Pens Opening Night

I don't usually give 1 stars ... but you traded Rust AND a 2nd ... 2 things I wouldn't trade going into this year. Karlsson isn't worth that to me, and Rust just offers to much to trade him. Play him on any line (1 thru 4) and the PP and PK, AND he's clutch in the playoffs (14% shooting!). He's an RFA next year and a key piece of Cup runs. The ONLY knock on him is he doesn't play center. I've only seen Karlsson a few games ... a 2nd might be to much. Maybe a 3rd, but this draft is supposed to be pretty deep. I think Vegas has other C that would come cheaper and still work, not to mention the other 29 teams in the league.

I'd offer a 4th and anyone under Rust on the roster, excluding Jarry, Sprong, Aston Reese, and maybe Adam Johnson.

I think you overvalue Rust. He scored some big playoff goals, but has the lowest PP/60 of penguins forwards and doesn't really produce when he's not playing with Sid.

Shooting 14% in the playoffs isn't a skill... it's being lucky

Pens aren't going to a be able to keep him next year and probably shouldn't as he is basically at his statistical peak.

Basically, if you want something good you gotta pay. A 4th and Wilson is near worthless and isn't getting his deal done.

Also, who gives a crap about a 2nd vs 3rd. If that's ur problem idk what to tell you. Ron Hainsey cost a 2nd so...

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Under rust on the cap friendly roster ...

He scored 7 post season goals after scoring 15 regular season. To win another cup you need guys who show up ... He shows up. Everyone can't play with Sid. He's the go to for anyone talking point production from the Pens. Hornqvist? only scores with Sid. Kessel? Only scores with Sid. Sid should have 200 points for all the credit he gets.

I would agree if 14% was one playoff. It was a playoff, followed by a season, and then another playoff. Lucky? I thought it was playing with Sid? :P It's poise. It's the patients and smarts enough not to take a crappy shot but wait for another play to come along ... if it's luck, then I want that lucky SOB playing for my team.

Why wouldn't the be able to keep him next year? He's a RFA. We'll be compensated no matter where he plays next year, and you're talking like he's going to make $4m or something. You're paying Sheary $3.5m and he just plays line 1 WITH SID. He doesn't pk, and his production in the bottom 6 will be a larger drop then what Rust will put up, and he'll PK, can PP, and if he could played center we wouldn't be shopping for a center. It actually sounds like you value him quite a bit as well. And Karlsson is an RFA at seasons end as well ... so same boat. Do you think Karlsson is worth less money?

I don't disagree but if what you give up hurts your team worse then making another move then why not make another move? Do the pens have a better shot at a 3rd cup with or with out Rust? If your answer is with, then this deal doesn't make sense. There are other pieces to move for other pieces. Wilson might not. But Wilson produced what Karlsson did. Package Wilson/Kunhackle/, a 4th and a prospect (other then Sprong, Jarry, and Aston-Reese) just might ... or set up a package to make both teams feel like the winning.

Here's what I came up with and I'm not saying it better or going to work just something I think most fans wouldn't mind and wouldn't hurt the team ...
Haula, E
Karlsson, W
Merrill, J
2018 2nd round pick (VGK)


Kuhnhackl, T.
Määttä, O.
Hagelin, C ($750,000 retained).
2018 1st round pick (PIT)
2019 4th round pick (PIT)

Hainsey ... That how negotiations go when you're not in a position of power. If you're hunger you'll pay far to much to eat. Hainsey was a late season trade to make up for multiple injuries to defensemen. They did what they felt the had to. Imagine what a Hagelin can get at deadline.

Kruger was traded for 5th ... Methot a 2nd and prospect that no one believes will ever play in the NHL .... Marcus Johanson for two second round picks ...

That said it's constant luck came of his intangibles. He can play on any top or bottom 6, PP, is a PKer, he makes this team better aside from stats.
He'll be 26 next summer, what peak are you talking about? He is damn fast I must tell you. That kind of players play till 40 based only on character see Matt Cullen. So what $$ level do you value him being not affordable?