has a 3 40 goal seasons to his name. With the cap going up, don't see him signing a deal under 7 mil a year.

The hit he broke is collarbone on was so soft. Kind of unbelievable when I saw it.
- Deadstar

I remember. I remember actually feeling bad for him that he was so soft.

Also, lots of juicy Letang info here

http://www.pittsburghmaga...-Shero-Trade-Kris-Letang/

My bold prediction. Shero makes no significant trade

Someone will overpay for him. He has a 3 40 goal seasons to his name. With the cap going up, don't see him signing a deal under 7 mil a year.
- cap1681

Probably true and I will never understand why. Very talented player but he averages 60 games a season over the course of his career and now he's in his 30's.

So many red flags around that guy.

Rossi: Last summer, Shero fielded calls about Letang. This was before his extension, so he was essentially a one-year rental player. Other teams were offering top-five picks and Shero's pick of their top prospect. So, there's that.

Yak has less value than Nisk now. He is playing bad hockey. Edmonton wouldn't do that. Nisk is a pending UFA and no chance he signs in Edmonton.
- Oneonta Penguin

You're one of the most uneducated posters on these boards so good job

Since we all complain about Letangs coming contract (me included), something to consider. It will look even better than we think it will next year.

Bob McKenzie reported Subban is looking at 8-8.5 million a year contract. Its no secret salaries are on the rise. But is his $7.25 going to look bad or incredibly, incredibly attractive from the Pens and perspective trading partners' viewpoint.
- Deadstar

It's not long so ago people were flipping their poop anytime a player got $5m AAV. I always laugh when the howling about how somebody "doesn't deserve" such and such cap hit starts.

"Deserve ain't got nothin' to do with it."

A few weeks back, I head Bob McKenzie (I think it was him) on the NHL network. They were talking about the Blackhawks, and he mentioned how both Toews and Kane are only signed through next season. He said they could easily demand maximum compensation, and said the cap hit could be $10-$12m (!!!). So yeah, I guess it's a matter of perspective.

Probably true and I will never understand why. Very talented player but he averages 60 games a season over the course of his career and now he's in his 30's.

So many red flags around that guy.
- canadianpenfan

yeah, but the fact that he's score 40 goals on 2 offensively inept teams will get him paid.

Eberle for Letang better include an Edmonton 1st rd pick and a prospect as well. Only player on Oilers roster worthy of one for one deal is Hall.

It's not long so ago people were flipping their poop anytime a player got $5m AAV. I always laugh when the howling about how somebody "doesn't deserve" such and such cap hit starts.

"Deserve ain't got nothin' to do with it."

A few weeks back, I head Bob McKenzie (I think it was him) on the NHL network. They were talking about the Blackhawks, and he mentioned how both Toews and Kane are only signed through next season. He said they could easily demand maximum compensation, and said the cap hit could be $10-$12m (!!!). So yeah, I guess it's a matter of perspective.
- BulliesPhan87

Wasn't somebody in here complaining about Neal's contract in the offseason?? In 2 years, his contract is going to be considered a bargin when looked as the entire scheme.

It's not long so ago people were flipping their poop anytime a player got $5m AAV. I always laugh when the howling about how somebody "doesn't deserve" such and such cap hit starts.

"Deserve ain't got nothin' to do with it."

A few weeks back, I head Bob McKenzie (I think it was him) on the NHL network. They were talking about the Blackhawks, and he mentioned how both Toews and Kane are only signed through next season. He said they could easily demand maximum compensation, and said the cap hit could be $10-$12m (!!!). So yeah, I guess it's a matter of perspective.
- BulliesPhan87

Yep. I have a hard time judging contracts, especially within the context of the new CBA. First few years are tricky. Unless its outrageous money (these are pretty noticeable), usually its not a really handcuffing contract.

Eberle for Letang better include an Edmonton 1st rd pick and a prospect as well. Only player on Oilers roster worthy of one for one deal is Hall.
- jwl1643

I wouldn't go that far. I could see Letang for Eberle and a prospect.