Ryan Wilson: Are the Penguins softening their stance on Phil Kessel? Are the Penguins softening their stance on Phil Kessel?

What happened to the line of thinking, expressed by many, that it was just a matter of”when” Phil will be traded? Still believe he will be dealt. But the return looks weak. I wonder if GMJR will pull the trigger regardless?

I mentioned last week that there will likely be some posturing by GMJR. When these deals don’t get done immediately then of course the GM needs to reaffirm that he’s only going to move him for the right price. This isn’t an OBO (or best offer) type thing.

If the rumors of him rifting with staff are true then I’m fine seeing Phil gone. Im sure we’ve all either been mistreated at work or seen it happen to someone else and know the feeling

I still think he'll be traded. I respect Lebrun and all, but this is just an attempt to boost a sagging return.

Honestly.... This is what annoys me the most about Rutherford. He's always too transparent. Gives up way too much information when he speaks. Just like the Reaves deal... He blatantly states he's going to get a tough guy....then goes out and pays a premium for the guy. He probably could have been had for much less.

Side note: I know it’s going to be a longer offseason than we were hoping but I’m still a bit disappointed with the lack of blogs/content here. Did we get a blog talking about the positives and negatives of Subban that included all the fancy charts? As I recall he just kinda touched on it

While I don’t really mind if Kessel stays, it would be tough to heal this kind of stuff between management and player...right?

There was a rumor floated on the other site that said if no Phil to Minny for Zucker, they might offer Rust in Phils place...this to me makes no sense based on Rust and Zucker being such similar type players. And Rust being popular in the room. Seems like another Hagelin situation. Change for the sale of change...how did that work out.

I still think he'll be traded. I respect Lebrun and all, but this is just an attempt to boost a sagging return.

Honestly.... This is what annoys me the most about Rutherford. He's always too transparent. Gives up way too much information when he speaks. Just like the Reaves deal... He blatantly states he's going to get a tough guy....then goes out and pays a premium for the guy. He probably could have been had for much less.
- madmike71

I see this as Rutherford trying to regain some leverage. He's letting Phil know he can't just pick his team and expect them to take whatever.

the rumors of him rifting with staff are true then I’m fine seeing Phil gone. Im sure we’ve all either been mistreated at work or seen it happen to someone else and know the feeling

The “rumors” all come from individuals who have to cup Rutherford’s balls for access. I don’t buy a lick of it.

I see this as Rutherford trying to regain some leverage. He's letting Phil know he can't just pick his team and expect them to take whatever.
- Tojo.

I think this is exactly what is happening. I think it's also messaging to Arizona that they won't get him at a bargain basement price.

They have plenty of assets, they just need to package in some value.

While I don’t really mind if Kessel stays, it would be tough to heal this kind of stuff between management and player...right?

There was a rumor floated on the other site that said if no Phil to Minny for Zucker, they might offer Rust in Phils place...this to me makes no sense based on Rust and Zucker being such similar type players. And Rust being popular in the room. Seems like another Hagelin situation. Change for the sale of change...how did that work out.
- Doogs

Yeah I do think Rust and Zucker are similar players and that Zucker is better than Rust, but it does seem like a semi-lateral move although a line like Zucker-Geno-Phil sounds like a fun line to watch.

While I don’t really mind if Kessel stays, it would be tough to heal this kind of stuff between management and player...right?

There was a rumor floated on the other site that said if no Phil to Minny for Zucker, they might offer Rust in Phils place...this to me makes no sense based on Rust and Zucker being such similar type players. And Rust being popular in the room. Seems like another Hagelin situation. Change for the sale of change...how did that work out.
- Doogs

According to TIOPS, Fenton is a huge fan of Hornqvist, so I think if there was a still a move to be made, Honrqvist would be the part that Fenton wants. Would the Pens do it? I don't know. This is another instance where fan opinion is far different than organizational opinion.

Honestly, if Fenton traded Zucker for Hornqvist he should probably be fired.

fine seeing Phil gone. Im sure we’ve all either been mistreated at work or seen it happen to someone else and know the feeling
WSC guy.

