Matt Ross: A Bender's Thoughts on the Cats' Offseason and Kessel

If the Panthers sign Bob and Panarin they may have to trade a forward or two for a defenseman as the weakness of the Panthers is on their back end.

I'd like to see the Panthers get dangerous and be contenders for a good stretch...

If the Panthers sign Bob and Panarin they may have to trade a forward or two for a defenseman as the weakness of the Panthers is on their back end.
- islansjet

Oh yea. Like we’ve been saying for a long time, the defense is a major area to improve 👍👍👍

I'd like to see the Panthers get dangerous and be contenders for a good stretch...
- kaptaan

Hey Kaptaan—

That would be sweet and it feels like they’re getting close.

Pens don’t want to simply “dump” Kessel. The rumored Kessel/Johnson for Zucker/Rask trade was to shake up the team without losing production. Looking at the Panthers roster, there’s really nothing there that could help the pens. Hoffman maybe, but that’s honestly a downgrade from Kessel. Kessel for Hoffman and Vatrano would mean Panthers have to take a salary dump in Jack Johnson. Kessel/Johnson for Hoffman/Vatrano. Hoffman only has 1 year left so that might make things difficult too

In conclusion, I don’t see a deal to Florida working unless the Panthers completely overpay and Kessel for some reason has Florida as a team he’d be ok being traded to

Pittsburgh may want to get younger and cheaper, but no way are they going to give Kessel away for nothing.

Younger, cheaper (but doesn't have to be dirt cheap...going from 6.8M to 4M, for example, would be fine), above average defensively and above average skater.

This is why Zucker was a fit. 4 years or so younger than Kessel, has speed, plays well at both ends, and 1.3M cheaper than Kessel.

No state taxes, a good coach, good centers to get him the puck, and a team bound for the playoffs would all be appealing to Kessel, but I don't see much that Florida can offer that fits the Penguins plan/system.

Florida's 2019 1st rounder would probably be most attractive piece.

First wanted to say thank you To Matt for letting me have some fun writing down my crazy ideas. I truly don't believe Kessel is going to be going anywhere unless The Pens are completely blown away by the return. Personally outside of my Hawks scoring him (which will never happen) the idea of him going to Florida or Arizona is a very fun and interesting idea and seeing the power shift to some of these struggling teams would be great to see. But I think we can all agree this is going to be a very fun off season.

Pens don’t want to simply “dump” Kessel. The rumored Kessel/Johnson for Zucker/Rask trade was to shake up the team without losing production. Looking at the Panthers roster, there’s really nothing there that could help the pens. Hoffman maybe, but that’s honestly a downgrade from Kessel. Kessel for Hoffman and Vatrano would mean Panthers have to take a salary dump in Jack Johnson. Kessel/Johnson for Hoffman/Vatrano. Hoffman only has 1 year left so that might make things difficult too

In conclusion, I don’t see a deal to Florida working unless the Panthers completely overpay and Kessel for some reason has Florida as a team he’d be ok being traded to
- drummer829

Drummer829 -

Thanks for the insight on the proposed Kessel trade to shake up production. That’s def interesting...

First wanted to say thank you To Matt for letting me have some fun writing down my crazy ideas. I truly don't believe Kessel is going to be going anywhere unless The Pens are completely blown away by the return. Personally outside of my Hawks scoring him (which will never happen) the idea of him going to Florida or Arizona is a very fun and interesting idea and seeing the power shift to some of these struggling teams would be great to see. But I think we can all agree this is going to be a very fun off season.
- WCBPJarom

Absolutely. Keep chiming in and welcome to HB!

Pittsburgh may want to get younger and cheaper, but no way are they going to give Kessel away for nothing.

Younger, cheaper (but doesn't have to be dirt cheap...going from 6.8M to 4M, for example, would be fine), above average defensively and above average skater.

This is why Zucker was a fit. 4 years or so younger than Kessel, has speed, plays well at both ends, and 1.3M cheaper than Kessel.

No state taxes, a good coach, good centers to get him the puck, and a team bound for the playoffs would all be appealing to Kessel, but I don't see much that Florida can offer that fits the Penguins plan/system.

Florida's 2019 1st rounder would probably be most attractive piece.
- djr5899

Djr5899 -

Awesome insight, man. Thank you.

Makes a lot of sense regarding the Zucker angle and money/age components.

I didn’t realize there might not be something from Florida to fit the Penguins scheme. I read a 2C might be what the Penguins are in the market for?

I think the biggest appeal with the Minnesota trade is that you get, in Zucker, the type of player who seems to click extremely well with Sid and Geno. He reminds me a lot of Kunitz in his prime.

Also, they would have moved Johnson and gotten Rask who, though overpaid, is still younger and has shown to be a positive possession player throughout his whole career. If he bounces back you have a 3C and can move Bjugstad to a wing if wanted. If not, Bjugstad stays there and is still a very good 3C.

Pittsburgh may want to get younger and cheaper, but no way are they going to give Kessel away for nothing.

Younger, cheaper (but doesn't have to be dirt cheap...going from 6.8M to 4M, for example, would be fine), above average defensively and above average skater.

This is why Zucker was a fit. 4 years or so younger than Kessel, has speed, plays well at both ends, and 1.3M cheaper than Kessel.

No state taxes, a good coach, good centers to get him the puck, and a team bound for the playoffs would all be appealing to Kessel, but I don't see much that Florida can offer that fits the Penguins plan/system.

Florida's 2019 1st rounder would probably be most attractive piece.
- djr5899

GMJR seems to like trading with Florida. Wouldn't be surprised to see him do it again.

I don't think FL would make a trade for Kessel, definitely will not do so before July 1. Even if they don't get Panarin, I'd rather see them re-sign Dadonov and Hoffman than make a trade for Kessel. Not a knock on Kessel, but FL doesn't need him, any trades that they pursue should be targeting a defender.

