Some tidbits from Yohe's interview with Hextall:

He spoke very highly of Freddy. I won't quote everything because there was a bit, but it appears like he's comfortable with him as the 4C if that's how things land. He also spoke highly of McCann and the fact he can play both C/W. With all that said, he seems to still like the idea of adding a center who can play wing.



Notice he did not mention Jank.



This is an important distinction as we've previously heard they will not move any of them.



Which we already know.



I like that they're cognizant of this, but we shouldn't forget that the Pens started playing like this before the injuries actually started happening. It may have been short-lived because of the injuries, but Geno and Kap found their games and the team was playing as a unit.
- Rinosaur

Thanks for the cliff notes.

I'd still be shocked if he traded any of those guys. Sounds like he's just not ruling out a sweetheart deal.

Thanks for the cliff notes.

I'd still be shocked if he traded any of those guys. Sounds like he's just not ruling out a sweetheart deal.
- Tojo.

Yeah, I think it's highly unlikely he moves any of them unless it's for a serious hockey trade.

Realistically I'm not sure what we have to offer. I don't think they trade Pettersson until the off-season. Some depth defenseman like Riikola and Ruhwedel for a forward?

I think Gaudreau is going to plug the 4C hole or at least give them an option besides McCann. If they can't find that forward with size, they might just roll with the guys they have.

Realistically I'm not sure what we have to offer. I don't think they trade Pettersson until the off-season. Some depth defenseman like Riikola and Ruhwedel for a forward?

I think Gaudreau is going to plug the 4C hole or at least give them an option besides McCann. If they can't find that forward with size, they might just roll with the guys they have.
- Tojo.

How they plan to construct this team really dictates available assets. If they plan on keeping Gaudreau at 4C and McCann at wing, then that COULD make Zucker the odd-man-out and available for trade. The caveat to that is moving ZAR/Tanev to Gaudreau's line sending either Zucker or McCann to Blueger's line.

Some updates:

Dave Molinari
@MolinariPGH
·
12s
Sullivan said Anthony Angello has an unspecified "upper-body injury," which is why he didn't play Tuesday.

Pens Inside Scoop
@PensInsideScoop
Updates from Coach Sullivan:
- Tristan Jarry will start in goal.
- Teddy Blueger will not play tonight. He continues to progress with activity on the ice but has not been cleared.
- John Marino is participating in the optional skate and will be available for the game.

How they plan to construct this team really dictates available assets. If they plan on keeping Gaudreau at 4C and McCann at wing, then that COULD make Zucker the odd-man-out and available for trade. The caveat to that is moving ZAR/Tanev to Gaudreau's line sending either Zucker or McCann to Blueger's line.
- Rinosaur

Not sure how McCann at wing pushes Zucker out though. That would give us Jake, McCann, Zucker and ZAR at LW. Sid, Geno, Teddy, Gaudreau at center, Rust Kapanen, Tanev, Rodrigues at RW. EDIT I like the idea of giving Zucker to Teddy though. Add Tanev to that line and it's a forechecking nightmare for the other team

Is he still out injured? Because that would make a lot of sense for this team
- burgh4life87

There’s a chance he plays tonight

Not sure how McCann at wing pushes Zucker out though. That would give us Jake, McCann, Zucker and ZAR at LW. Sid, Geno, Teddy, Gaudreau at center, Rust Kapanen, Tanev, Rodrigues at RW. EDIT I like the idea of giving Zucker to Teddy though. Add Tanev to that line and it's a forechecking nightmare for the other team
- burgh4life87

Do that lineup except add Ryan and remove Rod.

Should play Zahorna with McCann.

Not sure how McCann at wing pushes Zucker out though. That would give us Jake, McCann, Zucker and ZAR at LW. Sid, Geno, Teddy, Gaudreau at center, Rust Kapanen, Tanev, Rodrigues at RW. EDIT I like the idea of giving Zucker to Teddy though. Add Tanev to that line and it's a forechecking nightmare for the other team
- burgh4life87

Zucker is not going play with Gaudreau on a 4th line. That's the scenario that would push him out IMO. To have Zucker as your 4th line LW is horrendous asset management.

Should play Zahorna with McCann.
- Grinder47

Over Rod? I agree. If Zohorna can play RW

Zucker is not going play with Gaudreau on a 4th line. That's the scenario that would push him out IMO. To have Zucker as your 4th line LW is horrendous asset management.
- Rinosaur

Dude:
Guentz
McCann
Zuck
ZAR
That's third line.

Panik on waivers... I'm in
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Merkely is the guy on waivers we should be all over. Kid is talented, shocked they are willing to just let him go.

Guentz-Sid-Rust
McCann-Geno-Kap
Zuck-Blue-Ryan
ZAR-Gaud-Tanev

Guentz-Sid-Rust
McCann-Geno-Kap
Zuck-Blue-Ryan
ZAR-Gaud-Tanev
- 668710

If you read my original post that's what I state would be the only caveat.

Zucker is not going play with Gaudreau on a 4th line. That's the scenario that would push him out IMO. To have Zucker as your 4th line LW is horrendous asset management.
- Rinosaur

I know, I said he would play with Teddy on the 3rd line. ZAR would be on the 4th with Gaudreau.

Over Rod? I agree. If Zohorna can play RW
- 668710

Right now i Would just be concerned with playing offensive players with offensive players. Make someone play their off side.

If you read my original post that's what I state would be the only caveat.
- Rinosaur

I mean there's no way Zucker would be going to the 4th line

I mean there's no way Zucker would be going to the 4th line
- 668710

Exactly, so that really makes things interesting if they keep Gaudreau at C.

Personally I'd give ZAR/Tanev to Gaudreau and build the 3rd line around Blueger.

Florida finally traded Connolly. Not sure why Chicago wanted to do that deal though. Florida is going to make a splash trade I hope.

Florida finally traded Connolly. Not sure why Chicago wanted to do that deal though. Florida is going to make a splash trade I hope.
- burgh4life87

Frees up just enough to grab Hall at 50%.

Frees up just enough to grab Hall at 50%.
- Rinosaur

If they move Ekblad to long term IR they could swing a forward and D man, which is more pressing given the injury situation.

I think if they do anything it’s a 4th for Bobby Ryan or something like that.
- Feds91Stammer

I believe this is correct. They'll add a depth forward (UFA) for a late pick. I also believe they have an eye on the expansion draft which will eliminate several names out there.