How is Phil mistreated? He plays with Malkin a lot. On a power play with Crosby/Malkin/Letang and makes a lot of money doing it. Hockey fans are so soft on players nowadays.

fine seeing Phil gone. Im sure we’ve all either been mistreated at work or seen it happen to someone else and know the feeling
WSC guy.

How is Phil mistreated? He plays with Malkin a lot. On a power play with Crosby/Malkin/Letang and makes a lot of money doing it. Hockey fans are so soft on players nowadays.
- Grinder47

I’m referring to the rumors of Phil mistreating staff and disrespecting his coach. Stuff like that doesn’t get lost on your teammates, or anyone really

I’m referring to the rumors of Phil mistreating staff and disrespecting his coach. Stuff like that doesn’t get lost on your teammates, or anyone really
- WSCTeton17

In that case I agree. Especially on a team with Crosby. Phil being a jackass seriously undermines Sid.

I’m referring to the rumors of Phil mistreating staff and disrespecting his coach. Stuff like that doesn’t get lost on your teammates, or anyone really
- WSCTeton17

Where is the evidence of this actually happening?

Where is the evidence of this actually happening?
- Za Warudo

Didn't you know? Everyone here is an insider.

Where is the evidence of this actually happening?
- Za Warudo

Idk how many times guys have linked sources on here. If you guys don’t want to believe them that’s fine but it’s been posted time and time again

Idk how many times guys have linked sources on here. If you guys don’t want to believe them that’s fine but it’s been posted time and time again
- WSCTeton17

And if you trace these stories to the source, I’m betting they originate with media figures who are carrying water in exchange for access.

Boston isn’t the only city where this happens, Yinzers.

Just read that if the Cyotes were the destination for Phil that Galchenyuk may be the return. The site say the Pens would have to add but could happen.

Just read that if the Cyotes were the destination for Phil that Galchenyuk may be the return. The site say the Pens would have to add but could happen.
- Doogs

There’s also a site that says Panik would be part of the return. The dude is a FA. It’s possible but not all that likely IMO

Just read that if the Cyotes were the destination for Phil that Galchenyuk may be the return. The site say the Pens would have to add but could happen.
- Doogs

The Pens would have to add??!?! Um... no thanks. If Galchenyuk gets moved for Phil the Yotes better be the team adding. I honestly think Galchenyuk is exactly the type of player people here will instantly hate.

Galchenyuk is everything that people on here hate Kessel for, with half the production while also being mediocre at transition.

He's pretty bad defensively, below average possession-wise, not good at getting the puck in or out of the zone, but is very good at generating offense while in the zone.

The Pens would have to add??!?! Um... no thanks. If Galchenyuk gets moved for Phil the Yotes better be the team adding. I honestly think Galchenyuk is exactly the type of player people here will instantly hate.

Galchenyuk is everything that people on here hate Kessel for, with half the production while also being mediocre at transition.

He's pretty bad defensively, below average possession-wise, not good at getting the puck in or out of the zone, but is very good at generating offense while in the zone.
- Rinosaur

Tocchet had him playing a bit more of a 2-Way game in the latter part of the season and when he hits now he actually finishes his checks. He’s not going to drive a line but I wouldn’t mind having him on Geno’s wing. I believe his mom is Russian (hence his accent) so he and Geno might get along moreso than Geno and Phil. Obviously you’re right in that AZ would need to add. Who knows what’s going to happen with Phil. I’d rather talk about our RFAs and which free agents could be a fit

https://twitter.com/theda.../1134954678687547392?s=21

Man that Reaves trade is not aging well lol

https://twitter.com/thedankingerski/status/1134954678687547392?s=21

Man that Reaves trade is not aging well lol
- WSCTeton17

Give RW some credit, he called this at the time and multiple times since

Kessel at 6.8 is a steal of a deal any day of the week. I doubt they want to 'get rid of phil'. He has serious trade value and that's why they are entertaining the idea. It would be interesting to know the 8 teams on his acceptable list.