Ryan Wilson: This is by design This is by design

How many players do we end up moving by the TDL?

How many players do we end up moving by the TDL?
- MickV

Taylor Haase from DK's site says the Dubas has let it known that everyone except Sid is available. However, she says they want players not futures in return. Apparently, FSG made a promise to Sid that they would attempt to remain competitive while he's still playing. For me, I don't like muddling around the rebuild vs competing processes. I don't believe its possible to compete when your best players are into their mid to late 30's.

The end of era's are never fun. That's one of the reasons it was never a priority for me for these guys finish their careers as Penguins. The more we watch the less convinced that Sid will finish that contract as a Penguin. If he wants to compete they owe him a real shot somewhere else.

The only way this team is competitive again, you need to add a top young prospect in the draft who is NHL ready and sign a big fish in free agency like Marner. Then you hope Rutger takes a step forward and is top 9 ready next season.

In the latest mock draft I read, 8 out of the top 10 picks are forwards. You need someone to take Karlsson but likely no one is. I think you have to find a way to keep Pettersson, but he really hasnt been that great this year. Funny enough, I read a rumor today (probably not credible) that Dubas wants to re-acquire Yager from Winnipeg. I could see Pettersson + a draft pick or two going to Winnipeg to make something happen.

I think a coaching change is needed for next season. This season I dont care because no new coach is saving this mess.

Taylor Haase from DK's site says the Dubas has let it known that everyone except Sid is available. However, she says they want players not futures in return. Apparently, FSG made a promise to Sid that they would attempt to remain competitive while he's still playing. For me, I don't like muddling around the rebuild vs competing processes. I don't believe its possible to compete when your best players are into their mid to late 30's.

The end of era's are never fun. That's one of the reasons it was never a priority for me for these guys finish their careers as Penguins. The more we watch the less convinced that Sid will finish that contract as a Penguin. If he wants to compete they owe him a real shot somewhere else.
- madmike71

This offseason was such a terrible way to try and build a competitive roster. Next year I think signing Marner and a #2 center should be priority.

Malkin - Crosby - Marner
Rakell - FA or trade - Rust

Wouldn't be a terrible top 6 for next season pending the center. Definitely need to rebuild the defense.

The only way this team is competitive again, you need to add a top young prospect in the draft who is NHL ready and sign a big fish in free agency like Marner. Then you hope Rutger takes a step forward and is top 9 ready next season.

In the latest mock draft I read, 8 out of the top 10 picks are forwards. You need someone to take Karlsson but likely no one is. I think you have to find a way to keep Pettersson, but he really hasnt been that great this year. Funny enough, I read a rumor today (probably not credible) that Dubas wants to re-acquire Yager from Winnipeg. I could see Pettersson + a draft pick or two going to Winnipeg to make something happen.

I think a coaching change is needed for next season. This season I don't care because no new coach is saving this mess.
- SuperHenderson13

I don't think he could reacquire Yager until next year due to the trading rules. I could be wrong. Marner is probably the number one hopefully target.

I don't think he could reacquire Yager until next year due to the trading rules. I could be wrong. Marner is probably the number one hopefully target.
- 123Kid

I don't think there's any rule that would forbid them from making a trade for Yager. The only rule I know about is that you can't require a player if you are already retaining some of their salary from a previous trade. There are similar rules dealing with buyouts.

Taylor Haase from DK's site says the Dubas has let it known that everyone except Sid is available. However, she says they want players not futures in return. Apparently, FSG made a promise to Sid that they would attempt to remain competitive while he's still playing. For me, I don't like muddling around the rebuild vs competing processes. I don't believe its possible to compete when your best players are into their mid to late 30's.

The end of era's are never fun. That's one of the reasons it was never a priority for me for these guys finish their careers as Penguins. The more we watch the less convinced that Sid will finish that contract as a Penguin. If he wants to compete they owe him a real shot somewhere else.
- madmike71

One of the interesting parts of that article to me was that Dubas has been personally scouting amateurs. He had already gone to Michigan to see McGroarty in person before trading for him.

Come on. Playing Malkin with Sid is a dumb idea. I heard it myself as the Pens top six has been inept for 4 years straight.

This offseason was such a terrible way to try and build a competitive roster. Next year I think signing Marner and a #2 center should be priority.

