Carolina is probably our biggest enemy and most likely reason we'd have a hard time swinging for bigger names. They can dangle Pesce and we can dangle Maatta
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Carolina also has no interest in paying for bigger names. Min run the cap.

LOL. HERE WE GO AGAIN.
- j.boyd919

I kinda missed the trade Malkin rumors.

I kinda missed the trade Malkin rumors.
- Guile

They’re (frank)ing retarded.

I kinda missed the trade Malkin rumors.
- Guile

I don’t.

I don’t.
- Victoro311

You just don’t trade generational talents. It’s (frank)ing stupid.

They’re (frank)ing retarded.
- j.boyd919

You dont want cheap laughs at stupidity?

You dont want cheap laughs at stupidity?
- Guile

Nah. They eventually stopped being funny. They’re essentially like Aussie’a posts. A waste of time and a waste of words.

I think what gets Tarasenko is Guentzel, a 1st, Hallender, and salary cap with some value like Maatta, Murray, or Rust. Playing like crap or no, he’s gonna command a ransom. But the more I think about it the more I’m with you and think the improvement we make going from Guentzel to Tarasenko isn’t worth the assets. The relative improvement we can make acquiring someone else with those assets and keeping Guentzel is greater what we’d make with that trade.
- Victoro311

I agree. I get that you don't want to do Guentzel + top-end young assets, but that's what Tarasenko would cost. You can't just grab a bunch of middle-6 wingers and a bottom-4 defense and get a top-end goal scorer. But yeah, probably not worth it right now.

I agree. I get that you don't want to do Guentzel + top-end young assets, but that's what Tarasenko would cost. You can't just grab a bunch of middle-6 wingers and a bottom-4 defense and get a top-end goal scorer. But yeah, probably not worth it right now.
- jmatchett383

Assuming the cap would work out in the deal somehow, I would trade Guentzel for Tarasenko no question. Guentzel's salary will be close $6M+ soon anyway and as good as he is, he's still more complimentary than a guy like Tarasenko.

Kessel for Tarasenko is also interesting... the biggest hesitation would be Kessel basically runs our PP on the left side.... and of course, we just traded Sprong so that would be ironic.

I agree. I get that you don't want to do Guentzel + top-end young assets, but that's what Tarasenko would cost. You can't just grab a bunch of middle-6 wingers and a bottom-4 defense and get a top-end goal scorer. But yeah, probably not worth it right now.
- jmatchett383

We probably come out on top in the short term in that trade (read for the rest of the Crosby Malkin window), but I think we lose in the sense that if we packaged Hallander and a 1st for someone else and kept Guentzel we could be better off with that someone else and G than we would be with just Tarasenko.

Assuming the cap would work out in the deal somehow, I would trade Guentzel for Tarasenko no question. Guentzel's salary will be close $6M+ soon anyway and as good as he is, he's still more complimentary than a guy like Tarasenko.

Kessel for Tarasenko is also interesting... the biggest hesitation would be Kessel basically runs our PP on the left side.... and of course, we just traded Sprong so that would be ironic.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

So, you get Tarasenko, and lose Guentzel, and you pay a 27 year old Left handed RW 7.5m to put up 45-50 points a season because there’s no room on the 1PP for him on his right side... is it worth it?

So, you get Tarasenko and lose Kessel and you lose around 15-20 points given that Kessel is on pace for like 80-90 and Tarasenkos career high is like 75. He has no spot on the right side of the PP and is forced to play the wrong side eliminating his one time option, and his total production could suffer... is it worth it?

Or you keep Kessel and Guentzel and get their 90 and 50 (mostly at 5v5 for G’s points) and try to go for someone else that costs less... is This a better option?

We probably come out on top in the short term in that trade (read for the rest of the Crosby Malkin window), but I think we lose in the sense that if we packaged Hallander and a 1st for someone else and kept Guentzel we could be better off with that someone else and G than we would be with just Tarasenko.
- Victoro311

Even in the short term I don’t think they come out on top. Maybe in terms of pure talent on the team sure. But Tarasenko is a RW.

Who you bumping down?

Horny to the third line, where he isn’t as effective?

Or Tarasenko? And then limit his ice time even more because he’s not gonna get 1PP time, which then hurts his production so he’s no longer a 70 point guy anymore.

Or Kessel? And force him to play with Brass which for whatever reason hasn’t worked out.

Then you’re stuck with Pearson, Rust, ZAR, Sheahan, etc. on the LW.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of Tarasenko on the Pens but not at the expensive of Guentzel. At 5v5, their production is very similar. Not to mention Guentzel goes into god mode in the playoffs.

