I'm surprised that I don't hate this. The Kessel trade does help the defense, if only for one year as Ellis will get a big bump after his contract is up. You bring in Neal that can hopefully still have chemistry with Malkin. Ward as a backup I like. Rust might be slightly over paid (I figure $2.5-$2.75). I would be willing to take a teams 3rd or 4th round pick if we didn't need to retain any of Sheary's salary. Grabner I love. Might be one of the best Pens ARMGM's I've seen.

I don't hate it - Though I don't think GMJR goes anywhere near Neal.

I think its a good vision. I wouldn't want to sign Neal for 5 years though and I dont really think it makes much sense to retain salary on Sheary considering the Penguins are the ones at the cap ceiling. Id rather just get a round later pick personally. I really like Ellis though plus he is a right shot and it would b a nice top 6. Having a more gifted offensive D and a solid stay at home D on each pair.

I really like the idea of trading for Ellis, because it would set the Pens up to trade Letang next year, but I find it hard to believe GMJR would give away Jarry just to get rid of Hunwick's contract or the Pens retaining Sheary's salary.

Kessel's value is much higher than a player with 1 year of term left.
You don't find wingers as talented as phil on long term cap hits like that.
Toronto traded him cheap because they thought he was a bust. Boy were they wrong. Now IF the penguins trade him they are selling high. You better have a better return than a player with 1 year of term left.