Ok, hear me out on this, but I'm sure as I type it out I'll realize the error of my ways...

I've read a few rumors that Tampa may wind up moving Kucherov to make room for Karlsson. I think that's a monster mistake, but let's say there's truth to it. Kucherov, if he has a similar season to last year is sure to get north of $9M a year and I'm probably being conservative. Clearly that won't work financially if Karlsson comes in because he's probably looking at Doughty money.

I've been against the idea of moving Kessel, but this might be one area that makes sense:

1) Both right wings.
2) Kessel is cost-controlled and would only be about a $2M bump for Tampa as opposed to a possible $5M to $6M bump.
3) For the Pens they'd be looking at around a $3M to $4M bump which they can probably sacrifice someone else to do, i.e. letting Hagelin walk next year.

I'm sure the cap will go up a couple of mill next year which would alleviate some pressure. I think with some savvy moves to round out the bottom six next year they would make it work.

100% UNREALISTIC - Just thinking out loud.

Wasn't Bryan Murray still in charge then?

He's not given enough credit for how he kept the reigns and the crazy tamed on Melnyk

Dorion is a puppet and basically just a glorified Melnyk yes man
- RoloTahmasee

But Murray wasn't writing the checks. All I'm saying is they did TRY to win by obtaining real NHL talent at market prices (or above market prices). That something the Pirates owner would never do.

Every GM is a "yes man" because the owner is his boss.

Ok, hear me out on this, but I'm sure as I type it out I'll realize the error of my ways...

I've read a few rumors that Tampa may wind up moving Kucherov to make room for Karlsson. I think that's a monster mistake, but let's say there's truth to it. Kucherov, if he has a similar season to last year is sure to get north of $9M a year and I'm probably being conservative. Clearly that won't work financially if Karlsson comes in because he's probably looking at Doughty money.

I've been against the idea of moving Kessel, but this might be one area that makes sense:

1) Both right wings.
2) Kessel is cost-controlled and would only be about a $2M bump for Tampa as opposed to a possible $5M to $6M bump.
3) For the Pens they'd be looking at around a $3M to $4M bump which they can probably sacrifice someone else to do, i.e. letting Hagelin walk next year.

I'm sure the cap will go up a couple of mill next year which would alleviate some pressure. I think with some savvy moves to round out the bottom six next year they would make it work.

100% UNREALISTIC - Just thinking out loud.
- Rinosaur

As a Tampa fan, the idea of Kucherov ending up with the Penguins is terrifying. The stuff of nightmares. Kucherov on wing with Geno would be insanity.

As a Tampa fan, the idea of Kucherov ending up with the Penguins is terrifying. The stuff of nightmares. Kucherov on wing with Geno would be insanity.
- GalacticStone

Of course and the idea of facing off against Kessel doesn't sound fun either, but I think it makes sense for both teams. Clearly the Pens would probably need to add a 1st to that deal, but going on premise you'll have to move Kucherov, this would probably be one of the few situations where you wouldn't wind up with any holes in your forwards.

I'm sure you'd get a great Prospect/Pick package, but having someone like Kessel would keep you guys potent.

Ok, hear me out on this, but I'm sure as I type it out I'll realize the error of my ways...

I've read a few rumors that Tampa may wind up moving Kucherov to make room for Karlsson. I think that's a monster mistake, but let's say there's truth to it. Kucherov, if he has a similar season to last year is sure to get north of $9M a year and I'm probably being conservative. Clearly that won't work financially if Karlsson comes in because he's probably looking at Doughty money.

I've been against the idea of moving Kessel, but this might be one area that makes sense:

1) Both right wings.
2) Kessel is cost-controlled and would only be about a $2M bump for Tampa as opposed to a possible $5M to $6M bump.
3) For the Pens they'd be looking at around a $3M to $4M bump which they can probably sacrifice someone else to do, i.e. letting Hagelin walk next year.

I'm sure the cap will go up a couple of mill next year which would alleviate some pressure. I think with some savvy moves to round out the bottom six next year they would make it work.

