pens would rather elliot than Zaktoff, I like shinkaruk but Jim Rutherford would ask for a little more i assume, maybe a 3rd?

Fair enough, but Zatkoff played well for Pittsburgh last year in the playoffs. I don't know if Pittsburgh plays the defensive game that fits Elliott so well, he and Zatkoff might actually be a saw off - and figure Pitt's cap situation.

Rutheford might get a 3rd, but teams know Pittsburgh has to move Fleury so that will hurt the return. But sure, a third could go as well.

Zatkoff was well-liked in the Pens locker room, and would be more willing to take a backup role than Elliott would, although his form suggests he should. The extra cap space could bring in a depth defenseman and apparently Landeskog now. I know the Landeskog-to-Pittsburgh rumors will probably never come true, but just imagine them with him.

Zatkoff has another year left on his contract and would immediately suffice the exposure requirement, whereas they would need to re-sign Elliott. Therefore, Zatkoff has more value in this instance.