I would like to see:

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

Jake Sid Kahun
McCann Geno Hornqvist
Simon Bjugstad Kessel
ZAR/Miletic Blueger Rust
Unless Kessel is traded. Hell, even rust might he traded

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.
- MattStrat

Kessel can make up for his bad possession stats with his elite scoring ability at ES, he just kind of break even. I just feel Malkin plays better without him when he's had someone like Rust or Hornqvist who works his tail off to get him the puck.

JJ ha the spot, but during a long season Riikola should get a chance. Hopefully he does well with it. I do think playing his off-side with Maatta wasn't ideal so he can be better. Maybe just replacement level, but I'd take that.

I would like to see:

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

The stats you showed said that was a great line, and surrounding Kessel with that group would overcome his weaknesses because they'd have the puck so much anyways. I just wonder if Sid also prefers guys like Rust.

I'm curious who ends up on the 4th line. If it's Rust, would they look to move him? Sully has some options to play with now.

The stats you showed said that was a great line, and surrounding Kessel with that group would overcome his weaknesses because they'd have the puck so much anyways. I just wonder if Sid also prefers guys like Rust.

I'm curious who ends up on the 4th line. If it's Rust, would they look to move him? Sully has some options to play with now.
- Tojo.

My guess though is that when Kessel is paired with Crosby they’re probably starting a lot of their shifts in the offensive zone already and their other other winger is also probably someone solid. That’s definitely a factor

Ryan Wilson’s understanding of what Jim Rutherford means by leadership is probably way off. Not surprising.
- Grinder47

I went back and reread Molinari's piece on DK's site. I think a lot of people are misinterpreting most of his comments.....JMO. Being hungry and focused is part of leadership. It's hard to argue the Pens were either of those things on a nightly basis. Certainly a few players fit that mold.....but just a few.

Lottery for Kakko, got the big college UFA Fox, and now Trouba. Rangers having quite the off-season so far an we haven't even gotten to free agency.

My guess though is that when Kessel is paired with Crosby they’re probably starting a lot of their shifts in the offensive zone already and their other other winger is also probably someone solid. That’s definitely a factor
- WSCTeton17

I'd imagine their possession numbers would dip some compared to other RWs, but if Kessel was playing with Crosby, Guentzel, and Letang regularly they'd still be positive and score so much it wouldn't matter. We just have to hear how they're unfair to Geno all 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.
- SuperHenderson13

I agree with it being stale....With Kessel, its either he wants out or the team does...Tough to say which it is but I think the Pens should move on. He can't/won't play with Malkin or Crosby. He needs a C that does the dirty work he won't do. Makes him out as a passenger IMO.

I agree with it being stale....With Kessel, its either he wants out or the team does...Tough to say which it is but I think the Pens should move on. He can't/won't play with Malkin or Crosby. He needs a C that does the dirty work he won't do. Makes him out as a passenger IMO.
- sammy87

Teams that break the puck out extremely well and transition well that already have a set line would do well adding Phil. This ensures a strong QoT for Phil while likely giving him favorable QoC. I think Dallas, Colorado, Nashville all make a ton of sense for Phil and at ES they’re all competitive. Having said that, I don’t think Colorado or Dallas need him on their peepers. Nashville has been and remains the best fit for Philbo Baggins in all aspects

https://triblive.com/spor...is-letang-as-untouchable/

See this. basically we are stuck with Jack Johnson. And that means we will see Kessel and Malkin struggle again, 5-on-5. And it isnt because they are malcontents, it is because they are anchored to Jack Johnson. Funny how both 81 and 71 were still excellent on the power play...Who doesnt get PP time? Jack Johnson! Coincidence? I think not!

I agree with it being stale....With Kessel, its either he wants out or the team does...Tough to say which it is but I think the Pens should move on. He can't/won't play with Malkin or Crosby. He needs a C that does the dirty work he won't do. Makes him out as a passenger IMO.
- sammy87

I think Kessel realizes this is probably the best situation he will be in. He still wants to compete and win, but he also wants to stretch out in the back while guys like Crosby, Malkin, & Letang take the heat when it comes. Heck, a lot of fans think Kessel did nothing wrong and will defend him no matter what. That's a lot different than in Boston or Toronto.

I think a trade with him is going to happen sooner rather than later. Rutherford doesnt want to give him anyway, but I think he will if it means dumping him for the cap. I honestly think there is some truth to the Panarin rumors. I would bet the Penguins acquire his rights for a nothing pick (though CBJ may not trade him especially to us) or talk to him before FA starts in those few days before 7/1. That way they can get the sense of whether a deal exists. If it is, you will see them dump Kessel. if there is no serious offensive help out there either by trade or FA, the Penguins have to keep Kessel. You cannot lose the offensive production for nothing.

