Schultz is as good as gone (not that he did himself any favours for a payday) but how much of his terrible play had to do with JJ? I remember he hasn't been great lately, but he has been injured a lot

In a flat cap world, what is it going to take to move a guy like Bjug at 4.1 coming off injury AND lackluster play? Nevermind trying to find a taker for JJ
- TheGame316

Schultz is kind of bad on his own unless the puck is in the offensive zone. He's not even great at the breakout. Playing with JJ means there are 2 defensemen who are challenged at getting the puck back, so it makes them both worse.

As it stands right now

(18 Million) Jake Sid ???
(18.5 Million) Zucker Malkin Rust
(11 Million) Simon Bjug Horn
(5.25 Million) Tanev Blueger ZAR

(11.35 Million) Letang Dumo
(5 Million) Marino Petts
(2.5 Million) POJ ???

(4.5 Million)Jarry DeSmith

Gone: Murray/JJ/McCann

Need: Wing for Sid, 3rd pair D

Capspace: Looks to be about 5 million, counting RFA Simon, JJ buyout and 3.5 Million to resign Jarry

Is this any good? I don't see us being able to get rid of Bjud. I don't see any takers. That's an 11 Million $$ 3rd line of guys that can slot up but won't score together

It's weird, because there is so much "Value" in this lineup. I struggle to see any guy thats "overpaid" yet it still seems weak with an 80 Million $$ Cap

Would that lineup do anything?
- TheGame316

Hornqvist and Bjugstad were good together, but on the 3rd line those are your luxuries.

It's really hard to justify Bjugstad coming back aside from having an expiring contract. I'm still intrigued by what he can do, but can't trust him to be on the ice.

Hornqvist is tough. He's a luxury on the 3rd line, but the PP is garbage without him in front. Getting a righty might help but they still lose something. It's probably smarter to move him before he breaks down, but he has a NTC so he's likely staying anyways.

With the cap crunch, some guys are going to get squeezed so I'd wait out the market and look for a bottom pairing guy there.

There is a 62.5% chance that a team that was top 16 in the standings is getting the 1st overall pick Monday.

Just curious. I know all fan bases are considering this question in regards to their own franchises.

Who do you believe Seattle will attempt to poach from the Pens? Who will Pittsburgh leave unprotected?

I think part of the problem is that we've been pushing in all the chips for so long, what we're missing is that dynamic young player on an ELC or bridge deal who can carry a 3rd line for us

If it were possible to rid ourselves of Bjud and Horn, I'd push all in on Taylor Hall @8 Million per to play in the top 6 and use the rest of the cash to find a competent 3C and Damn the Torpedos
- TheGame316

That is part of the problem, but we are too far gone at this point, IMO. Most of our draft picks are in the latter stages of each round, and then most of those take years to develop. We don't have years anymore. Sure, a top 10 pick could come in and help during the window, but that's not happening.

I like Hall but we already have two top 6 LWs. Maybe one of them can switch sides, I don't know. A lot of teams will be pursuing Hall.

There are a lot of good RW options, though. Hoffman, Dadonov, and Toffoli top the list (also guys like Namestnikov, Granlund, and Craig Smith, but I want to go big). Get a deal in place with one of them and then start attaching a high draft pick(s) to guys like Bjug, JJ, and maybe Horny to clear space to sign them. That's about $12.7M right there and added to the $5M we have, $17.7M would go a long way toward filling 1/2RW and 3C holes with legit high-end talent. Even if we keep Horny, I think ~$12M will be enough to make it happen.

3C will be more difficult. I would take a run at Soderberg. Even though he's getting on in years, he's still effective.

So anyone who wins two Cups gets a lifetime pass?
- Guile

Fire GMJR need a fresh face. Leave it to the new GM to decide everything.

Just curious. I know all fan bases are considering this question in regards to their own franchises.

Who do you believe Seattle will attempt to poach from the Pens? Who will Pittsburgh leave unprotected?
- Hesh_

Well, here is what I think the consensus is of who we protect:

1. Crosby
2. Malkin
3. Guentzel
4. Zucker
-------------
5. Rust
6. McCann
7. Hornqvist / Blueger / Tanev / ZAR

1. Letang
2. Dumoulin
3. Pettersson

1. Jarry

Hard to say who will be left unprotected, but it will likely be a forward taken, probably one of whoever doesn't get protected from #7 above.

The only D available will be JJ (haha) and the only goalie will likely be DeSmith.

Who would I least like to see get taken out of those? Easily Blueger (young, cheap center who will still be restricted after next year). So I would protect Blueger and out the remaining three, I would least like to see ZAR get taken (also young, cheap, good depth player and still restricted). I could be convinced to want Tanev instead.

Who do I think they will take? Too hard to tell since it is still a year away. But since you asked, I will say either Blueger or ZAR, probably ZAR if we protect Blueger. I don't see an expansion team wanting to saddle themselves with a long, expensive contract for players who are likely to break down (Horny and Tanev). How about the Flyboys?

