Man.... that bottom pairing is risky. I'm not sold Marino and Petts are a 2nd pairing either.....even though they're priced like one.
- madmike71

I think investing in a stable partner to go with POJ is a good idea. He showed some good moves last year in his stint with the Pens, but he was also brutal at certain points. I am hoping he can make a jump to be that guy that we saw in his first few games, but yea, you give yourself no wiggle room in terms of injuries or if someone is playing poorly.

Also... word is that the Islanders are shopping Nick Leddy because they cannot protect him in the draft. Does Zucker for Leddy interest anyone?
- SuperHenderson13

I don't see the fit.
Cap wise, he's a higher cap cost than other left D and owed more actual dollars than his cap hit. He's also an expiring contract. The advantage I see is that the Pens could protect him to expose both Petts and MM. But the risk is being anchored with way too many expensive D.

Sounds like Zach Hyman is about to be Zach Bye-man. TOR has given him permission to speak other teams, so they can trade his rights. I know the Pens don't really have much in the way of what the Leafs need/want, but it would be nice to add him.

Another intriguing player from TOR is Justin Holl. Solid RD signed to a cheap contract. He's also a bigger body who can throw his weight around.

I don't know if Zucker would interest the Leafs or even DeSmith. I don't know if Campbell is their guy now, but if he is DeSmith would be a cheap quality back-up for them now if Andersen doesn't look to take a major discount to stay. I did just read that Andrersen has not been given permission to speak to other teams, so who knows what's going on there.

Is there any reality where a Zucker/Hyman swap makes sense? I'm sure TOR could probably get a nice pick/prospect combo for his rights, but they want to compete now. Do you think they'd rather get a player who can slot in right now or free up the space then go shopping via FA?

Sounds like Zach Hyman is about to be Zach Bye-man. TOR has given him permission to speak other teams, so they can trade his rights. I know the Pens don't really have much in the way of what the Leafs need/want, but it would be nice to add him.

Another intriguing player from TOR is Justin Holl. Solid RD signed to a cheap contract. He's also a bigger body who can throw his weight around.

I don't know if Zucker would interest the Leafs or even DeSmith. I don't know if Campbell is their guy now, but if he is DeSmith would be a cheap quality back-up for them now if Andersen doesn't look to take a major discount to stay.

I did just read that Andrersen has not been given permission to speak to other teams, so who knows what's going on there.
- Rinosaur

While I really like Hyman, he is a similar type player to Rust. I think everyone here has considered Rust a goner next year as he will likely get an offer for $5M or so... I just don't understand why we would want to pay Hyman that same contract (or likely more) if so?

If you want to trade with the Leafs, Rust is the guy they would really be willing to pay for. Holl would be pretty solid for the bottom pair, Liljegren is another guy I would look at targeting. He has been really good in the AHL but struggled to get ice time in the NHL but also a righty who has a good chance of being a top 4 defenceman.

Sounds like Zach Hyman is about to be Zach Bye-man. TOR has given him permission to speak other teams, so they can trade his rights. I know the Pens don't really have much in the way of what the Leafs need/want, but it would be nice to add him.

Another intriguing player from TOR is Justin Holl. Solid RD signed to a cheap contract. He's also a bigger body who can throw his weight around.

I don't know if Zucker would interest the Leafs or even DeSmith. I don't know if Campbell is their guy now, but if he is DeSmith would be a cheap quality back-up for them now if Andersen doesn't look to take a major discount to stay. I did just read that Andrersen has not been given permission to speak to other teams, so who knows what's going on there.

Is there any reality where a Zucker/Hyman swap makes sense? I'm sure TOR could probably get a nice pick/prospect combo for his rights, but they want to compete now. Do you think they'd rather get a player who can slot in right now or free up the space then go shopping via FA?
- Rinosaur

If the Leafs did that it would probably mean Hyman wants more than 5 mill a season and at 29 years old, this is probably his last chance to get big contract, he will want good term as well...and if that's the case should the Pens be signing him for more than 5 mill a year? I don't care so much about term with new signings if the player is good. When this all completely crumbles in the next few seasons they could probably be traded for an asset or assets, however, cap hit is a major concern.

