when he looks bad compared to Maatta....then you know he's bad

I really like that trade, would be a smart deal. Both 1 year left. The penguins already have enough leadership in the locker room. Gustafsson would add a nice offensive touch to Marino. This would mean that Riikola would be shipped out for a pick.

I haven’t watched him this year but he was great last year

That is exactly the problem.. He has been hot garbage this year. Not sure he would have been better than JJ or Riikola. In fact, i really doubt he would be.

He had 17 and 43 last year and was a -6. You can take that minus when a Dman is finding the net that often. He is bad defensively, though.

This year he has 6 and 20 with a -8.

On pace for 8 and 26 with a -11.

3 and 50 are +3 and +4 this season.

With the forward group we have, I'd rather a guy that isn't a turnstyle in his own end.

I mean he's still actually decent offensively 5v5 (JJ isn't) but he is probably one of the worst d men at defending (JJ isn't much better tho)... I would take him over JJ in a heartbeat tho

Plus Don’t you think he’d look good playing with a guy as defensivly responsible as Marino on a winning team like pit? I feel like it’s a missed opportunity. I still love Marleau. I’ve always been a fan, but due to how good our depth is when we’re fully healthy, I don’t see the best fit

I really think the Pens best bet, aside from health, is sheltering their 3rd pair and telling JJ to never pinch.

Let Tanger, Dumo, Marino, and Petterson eat up minutes. Schultz has been a worse Dman than JJ or Riikola this year imo. I know that may be an unpopular one. Gus is like having two of Schultz. He may have better offensive upside, but i don't think he is as good at defending as Schultzy can be when he is right and is reading the play.

Overall, I like the Marleau deal. Would have preferred a 4th. I think he will provide a couple of big moments if the Pens can win the cup this year. Obviously no guarantee, but if they do get 16 wins he will have his part to play.