Well, here is what I think the consensus is of who we protect:

1. Crosby
2. Malkin
3. Guentzel
4. Zucker
-------------
5. Rust
6. McCann
7. Hornqvist / Blueger / Tanev / ZAR

1. Letang
2. Dumoulin
3. Pettersson

1. Jarry

Hard to say who will be left unprotected, but it will likely be a forward taken, probably one of whoever doesn't get protected from #7 above.

The only D available will be JJ (haha) and the only goalie will likely be DeSmith.

Who would I least like to see get taken out of those? Easily Blueger (young, cheap center who will still be restricted after next year). So I would protect Blueger and out the remaining three, I would least like to see get taken ZAR (also young, cheap, good depth player and still restricted). I could be convinced to want Tanev instead.

Who do I think they will take? Too hard to tell since it is still a year away. But since you asked, I will say either Blueger or ZAR, probably ZAR if we protect Blueger. I don't see an expansion team wanting to saddle themselves with a long, expensive contract for players who are likely to break down (Horny and Tanev). How about the Flyboys?
- Hockey66

I think Hagg, Ghost, Patrick, and MAYBE JvR will be unprotected, but I don’t see them taking on JvR’s contract regardless. I guess that pretty much protects him without actually needing the tag, lol. Not unless they’re trying to get a vet and hit the cap floor.

G and Hayes have NMCs. Voracek, Coots, Konecny, and Lindblom will be protected. That leaves 1 spot for JvR or Laughton, and i think they really like the latter.

Provorov, Sanheim, and Myers on D.

Hart, obviously.

Pretty sure Farabee and Frost won’t qualify for time served.

I’m curious to see where Murray winds up. Nashville is team I think would be a good fit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo5ciVhwXig

Conner Sheary.... 63 games.... 10g 23pts
Alex Galchenyuk.... 59 games.... 8g, 24pts

One of these guys got sent packing after spending the majority of the season in the coaches dog house. The other guy gets acquired (after being traded away) and immediately gets slotted next to Sidney Crosby.

Sense this makes = 0
- madmike71

The good news is you get Dominik Simon and his 64 games... 7 goals... and 22pts back.

Earlier in the season when the Habs played the Pens, Mario Lemieux stated that the Habs played “boring hockey”? Well Mr Lemieux, how do you like “boring hockey” now. Maybe you can discuss this on the golf course at Mont-Tremblant…...
- nitroslices

This crap drove Lemieux into "retirement" in 1997. Yeah NJ loved it, but it robbed all of hockey of the Games Greatest Ever.
Game 4 was one of the most boring I have watched since the trap days before the lockout. Win or lose, it was low event, boring hockey. And yeah, dont celebrate too much because either Philly (God I hate saying that) or Tampa will crush Montreal in 5 games.

2-11 in last 13 playoff games with this core. Time for BIG changes
1)Call Craig Patrick and ask to borrow the 4 leaf Clover he had when Sid lottery was won.
1A) Sully shelf life expired. Thanks for your Service. Good luck and Good Bye
2) Geno: thanks for all these incredible years. Let's see what a haul we can get
3) Letang: see Geno above
4) Murray: Thanks for 2 Cups. See Geno, Letang Above
5) Hornqvist:Nice player for contender, great drive, attitude. Move at next year's deadline; should get a half decent 2nd or 3rd round pick
6) Jack Johnson: get an attorney on retainer and see if there is a way to recoup the money he stole from you the last 2 years. Best/worst example of shooting yourself in the foot. Willingly. And the coach was too stubborn to pull him.

I think Hagg, Ghost, Patrick, and MAYBE JvR will be unprotected, but I don’t see them taking on JvR’s contract regardless. I guess that pretty much protects him without actually needing the tag, lol. Not unless they’re trying to get a vet and hit the cap floor.

G and Hayes have NMCs. Voracek, Coots, Konecny, and Lindblom will be protected. That leaves 1 spot for JvR or Laughton, and i think they really like the latter.

Provorov, Sanheim, and Myers on D.

Hart, obviously.

Pretty sure Farabee and Frost won’t qualify for time served.
- Hesh_

Your list is much better than ours. Patrick, really? I haven't been following him much but he's only 21. Ghost seems like he would be a pretty good get for Seattle, too.

I don't think Seattle or any team is worried about the cap floor. There are so many bad contracts out there that teams can amass draft picks by taking on these contracts. Doesn't make sense to take on a bad contract with no draft pick attached to it. Some are suggesting the Pens might try to bribe Seattle with, say, Horny and a 2nd if they take him, or something like that.

