Would You Have Traded Zucker

absolutely

Absolutely... not

If the pens don't sign Kapanen, Rutta and Archibald, they could have made a much better signing without sacrificing anything on the defense side, and not having to give up a 1st.

That was an interesting article but I believe it never stated the exact timing the initial offer took place. It was just stated that it was "over the summer". Was it pre- or post-draft? Was it before or after the first few days of the Free Agency frenzy? I remember Burakovsky being snatched up the day Free Agency started so I don't think there was really ever a chance.

I personally wouldn't like a Zucker + 1st Round cap dump type trade. I know he is frustrating to some, but Zucker has 1 year left and is coming into the season healthy not requiring surgery over the off-season. I'd like to give him a shot to perform during an all important contract year. He has elements to his game that benefit the Penguins when he is healthy. He's due to play more games than sit hurt.

He doesn't get a lot of credit from the fan base but Hextall has been doing great with the usage of draft picks as assets (I think of using a 2nd to acquire Rakell + re-signing Rakell to lock up 5/6 of the top-six). There is no way I could see him using a 1st in a simple cap dump move. He has been maneuvering through the flat cap era quite efficiently so far. $20M is off the books next off-season and I'd like to think Hextall rather just dip into that UFA forward group than throw away a 1st now to get Zucker off the books and sign someone now.

Zucker is a very misunderstood player. Does he live up to his contract? No, but that doesn't mean he's a bad player. He's not. Far from it. He's just had incredibly bad shooting luck. Fast, gritty and a VERY good two-way game. Wise decision by Hextall.

100%

I see some treat him like Brassard and I just don't understand it lol.