no part of this is an upgrade

no part of that line is better than what they have before trades.

kessel alone is a lot more valuable than every piece coming back from Canadians

brassard is 1000% better than shaw the pens loose that trade big time just plain awful

Kessel wants out. Next season brassard will want more money. Pits won't have enough money. Shaw and Haley add toughness and grit. That was missing. With out that grit they can't pass Washington New Jersey or any team in the east as they have that grit and fire Pittsburg is missing. Also shaw has a decent contract now we can sign pacioretty long term as without kessel we can afford him. A regular 30 goal man. That added speed and toughness is what is needed.

Kessel doesn't want out, he wants to be left alone to play hockey and not talk to the media.

Yea well, Kessel needs to man the **** up and be a professional. Speaking to the media is part of his contract/part of the CBA. Grow up, be an adult and give the media real answers. 99% of the other NHL players don't ***** about it, why does Kessel get to act like a child about it?

Toronto media takes a toll on you. He came to Pittsburgh, won two cups, and was a top 10 player in points last year. He deserves certain amenities for sure.

Kessel will "man the **** up" and put up 92+ points again this year. I don't care if he never talks to the media again (though I do love his awkward quirky interviews). He's not obligated to give this terrible media group anything (minus a few, like Yohe/Mackey).

This was very poorly put together and even after giving up Kessel AND Brassard, you have Sheahan as 3C and Sprong on the 4th line...

I know Kessel is a good player but it's the piece they'll have to move to fit Guentzel and be under the cap. With the addition of Sprong and the rising of Rust the right side might be set for a while. I think after Guentzel the left side is weak it could get an upgrade. Carl Hagelin is not bad but he more of a 3rd line winger. The addition of Pacioretty and Shaw could bring down the age average with less cap hit and similar team results.

But he is obligated. You act like the media is out to get him? Why would they be? and how does it help them? Antonio Brown is the biggest asshole in prefessional sports, and the Pittsburgh media doesn't say a single bad word about him. Just be a professional and let the media do their job.