This crap drove Lemieux into "retirement" in 1997. Yeah NJ loved it, but it robbed all of hockey of the Games Greatest Ever.
Game 4 was one of the most boring I have watched since the trap days before the lockout. Win or lose, it was low event, boring hockey. And yeah, dont celebrate too much because either Philly (God I hate saying that) or Tampa will crush Montreal in 5 games.
- Amanion

RW touched on it but the Pens were probably coached to play reserved like that. If so, just more reasons to axe Sullivan.

2-11 in last 13 playoff games with this core. Time for BIG changes
1)Call Craig Patrick and ask to borrow the 4 leaf Clover he had when Sid lottery was won.
1A) Sully shelf life expired. Thanks for your Service. Good luck and Good Bye
2) Geno: thanks for all these incredible years. Let's see what a haul we can get
3) Letang: see Geno above
4) Murray: Thanks for 2 Cups. See Geno, Letang Above
5) Hornqvist:Nice player for contender, great drive, attitude. Move at next year's deadline; should get a half decent 2nd or 3rd round pick
6) Jack Johnson: get an attorney on retainer and see if there is a way to recoup the money he stole from you the last 2 years. Best/worst example of shooting yourself in the foot. Willingly. And the coach was too stubborn to pull him.
- Amanion

I can promise you any deal involving Geno will leave a far lesser player in his place. The Pens lose any trade he’s in. There will be no “haul.”

I’m curious to see where Murray winds up. Nashville is team I think would be a good fit.
- Rinosaur

Saros is as good or better, though, and Rinne still has a year left.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo5ciVhwXig
- Hodgedog

Pretty much.

If Sully doesn't get fired then this organization is completely messed up and has no chance of winning in the foreseeable future.

The good news is you get Dominik Simon and his 64 games... 7 goals... and 22pts back.
- Thunderbolt

At least Simon plays defense and is now firmly entrenched in the bottom six where he belongs.

I’m curious to see where Murray winds up. Nashville is team I think would be a good fit.
- Rinosaur

They should try Edmonton. Lord knows they need one!

Your list is much better than ours. Patrick, really? I haven't been following him much but he's only 21. Ghost seems like he would be a pretty good get for Seattle, too.

I don't think Seattle or any team is worried about the cap floor. There are so many bad contracts out there that teams can amass draft picks by taking on these contracts. Doesn't make sense to take on a bad contract with no draft pick attached to it. Some are suggesting the Pens might try to bribe Seattle with, say, Horny and a 2nd if they take him, or something like that.
- Hockey66

Yeah, Patrick. I dunno, man. With his migraines, he’s a crapshoot. Boom or bust. Perhaps they protect him, but that final spot will be between him, JvR and Laughton. Right now, it’s Laughton who is bringing it. He’s been a great meld with Hayes. I know Patrick is still just a kid, but I don’t think the Flyers are sure what the hell to do with him. My guess is with his track record he takes a short term one year ‘prove it’ contract for about $950k. Then we see where his head is at. Literally, not figuratively. I can sympathize with the poor dude. I’ve been battling migraines for 30 years, and they’re still not sold on what causes them for everyone. It can be a life-changer.

As for Ghost, I think he could thrive under a different regime. Unless they trade him (and they won’t get much at the moment), he could be a likely candidate. Hagg isn’t a bad choice if they need a stay-at-home defender. He isn’t anything flashy, but he’s young, cheap, and has become quite efficient. Frankly, I hope Seattle forgets about him. I’m fine with Hagg as a 3rd pairing guy.

2-11 in last 13 playoff games with this core. Time for BIG changes
1)Call Craig Patrick and ask to borrow the 4 leaf Clover he had when Sid lottery was won.
1A) Sully shelf life expired. Thanks for your Service. Good luck and Good Bye
2) Geno: thanks for all these incredible years. Let's see what a haul we can get
3) Letang: see Geno above
4) Murray: Thanks for 2 Cups. See Geno, Letang Above
5) Hornqvist:Nice player for contender, great drive, attitude. Move at next year's deadline; should get a half decent 2nd or 3rd round pick
6) Jack Johnson: get an attorney on retainer and see if there is a way to recoup the money he stole from you the last 2 years. Best/worst example of shooting yourself in the foot. Willingly. And the coach was too stubborn to pull him.
- Amanion

The one who really has to go is JR.
Outside of Marino, he can't make trades anymore.
Nothing more evident then at the trade deadline when he combined two different trades giving up Kahun and a 3rd round pick and got Marleua, Sheary and Rodriguez in return.

Saros is as good or better, though, and Rinne still has a year left.
- Hockey66

Saros is average at best.

They should try Edmonton. Lord knows they need one!
- stevens87

Although they did sign the gnarly contract with Koskinen.

I’m curious to see where Murray winds up. Nashville is team I think would be a good fit.
- Rinosaur

Goalie roulette is tough to predict this year. Too many goalies potentially available. What happens with Rangers, Knights, Hawks, and Canucks will effect the market. Not to mention Holtby. Not sure there are enough teams looking for goalies.