100% UNREALISTIC - Just thinking out loud.
- Rinosaur

From what it sounds like, a team has to take Bobby Ryan. If the bolts are getting Kessel and Karlsson, the sens are getting picks and prospects, then the pens would end up with kucherov and Ryan, which sounds impossible to do.

This is why I think VGK makes the most sense. They can take karlsson and Ryan and they also have a crap ton of picks/prospects. They have their 1st round picks still and also 2 2nd’s in 2019 and 3 2nds in 2020. If Ottawa is dedicated to the rebuild, I’d be asking for glass or suzuki as well as 2 1sts and a 2nd.

From what it sounds like, a team has to take Bobby Ryan. If the bolts are getting Kessel and Karlsson, the sens are getting picks and prospects, then the pens would end up with kucherov and Ryan, which sounds impossible to do.

This is why I think VGK makes the most sense. They can take karlsson and Ryan and they also have a crap ton of picks/prospects. They have their 1st round picks still and also 2 2nd’s in 2019 and 3 2nds in 2020. If Ottawa is dedicated to the rebuild, I’d be asking for glass or suzuki as well as 2 1sts and a 2nd.
- drummer829

They are asking for Glass, a 1st and Theodore

Vegas is saying No

Ok, hear me out on this, but I'm sure as I type it out I'll realize the error of my ways...

I've read a few rumors that Tampa may wind up moving Kucherov to make room for Karlsson. I think that's a monster mistake, but let's say there's truth to it. Kucherov, if he has a similar season to last year is sure to get north of $9M a year and I'm probably being conservative. Clearly that won't work financially if Karlsson comes in because he's probably looking at Doughty money.

I've been against the idea of moving Kessel, but this might be one area that makes sense:

1) Both right wings.
2) Kessel is cost-controlled and would only be about a $2M bump for Tampa as opposed to a possible $5M to $6M bump.
3) For the Pens they'd be looking at around a $3M to $4M bump which they can probably sacrifice someone else to do, i.e. letting Hagelin walk next year.

I'm sure the cap will go up a couple of mill next year which would alleviate some pressure. I think with some savvy moves to round out the bottom six next year they would make it work.

100% UNREALISTIC - Just thinking out loud.
- Rinosaur

https://www.capfriendly.c...m/armchair-gm/team/789156

Karlsson and Kuch signed could be done. Yzerman would just have to be super crafty with his depth signings.

https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/789156

Karlsson and Kuch signed could be done. Yzerman would just have to be super crafty with his depth signings.
- j.boyd919

Ehhh, I guess. The issue there is while they are probably icing one of of the best d-cores ever, they're taking a major hit in their forward depth. Karlsson will cause them to have issues with their depth regardless, but I can't see them keeping Kucherov. After looking at yours, even my Kessel idea doesn't really work.

IMO if they get Karlsson without moving Kucherov now, this is their year to make it. I think the loss in depth despite having Karlsson will just wind up balancing out their input/output.

EDIT:
https://www.capfriendly.c...m/armchair-gm/team/789218

With this lineup, next year they can just let Coburn and Girardi walk. Koekoek and Foote can take over the bottom pair if Foote is ready. Frees up money for some other UFAs/RFAs.

$1.4M still free before the season is up, so guessing the cap could go up $1-$2M, they can still manage things.

"Could Eugene Melnyk, the ultimate cheapskate"

Sorry RW, he's second. The ultimate cheapskate owns a MLB team in Tampa Bay.
- stevens87

Fixed

Ehhh, I guess. The issue there is while they are probably icing one of of the best d-cores ever, they're taking a major hit in their forward depth. Karlsson will cause them to have issues with their depth regardless, but I can't see them keeping Kucherov. After looking at yours, even my Kessel idea doesn't really work.

IMO if they get Karlsson without moving Kucherov now, this is their year to make it. I think the loss in depth despite having Karlsson will just wind up balancing out their input/output.

EDIT:
https://www.capfriendly.c...m/armchair-gm/team/789218

With this lineup, next year they can just let Coburn and Girardi walk. Koekoek and Foote can take over the bottom pair if Foote is ready. Frees up money for some other UFAs/RFAs.

