Wow ! Watching flames/jets : battle of the suck !

Realistically, almost every NHL should be interested in Martin. There is no reason to not be interested in that good of a D-man. The variable is price, and desire to resign and secure him as "their" D-man.

Teams that want him as a rental, will more likely not be dealing a top 6 winger, but a high draft pick and prospect. Also much more likely these teams are going to the playoffs.

Team that want him to keep and anchor their top line, are more likely to be giving a top 6 winger. More likely these teams are not making the playoffs, or a cusp team that would be a 7 or 8 seed and unsure.

My opinion, but its how I see it playing out most likely.
- Guile

You're spot on, and that's why he likely doesn't get moved. It just doesn't make sense on any level, for the Penguins or for potential trade partners.

You're spot on, and that's why he likely doesn't get moved. It just doesn't make sense on any level, for the Penguins or for potential trade partners.
- hardnosed

Now that, I do not agree with. It makes sense for us a lot more, IF, we have gotten Harrington and or Pouliot some time and they are showing as 100% top 4 defense in a year or two from now, like Maatta did last season. To me, that means you can have Maatta anchor the 2nd pairing with either or them or Bortuzzo, and you still have an average 3rd pairing with likely Scuds.
So, if to the contender out west, you let Martin go, and get a high draft pick and prospect, who could be our new Bennette without an injury every other day.

Or, get a team that was some winger depth, but defense needs a key player, and they are gonna roll the dice and want to lock Martin down, and can offer a top 6 winger.


Now, trades of this level are only a couple a year, but I see no reason why the dice can't fall in our favor.


edit: Best way to say this... Washington decided Orpik and Nisk were worth locking down to anchor the D. I refuse to believe Martin won't be sought after just as much, if not more.

Watching the Flames/Jets game just reaffirms my belief that we are spoiled as Pens fans, who else has the forward depth we have on the first two lines ? No one. Who has the defense depth ?especaily in the minors for defense ? We need to stop whining every game about the small stuff! 😳

edit: Best way to say this... Washington decided Orpik and Nisk were worth locking down to anchor the D. I refuse to believe Martin won't be sought after just as much, if not more.
- Guile

I agree that Martin holds value. It's just that contenders aren't going to deplete their forward depth to send us forward who can help in the playoffs.

And then if we're trying to trade him in a "hockey trade" to a non-contender, there's a bunch of reasons why that won't happen. Teams don't trade for rentals with the idea of re-signing them. It's been known for two years that Vanek was heading to Minnesota once he hit FA, but they didn't trade for him last year. Two other teams did.

On top of that, Martin has a movement clause, and his list is likely populated with contenders.

It would take the perfect trading partner to pull it off.

And then there's the fact that Despres/Maatta/Harrington/Bortuzzo have 27 playoff games between them.

Watching the Flames/Jets game just reaffirms my belief that we are spoiled as Pens fans, who else has the forward depth we have on the first two lines ? No one. Who has the defense depth ?especaily in the minors for defense ? We need to stop whining every game about the small stuff! 😳
- Bradlee3

+1

Watching the Flames/Jets game just reaffirms my belief that we are spoiled as Pens fans, who else has the forward depth we have on the first two lines ? No one. Who has the defense depth ?especaily in the minors for defense ? We need to stop whining every game about the small stuff! 😳
- Bradlee3

Nope, I want Scuds dealt somehow... Adams I have been defending for a year.

Get rid of Scuds, and then we can just theory craft on "if we can trade this D prospect and a pick, we could maybe get this big time winger" LOL

Was in Nashville this week. Stopped by Bridgestone Arena. 4 big player images donned the side of the arena. Weber and Pekka got the fist row. Behind them: Seth Jones and none other than one James Neal.

Was in Nashville this week. Stopped by Bridgestone Arena. 4 big player images donned the side of the arena. Weber and Pekka got the fist row. Behind them: Seth Jones and none other than one James Neal.
- 87_71_11_29

Gotta say, right now..straight up, I like Hornqvist better. He's a great fit for this team.

I agree that Martin holds value. It's just that contenders aren't going to deplete their forward depth to send us forward who can help in the playoffs.

And then if we're trying to trade him in a "hockey trade" to a non-contender, there's a bunch of reasons why that won't happen. Teams don't trade for rentals with the idea of re-signing them. It's been known for two years that Vanek was heading to Minnesota once he hit FA, but they didn't trade for him last year. Two other teams did.

On top of that, Martin has a movement clause, and his list is likely populated with contenders.

It would take the perfect trading partner to pull it off.

And then there's the fact that Despres/Maatta/Harrington/Bortuzzo have 27 playoff games between them.
- hardnosed

Its strange how many of us talk about how having a deep defense is more important than being deep at forward,, yet we don't think a contender will give up a top 6 winger for a top 4 defenseman. Just contradictory.

There's plenty of teams deep at forward and weak on defense. I just don't understand the "its impossible" talk. The LNTC does make it more difficult, yes.

Lastly, why is experience so important? How are they going to get playoff experiencing using that logic? The best players should play and not just because they're experienced ( like ya know...scuderi) .Look at the blue jackets last year ....don't you think the guys new to the playoffs played with more emotion and passion than many of our experienced players? Just saying experience can be over rated and youth/inexperience may even be a good thing

Gotta say, right now..straight up, I like Hornqvist better. He's a great fit for this team.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Hörnqvist is a better player than Neal. No doubt. We got a pretty good deal.

