If Pittsburgh retains anymore than 1.1 million for Scuds, they might as well buy him out and save more money.

Not over the long term. And it negates the buy out cap hit in 2017 and 2018. Sending him back to Shero is probably a pipe dream anyways. But that's why it's Armchair GM.

A few things to note: Hudler is a top six winger, he'd likely be on Malkin's right. Tikhonov is really going to want a scoring role, so I'd put him at least on the third line, and Sergei Plotnikov would be on a 1-year, $925K deal. I'd still try and move Kunitz and perhaps Nick Spaling too.

Perron - Crosby - Hornqvist

Plotnikov - Malkin - Hudler

Dupuis - Tikhonov - Bennett

Rychel - Spaling - Sundqvist

If you can move Spaling, sign a 4th liner like Downie for the 4RW or sign someone like Desjardins for 4C and move Sundqvist accordingly. Wilson or Rust is a perfect 13th forward. The defense is okay, but if you can move Kunitz, I'd sign Sekera/Oduya/Franson to a 2-3 year deal for 5M. Rychel will be given a chance on the 4th line, maybe try him and swap Duper down for a few shifts, but we can give him top line AHL minutes too if he needs to work on his game or he just needs playing time - Beau Bennett needs more time playing.

Agree with much of moorese
Did you mean we ship our 2nd rounder and Sutter of Hudler? Because I don't think we get Hudler and a second for Sutter.
I'd love something like a Franson signing and think Cole is better as a third pairing. What happens if/when Tanger and/or Maata and/or DP go down (again)???
It'll be hard to get a top 6 and something like Franson though and fill the rest of the holes.
Not sure I'd pencil either Russian in a top 6 yet, but that would be nice. Or Sundqvisy, but that would also be nice. Either way, it may be necessary.
It'd be nice if the pens leave a little cap room too. Hopefully the end of last season won't repeat itself.

I guess Hudler and a 2nd for Sutter is the rumor and that's what you used. Damn, that just doesn't sound right though....