$1.4M still free before the season is up, so guessing the cap could go up $1-$2M, they can still manage things.
- Rinosaur

I can’t see Kessel and a first getting it done. It’s gonna be way more than that. Might be two firsts and then some since Kuch is an RFA.

I can’t see Kessel and a first getting it done. It’s gonna be way more than that. Might be two firsts and then some since Kuch is an RFA.
- j.boyd919

Possibly. I don’t think Karlsson to Tampa gets done though. I think Vegas will ultimately get it done.

35%?!?!? Yeah... more like 50% if he's gonna be here for four years. First Lucic, now Ryan.

I'll be honest though, I don't think poorly of Bobby Ryan. The "change of scenery" gets thrown around a bit too much, but I do think he'd benefit from one. Still though. not paying him $4M+ for four years.
- Rinosaur

If you get B.Ryan at 50%, the price is going to be way higher. Ottawa needs to try and make deals with non playoff teams. If you cant get your pick back, might as well try and get another pick and hope you win the lottery.

If you get B.Ryan at 50%, the price is going to be way higher. Ottawa needs to try and make deals with non playoff teams. If you cant get your pick back, might as well try and get another pick and hope you win the lottery.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Yeah cause if they trade Karlsson, Colorado is gonna get Ottawa's last place lottery pick hahahaha

I've never met a cool Bobby in my entire life. Everyone I have ever met named Bobby turned out to be a douchebag.
- GalacticStone

Funny....every Richard I have ever met turned out to be a Richard.

If you get B.Ryan at 50%, the price is going to be way higher. Ottawa needs to try and make deals with non playoff teams. If you cant get your pick back, might as well try and get another pick and hope you win the lottery.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

The point is it’s not worth it.

Funny....every Richard I have ever met turned out to be a Richard.
- bullethead7

(frank) Richard

Possibly. I don’t think Karlsson to Tampa gets done though. I think Vegas will ultimately get it done.
- Rinosaur

I think Vegas might be considering taking him with no immediate extension with the hopes of earning a relationship with Karlsson throughout the season. Vegas could really use a #1 defender. They have a ton of assets and the ability to take on B Ryan
Kinda similar to when we got Hossa back in 2008. A lot of people hated giving up Esposito but Shero felt like he was going to be able to sign Hossa and instead Hossa Richard’d off. I would imagine if Vegas did the trade they would make a first rounder conditioned upon an EK extension

Some rumors/notes I read on the Penguins this morning:


JR was the one to over rule most in the organization about the J. Johnson signing (most of the coaching staff didn't feel very strong about JJ). JR feels as though JJ could slide up and down the D lineups.

JR thought the asking price was too high for Patches and is staying pat right now as they go to arbitration with Big rig.


They are looking to Utilize Cullen as a winger on the 4th line with Sheahan and as a PK'er if Brassard doesn't make a smooth transition.

They are looking to Utilize Cullen as a winger on the 4th line with Sheahan and as a PK'er if Brassard doesn't make a smooth transition.
- 123Kid

This concerns me a little. I don't dislike the signing, but I wonder the domino-effect it will have on the rest of the lineup. Let's say as of today, Cullen is a lock for that LW position.

Jake-Sid-Horn
Hagelin-Geno-Kessel
Rust-Brassard-???
Cullen-Sheahan-???

I'm sure we all assume Sprong next to Brass and ZAR next so Sheahan, but I won't believe it until I see it. Without Cullen, Simon, ZAR and Sprong all have spots in the lineup.

My concern is Sprong being on a super short leash since they now have an odd-man-out situation.

Some rumors/notes I read on the Penguins this morning:


JR was the one to over rule most in the organization about the J. Johnson signing (most of the coaching staff didn't feel very strong about JJ). JR feels as though JJ could slide up and down the D lineups.

JR thought the asking price was too high for Patches and is staying pat right now as they go to arbitration with Big rig.


