The more I think about the Staal deal, the more I like what we acquired for him:

Brandon Sutter (former 11th pick), Derrick Pouliot (8th pick) and Brian Dumoulin (one of best college D prospect according to some).

Carolina gave us a "fair" deal for letting Staal "go home"
- Orpik44

You have to think shero will use some of these D prospects to fetch a good winger if we lose out on parise. say we trade for bobby ryan for despres, harrington, a 1st and something else. losing despres and/or harrington is SO MUCH easier knowing we have more D prospects

That's pretty optimistic timelines. They will each be in WBS for 2-3 years MINIMUM...
- mventres

Despres just spent 1 year down on the farm and will be on the big club.

Despres just spent 1 year down on the farm and will be on the big club.
- Gunner Staal

I didnt even realize Harrington isnt AHL eligible this year until a few days ago. 1 year in the AHL sounds about right for d prospects of this caliber.

I was at that November game at the Joe, didn't expect that, but will always love Jordan for that performance. If I remember correctly it was 5-2 2nd intermission, I was getting laughed at but I blew it off. The Wings fans were so mad, when he assisted that OT goal, several were like "so how long did it take to drive from pitt?!"

funny classic game

Sutter conference call if anyone wants to listen...

http://downloads.penguins...lvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I didnt even realize Harrington isnt AHL eligible this year until a few days ago. 1 year in the AHL sounds about right for d prospects of this caliber.
- Deadstar

There's no magic #. When they are ready they are ready. It's not like they are going to be rushed.

That's pretty optimistic timelines. They will each be in WBS for 2-3 years MINIMUM...
- mventres

I'd agree that is much, much more likely, but Despres only spent 1 year in WBS and now he's expected to make the Pens NHL roster this year. Morrow impressed the hell out of everyone last year at camp. And the word Dmoulin is that he is about as NHL-ready a prospect as there is.

Despres, Morrow, Dmoulin, Harrington, Matta, and Pierout are all 1st or 2nd round picks as well. Who knows?

I didnt even realize Harrington isnt AHL eligible this year until a few days ago. 1 year in the AHL sounds about right for d prospects of this caliber.
- Deadstar

That's what I think too.. Have an AHL season where you get a few NHL games, but then year #2, you can compete for a full-time role with the big club.

I'd agree that is much, much more likely, but Despres only spent 1 year in WBS and now he's expected to make the Pens NHL roster this year. Morrow impressed the hell out of everyone last year at camp. And the word Dmoulin is that he is about as NHL-ready a prospect as there is.

Despres, Morrow, Dmoulin, Harrington, Matta, and Pierout are all 1st or 2nd round picks as well. Who knows?
- s0rcerer1984

I think both Morrow and Doumolin could play the year after next if need be, and some scouts have said Mattaa COULD play this year if he had to. I think help is on the way sooner rather than later.

I'd agree that is much, much more likely, but Despres only spent 1 year in WBS and now he's expected to make the Pens NHL roster this year. Morrow impressed the hell out of everyone last year at camp. And the word Dmoulin is that he is about as NHL-ready a prospect as there is.

Despres, Morrow, Dmoulin, Harrington, Matta, and Pierout are all 1st or 2nd round picks as well. Who knows?
- s0rcerer1984

The reason Despres spent only one year at WBS is because he's an above average d-man. I hope he turns into a solid #3-4 on our team.

Semin and Malkin? Anyone think there might be some chemistry?

No Albert Belle?
- Gunner Staal

Albert will make any list of all-time douches in American sports.

I think both Morrow and Doumolin could play the year after next if need be, and some scouts have said Mattaa COULD play this year if he had to. I think help is on the way sooner rather than later.
- canadianpenfan

Recently, the Penguins have let their top prospects play at least 1 full year in the AHL. Last to jump directly was Staal (i think) and that came out of nowhere.

One year in the AHL is prudent if only to allow top prospects a chance to get their body in NHL-shape. Every year the top rookies come out of the gates strong, but slow down & struggle late in the near due to exhaustion. 82gm season + playoffs is tough on anyone, much less a rookie who is doing it for the first time.

Recently, the Penguins have let their top prospects play at least 1 full year in the AHL. Last to jump directly was Staal (i think) and that came out of nowhere.

One year in the AHL is prudent if only to allow top prospects a chance to get their body in NHL-shape. Every year the top rookies come out of the gates strong, but slow down & struggle late in the near due to exhaustion. 82gm season + playoffs is tough on anyone, much less a rookie who is doing it for the first time.
- s0rcerer1984

Also, just something I've seen when perusing the interweb for info on these guys...

Some prospect sites now have Despres as our #4 prospect behing Morrow, Doumolin and Mattaa. Read into the what you will but that has to be good news.

Semin and Malkin? Anyone think there might be some chemistry?
- powerhouse

I don't want Semin anywhere near Pittsburgh. If he ever figures it out (and he might in that environment), he might flourish (when the Caps were playing an aggressive offensive style, he was good for 35-40 goals). I think more likely he might end up in Detroit playing with Datsyuk, though.

Semin and Malkin? Anyone think there might be some chemistry?
- powerhouse

If he was guy you could sign to a one year deal for a manageable number, it would be a risk I was willing to take, but for what he is going to sign for, I'll pass big time.

I don't want Semin anywhere near Pittsburgh. If he ever figures it out (and he might in that environment), he might flourish (when the Caps were playing an aggressive offensive style, he was good for 35-40 goals). I think more likely he might end up in Detroit playing with Datsyuk, though.
- MadCap2008

Agreed.

Semin and Malkin? Anyone think there might be some chemistry?
- powerhouse

NO

Semin and Malkin? Anyone think there might be some chemistry?
- powerhouse

PASS on Alexander

NO
- s0rcerer1984

Feel free to use this...

Thank you, Mr. Voice of Reason.
- canadianpenfan

I am a calm port in a storm of insanity.

Agreed.
- canadianpenfan

Hope that Pittsburgh mgmt is in agreement.

Feel free to use this...




- canadianpenfan

That's a big (frank)ing no lol

Hope that Pittsburgh mgmt is in agreement.
- MadCap2008

I'm sure it hasn't even crossed their minds.

Also, just something I've seen when perusing the interweb for info on these guys...

Some prospect sites now have Despres as our #4 prospect behing Morrow, Doumolin and Mattaa. Read into the what you will but that has to be good news.
- canadianpenfan

I think Despres might have a slight edge as he's significantly bigger than either Matta and Morrow & a tad bigger than Doumolin.

EDIT: Actually, now that i think about it, most of the rankings i've seen have Morrow over Despres

I'd go: Morrow, Despres, Doumolin, Matta simply based on the fact that Morrow looks like a second coming of Gonchar on the PP and Despres & Dmoulin's size advantage. Matta could easily end up passing them, but its harder to teach size than it is posistioning.