Why did you trade Simon Despres?

Why did you trade Simon Despres?
- deadpoulet

Because Rutherford is not a good GM.

Trading a 23 yr old #5 dman for a 31 yr old #4 dman is poor asset management. The fact that Despres is currently playing in Anaheim's top 4 calls into question the Pens talent evaluation as well.

Why did you trade Simon Despres?
- deadpoulet

Our GM is an idiot. How is that for an answer?

Why did you trade Simon Despres?
- deadpoulet

Because we're the Pittsburgh Penguins and we don't actually want to build a team around Sid and Geno.

Our GM is an idiot. How is that for an answer?
- Oneonta Penguin

Wait wait wait. Hold on a second. Aren't you one of the Despres sucks anyways and there's a reason why two different regimes soured on him so this trade was inconsequential people? Perhaps I'm wrong.

I'd absolutely do that. Though Pens would be obligated to acquiring a top pairing UFA dman if they did that too.
- jfkst1

One option would be to sign Mike Rielly. Maybe they could just pay one of Martin or Ehrhoff market value. It would be a lot of cash and probably too much term, but that' would offset Maatta's loss. Just make sure they have a limited trade clause so we could eventually deal them.

Still on the fence about that deal, Maatta is so dang valuable. Id probably counter and replace Pulkinnen with Mantha, Larkin, or even Dekeyser. Maybe we add a Dea/WIlson/Blueger level prospect...as that's probably overpayment from DET....but if that happened, I wouldnt hesitate.

I follow this kind of thing. Who signed NAFTA and GATT agreements? Bill Clinton. A Demoncrat. Who will sign the TPP? Obama. Another Demoncrat. Anybody thinking democrats are for the little people and Republicans are for the wealthy are fools. For those that don't understand, both parties are rotten to the core. 95% of politicians are pure evil. Corrupt crooks. Both red and blue.

Capitalism is a wonderful thing, unfortunately it's been a long time since it actually existed in the United States.
- madmike71

If you do indeed follow this type of thing, you would realize that democracy in the USA is a joke! Ideologically speaking, very little differentiates the Democrats from the Republicans. Both parties favor privatization, both believe in waging endless wars, both believe in creating favourable conditions for the ultra wealthy and finally both require the leaders of their parties to be millionaires in order to subsidize their elections.

Explain to me where the differences lie!

Wow, politics in sport is terrible. Malkin had to escape the gulag. Just like in business and industry, you end up with substandard outcomes when there is strong government involvement. Those, figuratively and economically poor, KHL players have no incentive to achieve their potential. Ultimately they are playing for fear rather than joy.

Because Rutherford is not a good GM.

Trading a 23 yr old #5 dman for a 31 yr old #4 dman is poor asset management. The fact that Despres is currently playing in Anaheim's top 4 calls into question the Pens talent evaluation as well.
- jfkst1

I fear the whole organization's target to evaluate and attract players is for brand marketing goals rather than hockey goals. The Pens look like a ship with no rudder right now and may be a few years before the course could be righted.

Why did you trade Simon Despres?
- deadpoulet

Because hes overweight, plays his own system and stopped being tough after his 5th NHL fight. He will wear out his welcome in ANA unless he shares donuts with Bruce.

Detroit fan offering

Tatar + Pulkinnen + 2015 1st for Maatta

I think I'd take it.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

We d have to take it, it's everything we need. Suck losing Maatta but it would be ironic if the next lidstrom played for Detroit.

We d have to take it, it's everything we need. Suck losing Maatta but it would be ironic if the next lidstrom played for Detroit.
- Dcoms

IDK that sounds like huge overpayment for a guy that has had the same shoulder repaired 2x in a yr. If they're selling, I'm buying!

Molinari's column vaguely hinting that Byslma's hiring could return a first rounder. I'm confused...

We d have to take it, it's everything we need. Suck losing Maatta but it would be ironic if the next lidstrom played for Detroit.
- Dcoms

Yeah, that offer is not one that could be passed up. Can't imagine Holland would ever do it though.

Molinari's column vaguely hinting that Byslma's hiring could return a first rounder. I'm confused...
- YouMeAndDupuis9

From the article:
"The rights to a coach the Penguins no longer want could end up being one element of a trade package that would enable them to acquire the first-round selection they crave."

If Rutherford was so interested in keeping the Pens 1st rounder why the hell didn't he package Sutter and/or Despres for Perron (or another winger)? That would have reduced the demand from an accompanying 1st round pick to a 2nd at least. I'm also skeptical Rutherford will get a fair value trade for a 1st rounder in this draft given his inability to decisively win trades.

From the article:
"The rights to a coach the Penguins no longer want could end up being one element of a trade package that would enable them to acquire the first-round selection they crave."

