You trade POJ 10/10 if it’s between him or Smith 1000%

Realistically, has to by Ty SMITH >> POJ may be traded, can't lose him for nothing

Since they just acquired Smith through trading Marino, I don't think he would be considered as one to trade. Hextall seems to hold onto his acquisitions (re-signed Friedman, re-signed Rakell, re-signed Carter, McGinn has not been involved in trade talks per DK website). To me, it looks like Joseph hasn't been bad, but also hasn't shown enough to earn a spot over Smith. He continues to be stuck in limbo with this team.

Zucker and Rust have stood out to me which is a good sign for Malkin and having an effective second line.

Prospect wise, I have to go with Poulin. He will be a call up for sure at some point this season and I'm pretty confident he'll have a roster spot in 2023-2024 when some contracts expire (Zucker, Blueger and Heinen).

Honestly I think Smith should start in the AHL just due to his waiver exemption and the teams cap issue. It would be an easy way to keep both Smith and POJ and give POJ more playing opportunity.

I’ve never been a doubter in Zucker honestly. I just really hope he can stay healthy for the season or at least a big majority of the season to be more effective.

I actually remember Sully saying that Poulin is light years ahead from where he was at last year. It’s always good to hear that.

honestly I'd risk it and run both of them and move Pettersson. In terms of upside tho, I keep Smith

POJ will be a Jan Rutta in 4 years…

aka 7th Dman on a Cup Winning Roster imo

This one imma have to disagree with big time. Jan Rutta has always been a top 6 defencemen that could step in to top 4 whenever needed. He was only able to really get a lot more playing time this season cause he actually had the playing opportunity and did a decent job of it.

There’s a good ceiling for POJ but I don’t understand where you get the idea he’s be a 7th dman.

Don’t know where you get the idea POJ won’t be that good.

As much as I hate to say it, I don't really think having either of them in the AHL is a good idea. It's just going to hinder their development.



But risking it is a worse idea. Moving Pettersson would leave us with 2 LHD who aren't proven commodities. If we intend to be serious cup contenders, we can't afford that risk.
It's also worth noting that Petry likes being partnered with shutdown guys, and MP fits that bill more than POJ or Smith. There seems to be some chemistry between Petterson and Petry already.

I'd trade POJ 100%. Ty Smith has been one of the players thats impressed me the most in preseason, and I think has great upside. Bottom line is POJ has had a lot of chances/time to develop in the organization, while we just got Smith and he already looks better. Player that impressed me is Poulin. I honestly think he deserves a spot in the lineup over Poehling.

Who is more defensively capable between POJ and Smith right now?

Only issue is moving Pettersson at this point is a waste. If they moved him at the start of free agency and used his money that would have been great. At this point you're better off waiting until next offseason I think.

I think Smith. Smith hasn't been great defensively, but has more overall upside. Plus he's played 2 years in the NHL and it would benefit him to work with Reirden on the regular roster. Neither Smith or POJ are great defensively, but i'd say Smith is better offensively and barely beter defensively.

How has Poehling been so far? Any upside to his defensive game at least?

He's been solid. Didn't really stand out too much to me in either a good or bad way

He’s gonna be a project type of player I think. A lot of untapped potential and could become a strong two way forward. It’s good that he’s young as well. I hope he ends up making the lineup over Archibald. Nothing against Archibald, the team can use more younger legs lol

Yeah I agree. I think Poehling and Poulin should both be in the lineup, which either means trading McGinn or sending Archibald down.

I forgot to ask which I apologize. I seen Archibald on the scoreboard a few times. How has he been doing so far? I feel like he’s someone that’ll still have a decent year considering he’s playing for a team in the states and not dealing with myocarditis anymore.

Yeah I don't think he's bad at all, can definitely help and be a very solid player for the team. He's a good hitter and energy guy too, pretty fast as well. I just don't know if I'd give him a spot over some of the younger guys. Definitely he will play a role though and be in whenever there is an injury. If we trade McGinn or a forward to clear up space I wouldn't mind playing both him and Poulin. I would maybe play Archibald over Poehling just soley based on the fact that he brings a different style to the lineup.