Throwing Sprong to the wolves a bit early? 1st line, on his off wing no less? Also, why resign Schultz as a 7D?

Possibly, in which case we have Bennett and Wilson to toss up there while we search for a short-term solution. If he thrives, he thrives. I think he just might; playing there with Crosby and Hornqvist his role will be speedy triggerman. The important thing is that we get him to that 1LW spot eventually.

One of Letang, Pouliot, and Daley will get hurt for large swaths of the season. Schultz gets in the lineup in their place, and will probably end up playing 50 games as a result. I don't think he pairs well with any of those three guys, and hasn't done enough to pass any of them on the depth chart.

Schultz may work with the Pens and sign on for a cheap contract, but I doubt he would if he knows he'll be riding the pine on a healthy lineup. And while I want Pouliot to come up and be successful, he's already been replaced by Schultz on the team this year. It's good in theory, but Schultz does have some freedom as an RFA and other teams will offer him more than 1.25, which means the Pens would have to match for a 7th D.