If Rutherford was so interested in keeping the Pens 1st rounder why the hell didn't he package Sutter and/or Despres for Perron (or another winger)? That would have reduced the demand from an accompanying 1st round pick to a 2nd at least. I'm also skeptical Rutherford will get a fair value trade for a 1st rounder in this draft given his inability to decisively win trades.
- jfkst1

I mean...I could see him trying to get a 1st for someone like Kunitz, or Sutter even. But theres no chance in hell he gets that for those players at non-deadline prices.

I just don't get the Bylsma think though. I thought every coach was a compensatory 3rd round pick...is it actually more flexible than that?

I mean...I could see him trying to get a 1st for someone like Kunitz, or Sutter even. But theres no chance in hell he gets that for those players at non-deadline prices.

I just don't get the Bylsma think though. I thought every coach was a compensatory 3rd round pick...is it actually more flexible than that?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Penguins could refuse the 3rd round pick and package something like Kunitz, Sutter, and a late round pick for a 1st (which would include Bylsma signing there as well). I just don't see it as likely at all. I think ownership wants to unload his contract just like they did Shero's. Pens can pick up some 2nd and 3rd rounders for players, but I don't think they'll get back into the 1st round without overpaying.

Wait wait wait. Hold on a second. Aren't you one of the Despres sucks anyways and there's a reason why two different regimes soured on him so this trade was inconsequential people? Perhaps I'm wrong.
- Victoro311

You are dead wrong.

I mean...I could see him trying to get a 1st for someone like Kunitz, or Sutter even. But theres no chance in hell he gets that for those players at non-deadline prices.

I just don't get the Bylsma think though. I thought every coach was a compensatory 3rd round pick...is it actually more flexible than that?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Kunitz doesn't bring a first. If you are trading Sutter, you don't trade him for a pick. You package him with Harrington for a top six forward, not a pick. It would be poor asset management to deal him for a first.

Kunitz doesn't bring a first. If you are trading Sutter, you don't trade him for a pick. You package him with Harrington for a top six forward, not a pick. It would be poor asset management to deal him for a first.
- Oneonta Penguin

If Rutherford got a 2015 1st round pick for Sutter it would be a steal. I wouldn't package Harrington/Dumoulin and Sutter for a 1st, but Sutter alone for a 1st in this year's draft is an excellent return for him.

You are dead wrong.
- Oneonta Penguin

My apologies good sir. Carry on.

I mean...I could see him trying to get a 1st for someone like Kunitz, or Sutter even. But theres no chance in hell he gets that for those players at non-deadline prices.

I just don't get the Bylsma think though. I thought every coach was a compensatory 3rd round pick...is it actually more flexible than that?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Here is how I think the best plan to get draft picks would go:

1. Get a 3rd round pick for Bylsma. Probably unlikely, but you never know. You probably need SJ and BUF to both be after him.

2. Get a 3rd round pick for Hynes. I dont see him ever coaching here, so let him have a shot somewhere else and get something for him.

3. Some how convince a team to take Sutter for a 1st round pick. I could realistically see this happen. I think his value outside of the league is a lot higher than what people here think .

If all goes right, we'd have a 1st, 2nd, and 2 3rds. That should be good enough.

My apologies good sir. Carry on.
- Victoro311

I'll admit, i wasn't exactly against the trade at first. But I just didn't really understand it. I still dont think it would have mattered in the Pens playoff performance, but I was assuming he had some serious off ice issues considering Disco hated him as well. When I saw the trade posted online I kept thinking a prospect or pick was coming with Lovejoy. When that didn't happen I just thought the whole situation was odd.

Here is how I think the best plan to get draft picks would go:

1. Get a 3rd round pick for Bylsma. Probably unlikely, but you never know. You probably need SJ and BUF to both be after him.

2. Get a 3rd round pick for Hynes. I dont see him ever coaching here, so let him have a shot somewhere else and get something for him.

3. Some how convince a team to take Sutter for a 1st round pick. I could realistically see this happen. I think his value outside of the league is a lot higher than what people here think .

If all goes right, we'd have a 1st, 2nd, and 2 3rds. That should be good enough.
- SuperHenderson13

The issue with that is the Pens need help now and have many holes. Those dont fill holes for another 2-3 yrs minimum.

Here is how I think the best plan to get draft picks would go:

1. Get a 3rd round pick for Bylsma. Probably unlikely, but you never know. You probably need SJ and BUF to both be after him.

2. Get a 3rd round pick for Hynes. I dont see him ever coaching here, so let him have a shot somewhere else and get something for him.

3. Some how convince a team to take Sutter for a 1st round pick. I could realistically see this happen. I think his value outside of the league is a lot higher than what people here think .

If all goes right, we'd have a 1st, 2nd, and 2 3rds. That should be good enough.
- SuperHenderson13

The compensation doesn't have to be in this years draft. The team hiring the coach/GM can choose which year they want to compensate within the next three. So two 3rd round picks in 2017 aren't going to help with Malkin and Crosby winning a Cup until maybe 2020.
If Rutherford got a 2015 1st round pick for Sutter, I'd almost be willing to overlook his stupidity on the Lovejoy/Despres trade.