I can't hear anymore of his bullsh!t today...if only Madden could ask him what the fvck he was and continues to be thinking regarding JJ.
- MattStrat

I only caught part of it and nothing on JJ. They did talk about if Riikola could make the jump to top 6. So I'm officially rooting for Riikola to push JJ out of a spot.

More interesting was Rossi and Madden both saying Malkin would prefer not to play with Kessel. They both make crap up, but they also aren't the only ones saying that. I'm curious of if that was true would that change anyone's opinion on keeping Kessel?

I only caught part of it and nothing on JJ. They did talk about if Riikola could make the jump to top 6. So I'm officially rooting for Riikola to push JJ out of a spot.

More interesting was Rossi and Madden both saying Malkin would prefer not to play with Kessel. They both make crap up, but they also aren't the only ones saying that. I'm curious of if that was true would that change anyone's opinion on keeping Kessel?
- Tojo.

MM is annoying and has gone down hill over the last few years, but he does have a pretty good read on the Pens and is right about things pretty often. I think he has a better relationship with the Pens than most writers. That said....Yeah Malkin and Kessel aren't the best together and thats obvious. They both want someone to get them the puck which for their skill level is pretty accurate. Its why Kunitz and Crosby were great together. Malkin and Feds etc.....You can't have too many stars on the team, somebody has to do the dirty work. Its why Kessel can play 82 games/yr.

I only caught part of it and nothing on JJ. They did talk about if Riikola could make the jump to top 6. So I'm officially rooting for Riikola to push JJ out of a spot.

More interesting was Rossi and Madden both saying Malkin would prefer not to play with Kessel. They both make crap up, but they also aren't the only ones saying that. I'm curious of if that was true would that change anyone's opinion on keeping Kessel?
- Tojo.

How this has all unfolded and things I've been reading about it all have kind of made me want to move on from Kessel...that and some of (bad) ES stats you've been throwing out there. I think a motivated and wanting to be with the Pens Kessel is better than almost any return out there but I fear things could get ugly if he sticks around. I like Phil and would want him to stay if I didnt think he wanted out at all and/or I didnt know that he was being aggressively shopped this offseason.

I think Rikky and JJ are pretty equal when it comes to mistakes and coughing it up...but I think Rikky is a better skater, passer and shooter. I'd prefer him too but if he's getting a shot he needs to stick and get lots of game time. I just dont see him sticking over the vet JJ if JJ is still around.

I would like to see:

Guentzel-Sid-Kessel
Simon-Geno-Kahun
McCann-Bjugstad-Hornqvist
Blueger-Johnson-Rust

I would like to see:

Guentzel-Sid-Kessel
Simon-Geno-Kahun
McCann-Bjugstad-Hornqvist
Blueger-Johnson-Rust
- j.boyd919

I was actually about suggest seeing Kessel and Jake swapped. I can’t recall much if any time Jake flanked Geno, but the little I’ve seen from Kessel and Sid I’ve liked.

I was actually about suggest seeing Kessel and Jake swapped. I can’t recall much if any time Jake flanked Geno, but the little I’ve seen from Kessel and Sid I’ve liked.
- Rinosaur

I don't think Kessel is a big fan of switching sides, and I also don't want to pull the chemistry that Jake and Sid have. I think adding Kessel to that line would be ridiculous. Could be one of the highest scoring lines in the NHL if they'd stick with it. all 3 players are capable of potting 30+ goals.

I don't think Kessel is a big fan of switching sides, and I also don't want to pull the chemistry that Jake and Sid have. I think adding Kessel to that line would be ridiculous. Could be one of the highest scoring lines in the NHL if they'd stick with it. all 3 players are capable of potting 30+ goals.
- j.boyd919

I didn’t mean Kessel on LW. I meant something like this...

McCann-Sid-Kessel
Kahun-Geno-Jake
Simon-Bjug-Horn

I agree about not breaking up Jake and Sid, but if Sid can get more out of Phil and Jake doesn’t miss a beat with Geno it could work out well. I don't think it would hurt to try a game or two like that.

I didn’t mean Kessel on LW. I meant something like this...

McCann-Sid-Kessel
Kahun-Geno-Jake
Simon-Bjug-Horn

I agree about not breaking up Jake and Sid, but Sid can get more out of fill and Jake doesn’t miss a beat with Geno it could work out well.
- Rinosaur

If I am Sully or JR... I'm doing all I can to get Kessel and Malkin to grow the (frank) up and play together. Swap Jake and Kessel and those are the ideal lines I want.

If not... well (frank), guess that's why a Kessel trade is being explored X_X

I think we just have to find a way to land Panarin. Then anything we trade Phil for is gravy.....

is it even possible to make the cap room? would he want to come to PIT..or is it known if he has a preferred destination?

