PS: I’m still of the opinion that a coaching change could go a long way. Regardless of personnel, even when we had Dumo/Letang out their our schemes were very inefficient. Our forecheck is lame, our neutral zone angles are disgustingly awful, our D zone coverage leaves the points wide open all the time (no, not all teams play that way), our attack is for the most part rather tepid. All of these areas can be adjusted by the coaching staff and Sullivan’s schemes seem tired

I’ve shared Sean’s work a few times lately. Often times people look at sheer points as the only thing that matters. What about overall impact? If this trade comes to fruition I think we would be getting lucky. We had Phil’s prime and now we can try to enjoy Zucker’s who could potentially hit 40 goals on Geno’s wing? Who knows

https://twitter.com/chart.../1131744692671012865?s=21

Another good follow to stay informed: https://twitter.com/prosp.../1131584565175300096?s=21

I hope he doesn't trade Phil. Doing something just to "do something" is (frank)ing stupid.
- j.boyd919

Amen, as much as I chirp him n still do was because he was a Bruins and american assassin. Deep down I learned to love philbo.
A trade to do just to do it that makes sense I'm listening.... anything associated with Jack Johnson NO! You eat that white dog poop gmjr.

It's hard to see any deal this guy makes from here on out not short sighted he's 87 and thinks he's the sid of gms

once You start hearing about Phil’s practice antics he stops being such a fun guy to root for. Sounds like even though he produces he throws a giant cog in the gearbox.

PS: I’m still of the opinion that a coaching change could go a long way. Regardless of personnel, even when we had Dumo/Letang out their our schemes were very inefficient. Our forecheck is lame, our neutral zone angles are disgustingly awful, our D zone coverage leaves the points wide open all the time (no, not all teams play that way), our attack is for the most part rather tepid. All of these areas can be adjusted by the coaching staff and Sullivan’s schemes seem tired
- WSCTeton17

The D zone coverage has lazy forwards like Phil Kessel.

I’ve shared Sean’s work a few times lately. Often times people look at sheer points as the only thing that matters. What about overall impact? If this trade comes to fruition I think we would be getting lucky. We had Phil’s prime and now we can try to enjoy Zucker’s who could potentially hit 40 goals on Geno’s wing? Who knows

https://twitter.com/chart.../1131744692671012865?s=21
- WSCTeton17

Considering how into analytics this board usually is, I'm surprised how few look beyond points when it comes to Phil.

Over the 2 years prior to last, Zucker had a 59% xGF, was top 15 in the league in goals and primary points in the league, and second in 5v5 goal differential to McDavid. Then this year the team shot 6% when he was on the ice this year, that probably won't happen again.

Zucker is really good 5v5. Phil has been break even for 3 years because his defense negates all his offense.

https://www-hockeywildern...-free-agency-trade-rumors

My only concern is whether Rask is an upgrade to JJ. He is rumored to be a poor skater. Hopefully he regains his form following the hand accident he had this past off-season. I just worry that he was scratched quite a bit and put on 4th line duty last season for 4 million.

once You start hearing about Phil’s practice antics he stops being such a fun guy to root for. Sounds like even though he produces he throws a giant cog in the gearbox.
- Grinder47

I don’t believe a word the media says. They are simply doing JR’s bidding in exchange for access.

Kessel for Ceci 1-4-1

I don't know why the Wild or Pittsburgh would make this trade? Kessel is a player you trade for when youre on the cusp of being a contender not when you've started a tear down like the Wild have. As for the Pens, Kessel is a player that has contributed greatly to two cups. He's still an elite scorer and the Pens window is still open. They proved a few years back that they didn't need an elite defense to win the cup.
- mnhockeyguy

Kessel is a guy you trade for to get into the playoffs, not necessarily to cap off a cup team.

Minny, Zona, Florida, Carolina are all teams that really need to make the playoffs to make money. Don't think owners don't care about making money.

I like a deal with Minnesota around Kessel for Zucker. I'd really like to see what the Pens would have to add on to a Kessel & JJ for Zucker & Brodin trade.

Believe it or not the Pens actually have leverage here. He has an 8 team trade list but I'd expect all of those 8 teams would be willing to talk about a deal.

I like a deal with Minnesota around Kessel for Zucker. I'd really like to see what the Pens would have to add on to a Kessel & JJ for Zucker & Brodin trade.

Believe it or not the Pens actually have leverage here. He has an 8 team trade list but I'd expect all of those 8 teams would be willing to talk about a deal.
- MacPatty

Some of them will, but not all. The question is if any of them are offering a better center piece than Zucker. If Nashville wants to move Subban then yes. But if not Subban then probably not.

The best asset we traded for Kessel was probably Kapenan and Phil is 4 years older now and unlikely to continue as a point a game player (he's actually only gotten 80 points 4 times and 70 points 5 times in his 13 year career).

This is kind of turning my stomach in a way. Phil doesnt deserve this and I think he should stay.

