Unless he is 10X better than POJ at camp it’s the right move

Hextall spoke highly of him and his skill set to help improve the transition game. I just don't see someone like that spending much time in the AHL but who knows. I don't know if Joseph can beat him out in training camp but I also don't know what happens to Joseph.

He will probably start there but I could see him getting called up mid season due to injuries.

I personally think that he should be in the NHL, but then again I dont want someone like POJ sitting as a #7. I rather have all of them getting minutes, regardless of the league. Ideally, we deal one of Dumo/Pettersson to make space for Smith or deal one of Dumo/Pettersson with POJ and get someone like Chychrun and also open a space for Smith.

It's not really a matter of right or wrong. It's just the reality. Smith will start in the AHL regardless. If he wows in camp, he'll still start in the AHL until the Pens figure out a way to free up cash.

I dont even think its about freeing up cash, its about freeing up a roster spot. You know Letang, Petry and Rutta are not going anywhere, so it means trading one of Dumo, MP or POJ.

Yeah, that's an issue, too, but I meant more if he's that much better than POJ in camp, they can make a money move to keep them both up and rotate them. JR started a logjam at defense and Hextall continued it.

Honestly, I think they are both NHL caliber, but rotating them seems so bad for their development. I rather both full time, you know. :/

Hextall just wanted to continue the defense logjam that JR created.

At least 2 of them are young and can be the future on that blueline, barring we dont trade either of them.

We won't. Dumo is gone after this year. It will likely be Pettersson, POJ and Smith in 23/24

I honestly would be okay with that.

Agreed. But I think there is a world where Hextall watches camp then picks up the phone right away - gets POJ dealt before the season starts. Who knows tho

I could see that. I would prefer we keep both youngsters but that is a possibility.

I highly doubt POJ gets moved, but I guess anything is possible. The likelihood that Dumo remains a Penguin after this season are very low, so there will be a hole to fill. POJ is going to be a very solid NHL defenseman.

I am more concerned with this year. Are we really gonna keep Smith in the AHL all year (unless injuries occur)??

That's why I was saying if they see he's above the AHL they'd have to clear cap space to call him up, so he's at least at the NHL level even if he isn't dressing.

That certainly would be ideal, but it's a pipe dream. I don't like having POJ or Smith as the 7th either, but dealing one of MP/Dumo leaves our left side incredibly unproven. And we don't have the capital to aquire a guy like Chychrun. Neither MP or Dumo had much interest in the offseason, hence why Matheson is gone. POJ is good value (assuming Arizona wants him back) but the combination of the two and a first might not be enticing enough for them.

You would defo have to add to Dumo/POJ/1st to get Chychrun. Not sure how much more it would take or if we can compete with other teams. Another idea I had was to go for Vince Dunn.. not as good as Chychrun but still young and solid.. dont know if he is worth moving POJ for though. I would love Theodore/Hague or Hanifin, but those are pipe dreams.

It's tough.. it's either we have both MP and Dumo but live with Smith in the AHL for the year or we take a risk and hope the right side can carry the less experienced players. Regardless, I feel like next season, we will have that six so might as well bite the bullet now and hope it works.

Absolutely okay with it. The only other option really is forcing a POJ trade. Would much rather just let Smith play in the AHL. POJ was never given a chance due to the players ahead of him - he deserves to get regular playing time to see what he's made of

I mean even if Smith starts in the AHL, injuries are common enough that he'll still see significant NHL time, and with how old our defense is, that'll be an even bigger issue for us.
I wouldn't put it past Hextall (and I think Sully would have a say in it, too) to start the season with him in WSB, bring him up as needed, and move a defenseman in November or December depending on performances. If there's any competing team whose defense is demolished by injuries, they'll have the willingness and cap from LTIR to pick someone up.