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thoughts on the POST-Sid/geno/tanger era??? which prospects will make it and to what level? I hope the pens go for a total teardown and sell off all assets and go right to the bottom.

I’m alittle higher on Almeida. Look at his stats. I think he’s a 3C ceiling. I’m hoping O’Connor, Maniscalco, Cam lee can produce this year or next. I think Poulin, Legare, PO-Joseph are The Pens only for sure NHL players though.

And I’m higher on Judd Caufield than R.Zohorna, just look at their stats so far in the leagues they have played in. Caulfield produces.

And I’m higher than most on E.Larmi. I think he’s an NHL goalie. Especially b4 Blomqvist or Clang.

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/245573/justin-almeida

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/444997/judd-caulfield

Just look at their stats. Sure a lot of them are U18 leagues. But I’m a big believer in on ice stats and not potential. Like in Football, I’m not a big combine guy. I would rather see an under-sized player do it on the field. Not that Caulfield is under-sized, he is huge(6’4, 210), Just like Zoharna(6’6, 235). But Almeidia is a bit under-sized at 5’11 170. But I don’t see a huge difference in 5’10-5’11 and 6’0-6’1. As long as he can put on some weight. And get up to 185-190. 5’11, 185 is good enough size.

Valtteri Puustinen is a stud too. He’s producing in Liiga. A top 5 league, besides the NHL, in the world.

https://www.pensburgh.com/2020/11/6/21551664/pensburgh-top-25-under-25-11-valtteri-puustinen

Oof, I don't even want to picture these days. It'll be cold. Maybe hope to get that next young star and lure a big fish free agent with our "young core" of guys we have now.

Almost worse than DET ... almost

Pens fans are so privileged with Mario/Jagr/Sid/Geno that they just assume they'll get another superstar

Matheson will be gone by then.
POJ will be gone too. He won't be NHL ready while this team is competitive, so if they can move him later for something, he's gone.
They are set in their top 4 for a long time anyway with Dumo/Marino, Pettersson/Maniscalco.
Defense and goaltending will not be what holds this team back.

If anything I think this team turns into CBJ when Sid and Geno retire. They will play physical hockey. You can see the pieces already starting to come together. OConnor, Caufield, Björkqvist, Légaré, Poulin, Tanev, Zohorna if he can ever make it. All those guys spell, hard to play against. You will get a physical match up. Big physical, not giving an inch.
They won't be winning no cups, but they will at least be physical enough to be competative.

PIT
2023 3rd round pick (OTT)
B prospect
OTT
Zucker, Jason

PROs
Zucker could slide into the second line LW in Ottawa and give them 2nd line production. He's scored 20 or more goals 5 out of 6 years, so he's reliable there. The 33 goal season is an anomaly, so I'd guess that Zucker is good for about 20-22 goals in a full season, at age 29 moving forward (Birthday Jan 16).
Zucker could help Ottawa in his year two and three of his contract when they are competing

CONs
Ottawa isn't competing seriously this season, and don't need Zucker, yet
Zucker is making about $1.5MM a year too much, for three more seasons, at ages 29-31 (not quite declining, not getting better)
Ottawa wants to play their prospects, and Zucker takes a roster spot for three seasons
Ottawa has enough forwards

After this next season, Ottawa might be inclined to trade for another player like Zucker in 21/22, but they wouldn't be inclined to add that much "cap versus production" in their compete years. Pittsburgh would have to retain, or the package going back reduced.

I agree this is a nightmare that I am very afraid to ever see.

yeah me too. although I think the pens will be able to tank fairly quickly. not many prospects or picks, but alot of NHL caliber assets to trade...

I don’t see them selling that low on Kapanen unless he doesn’t up his game at all with crosby. In 5 years he will only be like 29-30 lol.

Considering Rust and Zucker will be in their mid 30s they would be lucky to even get a third by the time Sid and Malkin are retired

but I think even early 30s 20-30 goal players would fetch more than that....even at a deadline maybe...

Yeah the big question is who would be the next Captain after Sid?? Those are big shoes to fill and a tough act to follow.

this is terrifying

Im all for the Pens trying for next 2 yrs then I hope we are horrible for 2-3 yrs and getting #1- #3 overall picks again

And we continue the every 20 yrs we get the Best player in the game w/ the #1 pick ..... Shane Wright to the Pens??