I still see a one for one trade, a true hockey trade, for Kessel if one exists. Rutherford has made a ton of those over the years.

Hagelin for Pearson
Perron for Hagelin
Neal for Hornqvist (+ a 2nd round pick)
Pearson for Gudbranson
Scuderi for Daley

and I'm probably forgetting some. My point is that the Penguins are still in a very "win now" mode obviously with their core aging and no immediate help in the prospect pool. Trading Kessel and losing that offensive production is not going to help the Penguins right now unless they get a piece back that is comparable.

I have said from the beginning that a trade involving Subban for Kessel would make too much sense for both teams. I like Florida's core and what you guys have going on. I'd love to see you guys get a big name in FA and go from there. Not sure Kessel is what you guys are looking for.

The names ppl throw around from FLA are Trochek, and vatrano and also Bergstrom....TBH i dont know much of these guys but the Pens need to get younger and still not lose too much of the production Kessel brings.

I dont know what FLA's needs are but the Pens need to replace Kessel and dump JJ, Maata or Gub.

I still see a one for one trade, a true hockey trade, for Kessel if one exists. Rutherford has made a ton of those over the years.

Hagelin for Pearson
Perron for Hagelin
Neal for Hornqvist (+ a 2nd round pick)
Pearson for Gudbranson
Scuderi for Daley

and I'm probably forgetting some. My point is that the Penguins are still in a very "win now" mode obviously with their core aging and no immediate help in the prospect pool. Trading Kessel and losing that offensive production is not going to help the Penguins right now unless they get a piece back that is comparable.

I have said from the beginning that a trade involving Subban for Kessel would make too much sense for both teams. I like Florida's core and what you guys have going on. I'd love to see you guys get a big name in FA and go from there. Not sure Kessel is what you guys are looking for.
- SuperHenderson13

Solid point about the Pens being in “win now” mode and they still have the pieces to do it.

The names ppl throw around from FLA are Trochek, and vatrano and also Bergstrom....TBH i dont know much of these guys but the Pens need to get younger and still not lose too much of the production Kessel brings.

I dont know what FLA's needs are but the Pens need to replace Kessel and dump JJ, Maata or Gub.
- sammy87

Trocheck is a fan favorite and solid player. I love Vatrano for his shoot-first mentality. Borgstrom is still a wildcard for me. He shows glimpses of incredible play and I’m curious to see how he continues to develop.

Funny you mention Gudbranson. I’ve kind of always felt he would come back to FLA eventually.

Viola and the top management of the Panthers all have West Point / Army backgrounds, in addition to their extensive Wall St investment experience. They are very strategic in thinking and keep things close to the vest. They don't spill rumors or inside information.

That things are quiet on the Florida end is no surprise and cannot be taken as a sign of inactivity or lack of interest in various players and trades.

You can take Tallon at his word that the Panthers intend to be active in the offseason. But, IMHO, take any rumors about particular players with a grain of salt. They are most likely sourced from opposing teams, players' agents, or just made up. There are no inside leaks from the Panthers.

Viola and the top management of the Panthers all have West Point / Army backgrounds, in addition to their extensive Wall St investment experience. They are very strategic in thinking and keep things close to the vest. They don't spill rumors or inside information.

That things are quiet on the Florida end is no surprise and cannot be taken as a sign of inactivity or lack of interest in various players and trades.

You can take Tallon at his word that the Panthers intend to be active in the offseason. But, IMHO, take any rumors about particular players with a grain of salt. They are most likely sourced from opposing teams, players' agents, or just made up. There are no inside leaks from the Panthers.
- JimboCoppertone

Hey Jimbo,

I tend to not really believe any rumor unless there is significant sources/basis behind it - and even then it could just be something that's being kicked around. Heck, I've said numerous times I'm not so sure about Bob and Breadman being a done deal to Florida - I'll believe it if it happens. We live in the era of "clicks" and I think a lot of rumors in these articles floating around serve no other purpose than to get the "clicks."

I agree with you on the silence part. I mentioned it in the blog, but just because there's no public chatter, that doesn't mean there's not a lot going on behind the scenes. I think that's how most teams try to operate.

The names ppl throw around from FLA are Trochek, and vatrano and also Bergstrom....TBH i dont know much of these guys but the Pens need to get younger and still not lose too much of the production Kessel brings.

I dont know what FLA's needs are but the Pens need to replace Kessel and dump JJ, Maata or Gub.
- sammy87

As stated. Fla doesn't need Kessel. Add in the fact that he already nixed a deal, and in most circumstances, that usually translates to a team that starts to look desperate for a deal. A first for Kessel is TOTALLY out of bounds, but the Pitts crowd can come here and drool over a first, Trocheck, Vatrano, etc. all they want. Not needed. Move on.

As stated. Fla doesn't need Kessel. Add in the fact that he already nixed a deal, and in most circumstances, that usually translates to a team that starts to look desperate for a deal. A first for Kessel is TOTALLY out of bounds, but the Pitts crowd can come here and drool over a first, Trocheck, Vatrano, etc. all they want. Not needed. Move on.
- PanthersGoal

You sound fun.

You sound fun.
- SuperHenderson13

Everything I posted is true.

Blog updated with the press release from the Panthers site officially announcing the coaching staff

Really stoked about this coaching staff. Bringing over kitchen is a great move. He knows what coach Q wants and knows the system he runs inside and out. Really like that D MAC is staying too. He will probably be in charge of the PK and has tons a familiarity with the players. I can see brunette taking over the PP and like kitchen he knows coach Q’s system like the back of his hand playing for him twice. Hope they don’t change much tho, our power play was unreal last year. Overall really like this staff.