Its strange how many of us talk about how having a deep defense is more important than being deep at forward,, yet we don't think a contender will give up a top 6 winger for a top 4 defenseman. Just contradictory.

There's plenty of teams deep at forward and weak on defense. I just don't understand the "its impossible" talk. The LNTC does make it more difficult, yes.

Lastly, why is experience so important? How are they going to get playoff experiencing using that logic? The best players should play and not just because they're experienced ( like ya know...scuderi) .Look at the blue jackets last year ....don't you think the guys new to the playoffs played with more emotion and passion than many of our experienced players? Just saying experience can be over rated and youth/inexperience may even be a good thing
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I think youth brings strong legs and energy needed to the playoffs. Plus the older guys get a charge of these young guys and vice versa. A good mix of both is ideal IMO.

I welcome a coaching trial of any youth during the regular season. This insertion of younger players should be done to develop their skills and confidence but also to give guys a break. 82 games in an inhumanly long season. Breaks should be given to keep players fresh for the playoffs. Egos need to take a back seat to what is good for the team.

I think youth brings strong legs and energy needed to the playoffs. Plus the older guys get a charge of these young guys and vice versa. A good mix of both is ideal IMO.

I welcome a coaching trial of any youth during the regular season. This insertion of younger players should be done to develop their skills and confidence but also to give guys a break. 82 games in an inhumanly long season. Breaks should be given to keep players fresh for the playoffs. Egos need to take a back seat to what is good for the team.
- powerhouse

For the younger guys, but for a seasoned vet it isn't an issue. The Kings had how many key players at the olypmics last season and still won the cup playing almost as many games as you possibly could!

Back to the topic of discussion here, propping up the 4th line, do we see this as a theme for the upcoming season? Or more of a tool to stem the tide until we can roll with Sid, Geno, Sutter, and Goc at center?

Also, when did Sutter learn to backcheck like this? Looks like a canadian Datsyuk out there bart

Back to the topic of discussion here, propping up the 4th line, do we see this as a theme for the upcoming season? Or more of a tool to stem the tide until we can roll with Sid, Geno, Sutter, and Goc at center?

Also, when did Sutter learn to backcheck like this? Looks like a canadian Datsyuk out there bart
- usethe1-2-2

I want our 4th line not only be a shut down line but also a line capable of scoring goals. I am not ssaying they should be used like the top 9 but they can't just play 7 mins a game.. if the other team is worried about all 4 lines that is good for us

For the younger guys, but for a seasoned vet it isn't an issue. The Kings had how many key players at the olypmics last season and still won the cup playing almost as many games as you possibly could!
- usethe1-2-2

To be honest I have no idea how many young guys the Kings had playing throughout the year or if anyone of their key players had any breaks throughout the year.

I want our 4th line not only be a shut down line but also a line capable of scoring goals. I am not ssaying they should be used like the top 9 but they can't just play 7 mins a game.. if the other team is worried about all 4 lines that is good for us
- nh4442

Just would like some more size on any of the bottom two lines, especially the forwards.

To be honest I have no idea how many young guys the Kings had playing throughout the year or if anyone of their key players had any breaks throughout the year.
- powerhouse

I don't recall any. Chicago was in the same boat. I think it isn't that big of a deal during that season, it is the following season that hurts more. The long year and shorter offseason just zaps you for the following season.

Pittsburgh should be in good shape this year though with the return of the all star break.

Finally got to the Islanders game off of DVR. In regards to the bottom 6 ---

Looks like Sill is starting to become pretty invisible.

Seems that Adams is trying to be more physical this year but hes just not very effective.

Goc has been ok but expect a little more out of him.

I like Comeau.

Can't complain about Spaling.

Downie is playing his role....dont always feel comfortable when hes talking sh*t to guys much bigger than him.

@IanAltenbaugh 8h8 hours ago

#Penguins prospect Jake Guentzel has utterly dominated NCAA season early on. 9 points in 4 games. Could definitely finish with 50+ points.

Could be a nice darkhorse for us. Will always have questions about size though.

Finally got to the Islanders game off of DVR. In regards to the bottom 6 ---

Looks like Sill is starting to become pretty invisible.

Seems that Adams is trying to be more physical this year but hes just not very effective.

Goc has been ok but expect a little more out of him.

I like Comeau.

Can't complain about Spaling.

Downie is playing his role....dont always feel comfortable when hes talking sh*t to guys much bigger than him.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Very accurate in my opinion. I feel the same.

Very accurate in my opinion. I feel the same.
- usethe1-2-2

Should also mention with Downie....hes such a target for the refs. Similar to when we had Cooke. The opposition is going to fall every time they are near him and the refs are going to call it. Just something we have to get used to.

Goc has been ok but expect a little more out of him.


- YouMeAndDupuis9

Despite a team low offensive zone starting percentage he has a FF% of 58.7% on the year which is very good. It also includes him playing a game with Adams and Sill who had a FF% of 11.11% and 28.57% respectively against the Islanders. Goc somehow managed a 44.44%.

Goc is fine. Don't bury him with scrubs and he'll do more.

Anyone got Spalings possession numbers?

Despite a team low offensive zone starting percentage he has a FF% of 58.7% on the year which is very good. It also includes him playing a game with Adams and Sill who had a FF% of 11.11% and 28.57% respectively against the Islanders. Goc somehow managed a 44.44%.

Goc is fine. Don't bury him with scrubs and he'll do more.
- Ryan_Wilson

Thx for the info. Will be interesting to see how he does if hes on a line with Bennett or Downie or something like that.