They are looking to Utilize Cullen as a winger on the 4th line with Sheahan and as a PK'er if Brassard doesn't make a smooth transition.
- 123Kid

Interesting stuff, thanks! I agree on the Patches asking prices too

This concerns me a little. I don't dislike the signing, but I wonder the domino-effect it will have on the rest of the lineup. Let's say as of today, Cullen is a lock for that LW position.

Jake-Sid-Horn
Hagelin-Geno-Kessel
Rust-Brassard-???
Cullen-Sheahan-???

I'm sure we all assume Sprong next to Brass and ZAR next so Sheahan, but I won't believe it until I see it. Without Cullen, Simon, ZAR and Sprong all have spots in the lineup.

My concern is Sprong being on a super short leash since they now have an odd-man-out situation.
- Rinosaur

The way many are leaning towards since the coaching staff likes Simon and Sid is training with him (both on the ice and in the weight room). Some anticipate Simon being the breakout player for us this year. A healthy line up could look like this.


Jake-Sid- Simon
Hagelin-Geno- Horn
Rust-Brassard-Kessel
Cullen/ZAR-Sheahan-Sprong/ZAR

Which is a good problem if they are all healthy, but they are anticipating injuries. So I am happy about the depth. Allows Sprong to work his way up. Many in WBS didn't like Sprong's attitude or how he would give up defensively so I could see him staying in the lower lines.

Interesting stuff, thanks! I agree on the Patches asking prices too
- 668710

I don't think the Pens need to target any scoring forwards right now. If a deal gets done with Oleksiak they're likely done for right now. The Pens should probably have a little over $1M in free space for a deadline move which is fine; there are some nice rentals that MAY be available depending on their team's playoff status...

Justin Williams
Nyquist
Silfverberg
Panik
Colin Wilson

So yeah, while someone like Pacioretty would be nice, I don't think he's worth whatever price he could cost the Pens. Plus Jake is an RFA next season, so the Pens need to prepare for a SERIOUS raise.

I don't think the Pens need to target any scoring forwards right now. If a deal gets done with Oleksiak they're likely done for right now. The Pens should probably have a little over $1M in free space for a deadline move which is fine; there are some nice rentals that MAY be available depending on their team's playoff status...

Justin Williams
Nyquist
Silfverberg
Panik
Colin Wilson

So yeah, while someone like Pacioretty would be nice, I don't think he's worth whatever price he could cost the Pens. Plus Jake is an RFA next season, so the Pens need to prepare for a SERIOUS raise.
- Rinosaur

Guentzel is pretty much going to take hagelins contract plus some. The only cap space the pens will have for next year will be how much the cap rises

With all of these long term signings, it’s important to remember Seattle may have a team in 2-3 years. I read an article where Bettman stated the expansion draft will be similar to VGK’s. If this is the case, I really hope JR and management are keeping this on the back their minds when signing/trading for players with long contracts

The way many are leaning towards since the coaching staff likes Simon and Sid is training with him (both on the ice and in the weight room). Some anticipate Simon being the breakout player for us this year. A healthy line up could look like this.


Jake-Sid- Simon
Hagelin-Geno- Horn
Rust-Brassard-Kessel
Cullen/ZAR-Sheahan-Sprong/ZAR

Which is a good problem if they are all healthy, but they are anticipating injuries. So I am happy about the depth. Allows Sprong to work his way up. Many in WBS didn't like Sprong's attitude or how he would give up defensively so I could see him staying in the lower lines.
- 123Kid

If Simon plays any significant minutes with Sid this season we're in trouble. He's closer to an AHL player than he is a top 6 NHL player. I don't see what JR sees in that guy. They would have been much better off signing Duclair for 100k less than Dom Simon.

I wish we would have signed a proven depth forward (maybe 2) that isn't 42. We could have trouble getting depth scoring again. I mean... Rust, Sheahan and Hags have been known to go cold for fairly long stretches. Cullen isn't going to light the lamp much and it's possible Sprong, ZAR and Simon struggle too.

JR is having another rough off-season IMO. Even if we couldn't get a proven depth forward, I would have taken De Haan and Duclair over JJ, Simon and Cullen any day.