Dont think DeSmith is enticing enough for them to take Zucker.
NJD could have interest in Pettersson if they do not resign guys like Murray or any other FAs.
I also dont think Riikola gets value back. I hope someone takes a chance on him though, he deserves it.

No room for Riikola in Ottawa so there's not much point in us taking him just to likely lose him on waivers.

I think there is a team tjat will be willing to pick up a player like Riikola. He isn't bad but doesn't do anything special. It just seems that there isn't a team that would be able to "fit" him in the line up as of now but I think that will change once we are closer to the draft or the beginning of the season.

Seattle will probably take Zucker without any compensation. Left unprotected will be Zucker, Tanev, ZAR(rights), Pettersson, DeSmith.

They either take Zucker or ZAR rights. Tanev has 4 more years of 3.5M. That’s a lot for a 4th line winger. Zucker 5.5M for 2 more seasons. 5.5M is reasonable for a top 6 wing.

And Seattle has a cap floor they have to hit. They have to pay some players. And It’s gonna be tough to get FAs to sign there.

Zucker is a legit top 6, 20 plus goal scorer. Not many of them will be left unprotected. Top 6 wings just don’t grow on trees.

Pens traded a lot for him.

I would rather keep Zucker than Blueger, if it was up to me.

I don’t think Zucker got chemistry with any line cause he was injured mostly.

He still had 12 points in 15 games last season b4 he got hurt. And 18 points(9 goals) in 38 games this season and he wasn’t healthy(still .5 PPG).

And wasn’t able to get chemistry or get into a routine or get on a hot streak even.

I think Blueger is easier to replace. Like I said, top 6, 20 plus goal scorers just don’t grow on trees. U can’t go out and just sign another.

4th line Centers that play well on the PK and score some, can play make some, are replaceable.

Gaudreau would do just fine Centering that 4th line. He did so this season. He will be able to be resigned cheaply. 1M per for 2-3 seasons. He’s been on a minimum salary his whole career. 1.25M for 2 seasons. A 2.5M contract at most.

But Pens will probably leave Zucker unprotected. It seems crazy to me. But looks like it.

If Seattle takes ZAR rights over Zucker, that would be even crazier.

And I love ZAR, I’m not knocking him, I’m a fan. It’s just ZAR and Zucker are just two completely different caliber of players.

Zucker is a much more talented player and more natural goal scorer. ZAR will never have a 33 goal season or a 65 point season. Even if he’s on a line with C.McDavid and A.Matthews. He doesn’t score 33 goals.

I agree with some of what you say, but I don't agree with you about Blueger. I agree that Gaudreau can easily fill in the 4th line C role. However, the Pens have been looking for a 3rd line C since Bonino left. Yes Carter filled that role after the trade deadline and he will fill that roll next season, but it is only temporary and the spot will be Blueger's after next season. Ideally Zucker is the guy taken by Seattle because he doesn't have enough chemistry with Geno and the Pens need the cap space. Regardless of who Seattle takes, the Pens have no choice buy to move at least two of Zucker, Petterson and Matheson just to be under the cap.

If Seattle takes Zucker. Which is most likely.

Most likely because he’s the biggest asset to them even if they were to trade him. They would receive the best prospect package/ draft picks back for Zucker and retaining money.

They take Zucker with no compensation.

Zucker is a completely different caliber of player than Blueger.

And Again, I’m a huge Blueger fan!! He’s great!! Great two-way. But he’s 27 years old. Not a prospect anymore.

Even with a larger role, he’s not gonna drastically increase his production. You are gonna get seasons like his last two seasons. Which were great!! He’s over performed.

But Zucker is a top 6, natural goal scorer, fast and pesky too, with a wicked wrist shot. Blueger will never score 33 goals in a season, like Zucker did.

And Zucker turns 29 in January and is only signed 3 more years till he is 32. Most NHL players stay in their prime to about 30-32. Don’t fall off until after 32 years old usually.

So it’s not a horrible contract. Especially since Seattle can retain if/when they draft him.