Like any Pens fans, I haven't liked what the team has done so far this offseason and have gone around and made a few Armchair GM teams to try and rectify the predicament that they are currently in. With bad as well as expensive contracts, the Pens will need to retool quickly to be considered a great team and to maximize the final years of their Superstars (although I still think Malkin and Crosby will be amazing for years to come) and so I made another team that takes away those bad contracts in hopes of making on that is both competitive and cap friendly. Enjoy and thrash me in the comments as per usual :P
The Pens NEED to find a suitor for JJ and I know you aren't getting a whole lot in return or you'll have to give up an arm and a leg, but some people make it seem he is walking cancer and you won't be able to trade him unless you give away a first and plus your entire farm team to do so. Yes, there were teams that have gone this route to give rid of a bad contract, but we just saw Lucic for Neal just happened which maybe gives me a bit more optimistic than I should, but I feel that there are some teams that may use his services. Don't forget he was ALMOST traded to the Wild in the Phil Kessel move, but I think that there are assets that MIN are willing to move on from that could benefit both squads. So swapping one bad contract for another, Rask and a low pick for JJ, Jarry (a sweetener) and a mid-tier pick feel justified in my eyes.
The Pens also need to rebrand that god-awful defence, even after JJ is gone and I feel that they can take advantage of a situation in EDM that could help both sides tremendously. Getting Larson replaces both Gud and Shultz (later trades) and the Oilers not only get one winger but two that are more than serviceable to play in a top 6 role. Hornqvist may not be at his peak, but can still contribute if healthy, but the big grab for the Oilers I think is Simon which I believe that the Pens would regret moving on from, but given their cap and the fact that he could command a good chunk of change next season makes him a great pick-up for a team starving for wing support.
I love what Bjugstad brings to this team, but I feel he will be a cap casualty within the next few weeks/months before the season start. Pick a team looking for centre depth and get a few picks back and move on.
I believe that J. Shtulz will be moved either at the start of the season (mid Oct-Nov) whenever the Pens are normally not too great and are able to salvage a player like Lowry from the Jets, but those this case, I made it as though he was traded during the off-season. The Jets are reportedly looking for a RHD and the Pens need to STILL be shedding some salary which makes this swap pretty easy.
As for the Gardner signing and much like the Tanev one, I think it will look great when announced that the Pens actually get the player, but the dollar amount and the term will have everyone screaming for GMJR's retirement. Five mil is a bit lower than what most people would have Gardner at, but I think to give him that much term justifies it, especially given that he is coming off a tough season with a serious back injury that could potentially backfire at any moment. Still, if there is a team to drop mad cash in FA and give out massive term on what will be a questionable signing, it's the Pens. Also added Aberg as an extra player as to when a Pens player eventually goes down with an injury.
Thats alot of trades.. they are making 2 max more deals and thats pushin it
Oh, I doubt they will be making all of those trades that's for sure and I would agree they got maybe one or two more before the season begins, but I watched enough of GMJR to know that he will make at least one trade mid-way through the season which in the end comes close to this.
Johnson for Rask hurts the Pens on the ice and on the cap front.
Johnson, Jarry, 3rd for Rask and a 5th is crazy.
Johnson for Rask w/$1M retained is a maybe, Pens still don't actually win this.
Johnson and Jarry for Rask w/$1M ret and a 2nd is closer.
I had thought of taking Foligno instead of Rask from MIN, but I felt for the Wilds to be willing to take JJ they would need to give up a bigger salary. Maybe they can retain to what JJ is currently making and pry a second out of PIT.