I think we just have to find a way to land Panarin. Then anything we trade Phil for is gravy.....

is it even possible to make the cap room? would he want to come to PIT..or is it known if he has a preferred destination?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

He wants to go to a place where he can be THE MAN

We need to find takers for Jacko or/and Gudbranson. I’d love to bring in Trouba (if we unload Schultz).

He wants to go to a place where he can be THE MAN

We need to find takers for Jacko or/and Gudbranson. I’d love to bring in Trouba (if we unload Schultz).
- Barnaby36

Trouba just went to NYR for Neal Pionk and 20th overall pick

Trouba just went to NYR for Neal Pionk and 20th overall pick
- YouMeAndDupuis9

That’s where he wanted to go. Panarin next.

Pionk and the 20th for Trouba isn’t terrible considering the writing was on the wall plus it obviously opens up a ton of cap space for Jets financial future

Trouba just went to NYR for Neal Pionk and 20th overall pick
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Depressing.

Pionk and the 20th for Trouba isn’t terrible considering the writing was on the wall plus it obviously opens up a ton of cap space for Jets financial future
- WSCTeton17

Winnipeg gave up Trouba for a few months of Kevin Hayes & Pionk. Hardly a good return for them. Surprised they didnt wait until the draft, surely someone would have paid more for him there?

I would like to see:

Guentzel-Sid-Kessel
Simon-Geno-Kahun
McCann-Bjugstad-Hornqvist
Blueger-Johnson-Rust
- j.boyd919

If these are the forwards we have then I would swap Simon and McCann at the very least. I don’t think Kessel with Sid is sustainable because of his lack of a desire to play the cycle game which Sid enjoys so much. Wingers I’m all for trying with Sid and Jake in order: McCann, Rust, Kahun (give him to Geno), Blueger. I think Rust seizes the moment on the top line this year

Rust-Sid-Jake
Kahun-Geno-Hornqvist
McCann-Nick-Phil
Simon-Blueger-Johnson

I want Blueger getting reps at center in case he needs to jump up and who knows, he may be a more capable center than McCann with some experience

Winnipeg gave up Trouba for a few months of Kevin Hayes & Pionk. Hardly a good return for them. Surprised they didnt wait until the draft, surely someone would have paid more for him there?
- SuperHenderson13

Tough to say. Maybe get more but what happens when the RFA talks open up in a week or so and his agent says “he’s going to New York” and screws over the Jets? At some point you give the player what he wants and see what you can get in return (see Jordan Staal)

Rutherford is a wussy for not matching that.

Rutherford is a wussy for not matching that.
- Victoro311

I think several teams could/would have beaten it. Kind of leads me to believe Trouba said he's only extending with the Rangers or a very limited amount of teams. I heard FLA was another destination.

Pionk and the 20th for Trouba isn’t terrible considering the writing was on the wall plus it obviously opens up a ton of cap space for Jets financial future
- WSCTeton17

Pionk had s great second half two years ago. Last year he looked like a bottom pairing dman with offensive upside. Still young tho

Rutherford is a wussy for not matching that.
- Victoro311

If he’s looking for leadership I don’t think bringing in a guy who doesn’t want to be there fits his bill 🤷🏼‍♂️

I think several teams could/would have beaten it. Kind of leads me to believe Trouba said he's only extending with the Rangers or a very limited amount of teams. I heard FLA was another destination.
- madmike71

That’s the impression I got. I think it was obvious that he was going to be traded to a team where he wanted to resign long term. I think the “rumor” had the rangers, panthers, and Islanders as his preferred choices. Rangers are paying a 1st and Poink for the negotiating rights and the option to give him the 8th year.

A lot of cap projections have the cap going to $83M but like someone else said earlier, some think that number could be $80-81M. If its in that range, the Penguins would HAVE to trade at least one of Hornqvist, Kessel, Johnson, or Gudbranson without taking a ton of salary back. I believe we have some RFAs to sign. No one that will break the bank, but still a few where we need some money available. That's a worst case and I am not sure that is going to happen due to how many teams against the cap would be mad since the budgeted number has been $83M for at least the last few months.

Looking at this roster... I dont know. It still just feels a bit stale. I dont see an identity. I see some speed, I see some size, I see a bad bottom defense group that costs too much, I still dont see a ton of goals in our bottom 6... I have to think we still see a minimum of two sizeable moves. Everytime GMJR says he doesnt have to trade Kessel makes me think even more he is going to trade Kessel.

I think several teams could/would have beaten it. Kind of leads me to believe Trouba said he's only extending with the Rangers or a very limited amount of teams. I heard FLA was another destination.
- madmike71

Hopefully for our sake it turns out like the last defenseman who only wanted to sign with the Rangers (Shattenkirk)

That’s the impression I got. I think it was obvious that he was going to be traded to a team where he wanted to resign long term. I think the “rumor” had the rangers, panthers, and Islanders as his preferred choices. Rangers are paying a 1st and Poink for the negotiating rights and the option to give him the 8th year.
- drummer829

Pretty sure I also read Trouba wanted to go to NY. Guess he forced their hand.