avs have no need for Toews,

not that interested in toews and i don't think he has that kind of value anyway.

Sharks say yes for sure if we're still in the playoff race.

actually think we say yes if we’re out of the race, this would be after we trade Bonino and Hertl and are looking for future C.
I see Strome as a project with potential not a plug and play kind of guy.

Let’s be real, we aren’t going to be in the playoff race after that February schedule

Pens decline. Kubalik isn't worth that price. His rookie season was a farce. He isn't shooting 20% again.

I wouldn't pay that price for Kubalik, but I like the idea of him to the Pens. It would have to involve Zucker going back the other way though for cap reasons.

Hawks would consider Zucker a cap dump so you would have to pay at least the price shown here.

Probably but maybe we will be.

Tampa twice, Florida, Carolina, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Rangers all in the rest of this month and the few next month. I don’t think they win more than 2 of those. Problem is they’ve played more games than a lot of teams and still aren’t in a playoff spot currently.

If that's the case, the Pens definitely pass. Zucker has 1 less point than Kubalik so that really doesn't make much sense to add a 1st and a 2nd.

When we acquire Kessel and DeBrusk we will make a cinderella run all the way to the finals. Just you watch Larson.

Kubalik plays on an offensively inept team and is an RFA who’s next contract is going to be affordable due to his struggles this season. I think that’s a good pickup for any team who is competent offensively and IMO moving Zuckers cap in that deal would help the pens more than the hawks.

But does that still warrant a 1st AND a 2nd?

I think adding Zucker doesn’t help your case. Maybe the hawks add a third back, at best the pens downgrade the 2nd to a third.

Alright, I can get that I suppose. I guess the Pens just aren't a great fit since Hextall has said the Pens don't want to move any 1st or 2nd round picks

I have also heard that, but in my opinion that’s a really dumb idea for a team as good as the pens are. Take it from a Chicago fan that has been sold on “one last shot at a cup” too many times over the years without anything (even playoffs) to show for it… the pens should be trying to reinforce themselves for at least one more run. It’s also not the same as many other deadline deals the pens have made because Kubalik has future team control and you can get him for a manageable price. Just my two cents though.

Kubalik is entitled to a $4.3M qualifying salary. If his team doesn't offer that, he can become a free agent. Why would someone give up a first or a second, let alone both, for a goal scorer who has 6 goals in 35 games and needs to be paid $4.3M next year?

Fair, but look at a guy like Carter. We got him for like 2 3rd round picks. Wouldn't be shocked if we move a low-ish graded prospect, a mid-tier nhl guy and a mid round pick for something that works nicely and gives us a chance at a cup. We don't have many holes right now either. Backup goalie and maybe a depth defenseman is all we'd need.