Of the teams, like someone said, Nashville is a team that makes sense for a hockey trade. Let us get a defender and let Nashville get Kessel. Getting a defender likely makes Schultz expendable and I think a lot of teams would be interested in Schultz. If you can find a deal for Johnson, take it and run. Even it you have to eat $500k of his salary.

The stats you showed said that was a great line, and surrounding Kessel with that group would overcome his weaknesses because they'd have the puck so much anyways. I just wonder if Sid also prefers guys like Rust.

I'm curious who ends up on the 4th line. If it's Rust, would they look to move him? Sully has some options to play with now.
- Tojo.

That and he would always be on the ice with Dumo and Letang so Kessels defensive deficiencies would be offset by Letang, Dumo, and Sid. It would probably help spring Kessel and Guentzel on a lot more rush opportunities.

I think Kessel realizes this is probably the best situation he will be in. He still wants to compete and win, but he also wants to stretch out in the back while guys like Crosby, Malkin, & Letang take the heat when it comes. Heck, a lot of fans think Kessel did nothing wrong and will defend him no matter what. That's a lot different than in Boston or Toronto.

I think a trade with him is going to happen sooner rather than later. Rutherford doesnt want to give him anyway, but I think he will if it means dumping him for the cap. I honestly think there is some truth to the Panarin rumors. I would bet the Penguins acquire his rights for a nothing pick (though CBJ may not trade him especially to us) or talk to him before FA starts in those few days before 7/1. That way they can get the sense of whether a deal exists. If it is, you will see them dump Kessel. if there is no serious offensive help out there either by trade or FA, the Penguins have to keep Kessel. You cannot lose the offensive production for nothing.

Of the teams, like someone said, Nashville is a team that makes sense for a hockey trade. Let us get a defender and let Nashville get Kessel. Getting a defender likely makes Schultz expendable and I think a lot of teams would be interested in Schultz. If you can find a deal for Johnson, take it and run. Even it you have to eat $500k of his salary.
- SuperHenderson13

I don’t see what Kessel did wrong.

I don’t see what Kessel did wrong.
- j.boyd919

His main problem was how he disappeared for a good part of the second half of the season, especially when they were falling off a cliff and needed him the most. He isnt going to do anything besides contribute offensively so when he isnt, it's easy to see how useless he can be.

He had a decent playoffs (compared to the rest of the team) and I think it would be a mistake to move him for nothing.

His main problem was how he disappeared for a good part of the second half of the season, especially when they were falling off a cliff and needed him the most. He isnt going to do anything besides contribute offensively so when he isnt, it's easy to see how useless he can be.

He had a decent playoffs (compared to the rest of the team) and I think it would be a mistake to move him for nothing.
- SuperHenderson13

He had 36 points in the last 41 games. He didn’t disappear in the second half of the season.

He had 36 points in the last 41 games. He didn’t disappear in the second half of the season.
- j.boyd919

How many of these were at ES?

Kessel ES points by quarter: 15, 12, 11, 8

https://frozenpool.dobber...s.com/players/phil-kessel

How many of these were at ES?
- WSCTeton17

How many were goals?

A little off-topic, but this thread is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

https://twitter.com/JW877.../1140093611180212224?s=20

Everyone keeps pointing to JJ but I fully expect Pettersson Gudbranson to be used as the 2nd pairing. Gudbranson extended yet?

I don’t see what Kessel did wrong.
- j.boyd919

Acts like an asshat states boy with a silver spoon in his ass. Besides that he plays great hockey.

One thing to understand about Kessel no one seems to think about is his goals for his career. He has been poop on at times by the media and I think he has a chip on his shoulder.

I guarantee you he wants to make the HOF. He needs 3-5 years of padding the stats to have a chance. He isn't going to accept a trade to anywhere he won't get top PP minutes and a good lineup to play with.

He's not going to Minny because he would have to carry the offence and his point total would likely drop by 20. If the Pend took him off the top PP to start the season he would beg for a trade.

One thing to understand about Kessel no one seems to think about is his goals for his career. He has been poop on at times by the media and I think he has a chip on his shoulder.

I guarantee you he wants to make the HOF. He needs 3-5 years of padding the stats to have a chance. He isn't going to accept a trade to anywhere he won't get top PP minutes and a good lineup to play with.

He's not going to Minny because he would have to carry the offence and his point total would likely drop by 20. If the Pend took him off the top PP to start the season he would beg for a trade.
- MacPatty

Honestly, that's a smart thought an might be his main motivation. Phil is probably borderline for HOF.

Everyone keeps pointing to JJ but I fully expect Pettersson Gudbranson to be used as the 2nd pairing. Gudbranson extended yet?
- Grinder47

He has 2 years on his deal, so you can stop asking this, he's not eligible for an extension.

A little off-topic, but this thread is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

https://twitter.com/JW877.../1140093611180212224?s=20
- Za Warudo

Hes just a fat baffoon. Takes away time from a good alt rock station in the afternoons.