So, you get Tarasenko, and lose Guentzel, and you pay a 27 year old Left handed RW 7.5m to put up 45-50 points a season because there’s no room on the 1PP for him on his right side... is it worth it?

So, you get Tarasenko and lose Kessel and you lose around 15-20 points given that Kessel is on pace for like 80-90 and Tarasenkos career high is like 75. He has no spot on the right side of the PP and is forced to play the wrong side eliminating his one time option, and his total production could suffer... is it worth it?

Or you keep Kessel and Guentzel and get their 90 and 50 (mostly at 5v5 for G’a points) and try to go for someone else that costs less... is This a better option?
- j.boyd919

My vote is for the last option/paragraph. Makes the most sense for a number of reason, most of which you touched on.

My vote is for the last option/paragraph. Makes the most sense for a number of reason, most of which you touched on.
- MattStrat

Not to mention you’re likely going to have to add more than G for Tarasenko. I’d love to see him in a Pens uni, just not at the expense of Kessel or Guentzel. It just doesn’t really work out when you factor in everything and how he would slot in.

In light of how well overall the Pens have been playing, even in loses, I don't think a major shake up is required.

My Christmas wish list:

1) a solid bottom 9 LW that fits.

2) a solid bottom RH d man that fits

Not asking for much, really....

Not to mention you’re likely going to have to add more than G for Tarasenko. I’d love to see him in a Pens uni, just not at the expense of Kessel or Guentzel. It just doesn’t really work out when you factor in everything and how he would slot in.
- j.boyd919

It really doesn't.

I think Schenn would be who I'd want the most from the Blues but only if Brass is gone.

So, you get Tarasenko, and lose Guentzel, and you pay a 27 year old Left handed RW 7.5m to put up 45-50 points a season because there’s no room on the 1PP for him on his right side... is it worth it?

So, you get Tarasenko and lose Kessel and you lose around 15-20 points given that Kessel is on pace for like 80-90 and Tarasenkos career high is like 75. He has no spot on the right side of the PP and is forced to play the wrong side eliminating his one time option, and his total production could suffer... is it worth it?

Or you keep Kessel and Guentzel and get their 90 and 50 (mostly at 5v5 for G’a points) and try to go for someone else that costs less... is This a better option?
- j.boyd919

There are some factors I would argue here

1.) The handedness is a concern, we are pretty much a left handed team across the board. It's possible to re-align the PP with Malkin at the point with Schultz/Letang and Vlad moves into Malkins spot (lets be honest, Genos not scoring there now anyway)

2.) You can't strictly base everything on points because its still a projection. Like the first point, if he gets onto the PP1 he could very well equal or surpass Phil's points. Vlad is also better at board battles and puck protection....and while is not a defensive stalwart but he's definitely better than Phil in that regard.

3.) There's lots of reasons to consider it.....Phil apparently doesn't jive with Sullivan. Heck Vlad could mesh really well with Brassard and that changes the whole dynamic of the team. He is signed for 5 years (including this year) vs. Kessel's 4 years. Phil would end his contract here at 33 years old versus Tarasenko's ending at 30. Pens need a shakeup.


Your last point is definitely fair. Phil generally works pretty dang well here. If theres a way to keep both players and trade someone like Brassard, Maatta, or Rust and get back an upgrade....then sure, that's an option.

There are some factors I would argue here

1.) The handedness is a concern, we are pretty much a left handed team across the board. It's possible to re-align the PP with Malkin at the point with Schultz/Letang and Vlad moves into Malkins spot (lets be honest, Genos not scoring there now anyway)

2.) You can't strictly base everything on points because its still a projection. Like the first point, if he gets onto the PP1 he could very well equal or surpass Phil's points. Vlad is also better at board battles and puck protection....and while is not a defensive stalwart but he's definitely better than Phil in that regard.

3.) There's lots of reasons to consider it.....Phil apparently doesn't jive with Sullivan. Heck Vlad could mesh really well with Brassard and that changes the whole dynamic of the team. He is signed for 5 years (including this year) vs. Kessel's 4 years. Phil would end his contract here at 33 years old versus Tarasenko's ending at 30. Pens need a shakeup.


Your last point is definitely fair. Phil generally works pretty dang well here. If theres a way to keep both players and trade someone like Brassard, Maatta, or Rust and get back an upgrade....then sure, that's an option.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him in a Pens uni, but those are heavy risks when thinking about all the changes that would have to be made to accommodate him. I don’t buy the Phil/Sully bullpoop. Media perpetuates poop all the time. Kinda like how he was gonna trail off last year and ended up posting a career high.

So, you get Tarasenko, and lose Guentzel, and you pay a 27 year old Left handed RW 7.5m to put up 45-50 points a season because there’s no room on the 1PP for him on his right side... is it worth it?