While I really like Hyman, he is a similar type player to Rust. I think everyone here has considered Rust a goner next year as he will likely get an offer for $5M or so... I just don't understand why we would want to pay Hyman that same contract (or likely more) if so?

- MacPatty

So because we have one good player, why sign another good player similar to him? And while I respect the opinion of others here, the fact people here think Rust is goner means nothing lol.

Let's not forget that Geno and Letang will likely re-sign and cheaper contracts thereby freeing up more space.

So because we have one good player, why sign another good player similar to him? And while I respect the opinion of others here, the fact people here think Rust is goner means nothing lol.

Let's not forget that Geno and Letang will likely re-sign and cheaper contracts thereby freeing up more space.
- Rinosaur

Why would they do that? RW has repeatedly told us that Letang is better than most Norris Trophy winners and that Geno is as good as ever, he was just injured. I expect mild raises, if anything.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...s-Letangs-name/177/108379

Why would they do that? RW has repeatedly told us that Letang is better than most Norris Trophy winners and that Geno is as good as ever, he was just injured. I expect mild raises, if anything.
- jmatchett383

I'm not assuming anything on their extensions. If they want and get raises, they've earned them, and I wont be mad one bit if that happens. Also, I tend to think that Letang might be worth more than Geno right now as well, with Geno's hit currently being 2 mill more than Letang's...

Sounds like Zach Hyman is about to be Zach Bye-man. TOR has given him permission to speak other teams, so they can trade his rights. I know the Pens don't really have much in the way of what the Leafs need/want, but it would be nice to add him.

Another intriguing player from TOR is Justin Holl. Solid RD signed to a cheap contract. He's also a bigger body who can throw his weight around.

I don't know if Zucker would interest the Leafs or even DeSmith. I don't know if Campbell is their guy now, but if he is DeSmith would be a cheap quality back-up for them now if Andersen doesn't look to take a major discount to stay. I did just read that Andrersen has not been given permission to speak to other teams, so who knows what's going on there.

Is there any reality where a Zucker/Hyman swap makes sense? I'm sure TOR could probably get a nice pick/prospect combo for his rights, but they want to compete now. Do you think they'd rather get a player who can slot in right now or free up the space then go shopping via FA?
- Rinosaur

Leafs would likely want a RW

Leafs would likely want a RW
- Feds91Stammer

Good, this team could use a new blogger.

Leafs would likely want a RW
- Feds91Stammer

Or maybe not. I guess Hyman plays left wing. They’ll probably sign Tatar.

Or maybe not. I guess Hyman plays left wing. They’ll probably sign Tatar.
- Feds91Stammer

...and Rust is a RW... sleepy morning? on the weed perhaps?

Sounds like Zach Hyman is about to be Zach Bye-man. TOR has given him permission to speak other teams, so they can trade his rights. I know the Pens don't really have much in the way of what the Leafs need/want, but it would be nice to add him.

Another intriguing player from TOR is Justin Holl. Solid RD signed to a cheap contract. He's also a bigger body who can throw his weight around.

I don't know if Zucker would interest the Leafs or even DeSmith. I don't know if Campbell is their guy now, but if he is DeSmith would be a cheap quality back-up for them now if Andersen doesn't look to take a major discount to stay. I did just read that Andrersen has not been given permission to speak to other teams, so who knows what's going on there.

Is there any reality where a Zucker/Hyman swap makes sense? I'm sure TOR could probably get a nice pick/prospect combo for his rights, but they want to compete now. Do you think they'd rather get a player who can slot in right now or free up the space then go shopping via FA?
- Rinosaur

I don't think it makes sense for US. I want Zucker's cap relief badly, but turning around and giving it to a 29 year old who's good not great is not at all how we need to spend that relief.

...and Rust is a RW... sleepy morning? on the weed perhaps?
- MattStrat

Rough night of sleep. One of my dogs started having seizures yesterday.

Rough night of sleep. One of my dogs started having seizures yesterday.
- Feds91Stammer

Oh fvck man, I'm sorry to hear that. Dogs are fam.

Oh fvck man, I'm sorry to hear that. Dogs are fam.
- MattStrat

Yeah he’s getting tests done by a specialist today.