I don’t think the Pens have much need for J.Donskoi. I personally think he’s overpaid. And the Pens organization likes Riikola. Its why they rewarded him this year with the 1.1M contract. He plays both the LHD and RHD just as well. And is perfect 7th D. He can slide into the 2nd or 3rd pairing nicely on either side. And is solid Defensively and has a good offensive touch too. Since coming over from Russia, he’s put up solid numbers the last two years in limited ice time.

Yeah that's super fair, I'm a big fan of Riikola. Not sure why PIT signed so many guys on the backend

Ya, everything I’ve read the last 2 years says the Pens think he can be a top 4 D. And they have no problem putting him in the 2nd pairing when there is an injury or to give someone a rest. He’s isnt given sheltered minutes either. Last year he played 14 minutes a game and in 2018-19 he played almost 17 minutes a game(16:41). So I don’t know why they signed Ceci and traded for Matheson. I thought for sure he’d be our 3rd pairing LHD, or RHD. Everyone was screaming last year, fans and analysts for him to replace JJ on the right side 3rd pairing last year. He plays the Right-side too, just as well. And I read that his 1.1M contract was a reward cause the Pens organization thinks a lot of him. But he’s perfect as a 7th D, I guess. Seeing he plays both sides and they trust him. I would like to see him actually get a fair shot though.

Yeah I completely agree, like I only watch the pens occasionally but he also has super strong underlying defensive metrics. Truly no idea why they signed Ceci when Riikola could do that job infinitely better.

I think Detroit passes unless they’re sure Compher isn’t picked from us during the expansion draft. He’d be our best exposed forward IMO. If the deal is done after, maybe they consider it. Obviously there’s that Michigan connection, but I’m not sure where he would fit long term. The value is fine, but we have Larkin, Mantha, Bertuzzi, Raymond, Zadina, Fabbri, Veleno, Rasmussen, Namestnikov, and maybe Svechnikov or Smith would hopefully make up our top 9 for the next couple years. Maybe there’s a spot if Veleno and Raymond need time and Namestnikov is traded, but it’s pretty jam packed.

Ya, I think the Pens would have a lot more use for JT Compher. A 3C. And I think 3.5M per year is reasonable for a 3rd line Center. Not the 3.9M for a bottom 6 RW like J.Donakoi. I think the Pens would do Jussi Riikola and a 4th or 5th for JT Compher. Or atleast I think Pens fans would be ok with that trade.