So, you get Tarasenko and lose Kessel and you lose around 15-20 points given that Kessel is on pace for like 80-90 and Tarasenkos career high is like 75. He has no spot on the right side of the PP and is forced to play the wrong side eliminating his one time option, and his total production could suffer... is it worth it?

Or you keep Kessel and Guentzel and get their 90 and 50 (mostly at 5v5 for G’s points) and try to go for someone else that costs less... is This a better option?
- j.boyd919

Malkin for Tarasenko

Malkin for Tarasenko
- Guile

Would Malkin get to be "the man" in St. Louis?

Would Malkin get to be "the man" in St. Louis?
- jmatchett383

But of course. He wont succeed if he is not the man somewhere.

Off-topic: Will Sidney Crosby ever be traded?

Sidney Crosby is arguably the 2nd best player in Penguins history. He has captained them to 3 Stanley Cups and 4 Finals appearances. He has 2 Conn Smythe Trophies, and a large collection of other NHL hardware. For more than a decade, he's been (when healthy) one of the best players in NHL history. But there will come a time, and that time is approaching in the next few years, when he'll be a top-20 player. And then he'll be a top-50 player. He'll still be very good, but it will be the next crop (Guentzel and co) who will be leading the charge.

However, Sidney Crosby is more than a hockey player, he is the face of the franchise. So my question is: If there is a REASONABLE trade that favors the Penguins, do you think that the Penguins would ever consider trading Crosby?

Off-topic: Will Sidney Crosby ever be traded?

Sidney Crosby is arguably the 2nd best player in Penguins history. He has captained them to 3 Stanley Cups and 4 Finals appearances. He has 2 Conn Smythe Trophies, and a large collection of other NHL hardware. For more than a decade, he's been (when healthy) one of the best players in NHL history. But there will come a time, and that time is approaching in the next few years, when he'll be a top-20 player. And then he'll be a top-50 player. He'll still be very good, but it will be the next crop (Guentzel and co) who will be leading the charge.

However, Sidney Crosby is more than a hockey player, he is the face of the franchise. So my question is: If there is a REASONABLE trade that favors the Penguins, do you think that the Penguins would ever consider trading Crosby?
- jmatchett383

As a fan, I'd never want him to leave. But as a wannabe GM, lets say the Penguins become a fringe playoff contender his last two years of the deal. I would let him go to restock (or hopefully bolster) the next wave of young talent and speed up the rebuild with a trade. Better than saddening first round exits.

Off-topic: Will Sidney Crosby ever be traded?

Sidney Crosby is arguably the 2nd best player in Penguins history. He has captained them to 3 Stanley Cups and 4 Finals appearances. He has 2 Conn Smythe Trophies, and a large collection of other NHL hardware. For more than a decade, he's been (when healthy) one of the best players in NHL history. But there will come a time, and that time is approaching in the next few years, when he'll be a top-20 player. And then he'll be a top-50 player. He'll still be very good, but it will be the next crop (Guentzel and co) who will be leading the charge.

However, Sidney Crosby is more than a hockey player, he is the face of the franchise. So my question is: If there is a REASONABLE trade that favors the Penguins, do you think that the Penguins would ever consider trading Crosby?
- jmatchett383

Not sure what his age will be when his contract expires but.....right now he's probably the best bargain in the league at 8.7. Say he's nearing the end with 1-2 seasons left. Depending on how the Pens are, say a fringe team like the Wings, I think 66 at that time asks what he wants? Make 1 last run with a contender or ride it out. Its not like you can rebuild off trade from a player at that point in their career. What would Joe Thornton be worth today in a trade?

Off-topic: Will Sidney Crosby ever be traded?

Sidney Crosby is arguably the 2nd best player in Penguins history. He has captained them to 3 Stanley Cups and 4 Finals appearances. He has 2 Conn Smythe Trophies, and a large collection of other NHL hardware. For more than a decade, he's been (when healthy) one of the best players in NHL history. But there will come a time, and that time is approaching in the next few years, when he'll be a top-20 player. And then he'll be a top-50 player. He'll still be very good, but it will be the next crop (Guentzel and co) who will be leading the charge.

However, Sidney Crosby is more than a hockey player, he is the face of the franchise. So my question is: If there is a REASONABLE trade that favors the Penguins, do you think that the Penguins would ever consider trading Crosby?
- jmatchett383

If Sid had never won a cup by the time he reached his last couple of years without winning one, I would say there's a possibility if the Pens weren't a real contender at that point.

Given the fact he's won three, my guess is he will retire a Penguin without ever having played for another team.