This is kind of turning my stomach in a way. Phil doesnt deserve this and I think he should stay.
- MattStrat

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
THIS!!!!

Some of them will, but not all. The question is if any of them are offering a better center piece than Zucker. If Nashville wants to move Subban then yes. But if not Subban then probably not.

The best asset we traded for Kessel was probably Kapenan and Phil is 4 years older now and unlikely to continue as a point a game player (he's actually only gotten 80 points 4 times and 70 points 5 times in his 13 year career).
- Tojo.

I think the Pens are in a position where there will be multiple ways to get value from Kessel. From the Preds you could go after someone like Tolvanen or Fabbro. Even a deal with Turris coming back could make sense if Nashville adds.

This is kind of turning my stomach in a way. Phil doesnt deserve this and I think he should stay.
- MattStrat

Kessel is paid millions of dollars to play hockey. You don't need to feel sorry for him.

I have really enjoyed watching Kessel as a Pen but he was never going to play out his contract here. If they can get a good return now I'm all for it.

Phil has been really good on the PP but I actually think there are guys who could slot in and do an even better job.

Put Schultz up top and move Letang down to Kessels spot is a stopgap.

I'll get blasted for saying this but the Pens could likely get Kovalchuk with retained salary for basically free. With his one timer he could be an even better fit than Kessel in that spot.

Considering how into analytics this board usually is, I'm surprised how few look beyond points when it comes to Phil.

Over the 2 years prior to last, Zucker had a 59% xGF, was top 15 in the league in goals and primary points in the league, and second in 5v5 goal differential to McDavid. Then this year the team shot 6% when he was on the ice this year, that probably won't happen again.

Zucker is really good 5v5. Phil has been break even for 3 years because his defense negates all his offense.

https://www-hockeywildern...-free-agency-trade-rumors
- Tojo.

It’s definitely a bias for some. Some overvalue their own players, don’t want to pay fair value for others, lowball contract estimates, etc. It’s kinda like RW with how he selects narratives that fit his agendas.

Phil and Geno haven’t been good together and we didn’t need your proof to show us that, we could all see it. Was Kessel a great fit with Bjugstad? I didn’t think so. I think now is a good time to maximize his value as much as we possibly can and continue to move forward. It’s a business

BTW we talked Trouba for a hot minute a couple days ago. Rumor is his ask will be as high as $8.5AAV

Phil has been really good on the PP but I actually think there are guys who could slot in and do an even better job.

Put Schultz up top and move Letang down to Kessels spot is a stopgap.

I'll get blasted for saying this but the Pens could likely get Kovalchuk with retained salary for basically free. With his one timer he could be an even better fit than Kessel in that spot.
- MacPatty

I heard from current players with ties to LA that he’s going back to mother Russia. His on ice play was effecting his relationships off the ice especially when he posted himself eating ice cream while the rest of the guys were on a road trip

Also, doesn’t make sense to me to take him on at $6.25 when we could get a much younger, more effective option like Gus, Zucc, Dzingel, etc

I heard from current players with ties to LA that he’s going back to mother Russia. His on ice play was effecting his relationships off the ice especially when he posted himself eating ice cream while the rest of the guys were on a road trip

Also, doesn’t make sense to me to take him on at $6.25 when we could get a much younger, more effective option like Gus, Zucc, Dzingel, etc
- WSCTeton17

I don't have any connections to know what he's doing but trusting yours count him out. My thought was that LA wants to br done with that experiment and they would likely be willing to eat significant retained salary to move him.

The only real appeal to him is it would be short term, hopefully around $4m after retention and he would be a perfect weapon for the empty PP slot.

BTW we talked Trouba for a hot minute a couple days ago. Rumor is his ask will be as high as $8.5AAV
- WSCTeton17

I want Trouba but the assets you give up and the fact he is looking for well above his value in AAV makes him not worth it.

I know it's stupid, but part of me would be interested in looking at a Byfuglein trade. Only two years left on his contract but not sure his legs are good enough anymore. I have just always enjoyed him as a player.

2. Phil Kessel cannot be replaced on the power play
- Ryan_Wilson

I disagree. There are multiple players who could replace him on the PP without a dip in production.

I don't have any connections to know what he's doing but trusting yours count him out. My thought was that LA wants to br done with that experiment and they would likely be willing to eat significant retained salary to move him.

The only real appeal to him is it would be short term, hopefully around $4m after retention and he would be a perfect weapon for the empty PP slot.
- MacPatty

I believe if he leaves for Russia that LA gets relieved of the full cap hit which is their hope, that’s why my guy told me

I disagree. There are multiple players who could replace him on the PP without a dip in production.
- jmatchett383

The voice of reason

Word is that Kessel is holding out to see if there’s an acceptable trade to one of his preferred destinations. I would imagine that Chayka would make less than fair value offers. Nashville would probably make a decent offer but I’ve always held to the notion that they would more likely do it after free agency