Malkin - Crosby - Marner
Rakell - FA or trade - Rust

Wouldn't be a terrible top 6 for next season pending the center. Definitely need to rebuild the defense.
- 123Kid

D will be tough. They could use a couple top four defensemen, one on each side. (I'm assuming they move EK). Brunicke may still not be ready though he seems to be having a great year, but regardless I can't see him starting in the top four

Same for Pickering. They may have to just play Graves second pair, and hope Pickering goes third pair and maybe flips. But if they trade Pettersson, they basically need to replace him anyways, and good luck finding a better fit.

I'd still be open to trading Pettersson, I just don't see the D really improving next year unless Pickering and Brunicke both have seamless transitions AND they hit on a free agent.

Between Karlsson, Graves, and Jarry, three of our biggest liabilities, that's about $20M in cap space. It will be impossible to build a competitive team with that dead weight. Need to dump at least 2 of them.

D will be tough. They could use a couple top four defensemen, one on each side. (I'm assuming they move EK). Brunicke may still not be ready though he seems to be having a great year, but regardless I can't see him starting in the top four

Same for Pickering. They may have to just play Graves second pair, and hope Pickering goes third pair and maybe flips. But if they trade Pettersson, they basically need to replace him anyways, and good luck finding a better fit.

I'd still be open to trading Pettersson, I just don't see the D really improving next year unless Pickering and Brunicke both have seamless transitions AND they in hit on a free agent.
- Tojo.

Petts is gone. He’s probs the most tradable piece. It’s the same logic as guetz.

Between Karlsson, Graves, and Jarry, three of our biggest liabilities, that's about $20M in cap space. It will be impossible to build a competitive team with that dead weight. Need to dump at least 2 of them.
- SuperHenderson13

For the sake of not having to get into the "was the Karlsson trade good or bad...
Graves, Jarry, Bunting, Acciari and Grzelcuk cap cost alone is I believe 20 million... Most people knew EXACTLY or very close what these players were and youd be very hard pressed to find anyone that thought these were good value from the get go.
With 20 million used in a much better way I think its easy to see this team would be in a lot better position currently. These players were all acquired by 1 GM... (Hint: not Hextall)

1 thing Ive said before and can 100% confirm is Domi and Zucker both wanted to sign with the pens but were told they wanted a "defensive bottom 6" in 2023. I know Domis ask was 3 years at $3.5m and Zuckers ask was apparently 3 years at $4.75m.
Puis Suter was another player that was turned away.

Might not have been a cup finalist but almost impossible to say they wouldnt be a lot better with some smarter decisions on players...

Petts is gone. He’s probs the most tradable piece. It’s the same logic as guetz.
- sammy87

I agree. And his replacement will be worse. This is the same team that replaced Guentzel with *checks notes* Anthony Beauvillier.

I don’t think a lot of this is by design. Losing to Dallas is one thing, but 6-0 the first period is not by design.

I want Michael Misa

I don’t think a lot of this is by design. Losing to Dallas is one thing, but 6-0 the first period is not by design.
- Grinder47

It's just working better than anticipated.

Eller to Washington for a 3rd and 5th....

Don't know how this trade makes them more competitive unless he is moving out cap space to bring someone else in

Don't know how this trade makes them more competitive unless he is moving out cap space to bring someone else in
- 123Kid

It’s not. Dubas wants picks so in 6 yrs the next gm has some pieces to see if he can build a team after the dubas mess.

So much fun reading RW. Like listening to Rachel
M on msnbc. I know this was the plan all along when the boy wonder was hired. Not to make the playoffs and win now. No,trade for EK and his contract to start a rebuild. Thought you said it at least would be fun watching the Pens after that trade . Have a good time with the “vibe” at Bluesky.

Eller to Washington for a 3rd and 5th....
- 123Kid

Put him out of his misery

EDIT- that 3rd isn't even until 2027. Oof.

Put him out of his misery

EDIT- that 3rd isn't even until 2027. Oof.
- Tojo.

Honestly can we fire him now? If he is telling Sid he is trying to build a competitive team. Idk how he is going to do it with terrible deals like this

Between Karlsson, Graves, and Jarry, three of our biggest liabilities, that's about $20M in cap space. It will be impossible to build a competitive team with that dead weight. Need to dump at least 2 of them.
- SuperHenderson13

If they move any of those guys Pens will have to retain 40-50% on each....

Honestly can we fire him now? If he is telling Sid he is trying to build a competitive team. Idk how he is going to do it with terrible deals like this
- 123Kid

I'd be fine with it. Even his moves I've liked haven't fared well and those are few. The team he put together sucks, he failed to fill the obvious holes. And he is not creating much of a rebuild either.