lol, that doesn't get you Guentzel.

I hear you. Doubt anyone can make the deal with given how much Pittsburgh needs him.

If the pens sell it's a 1st, + one of Raty/Willlander/Lekkerimaki, and a current player. 40 goal point per game players aren't cheap.

They are not but it's going to be a buyer's market I think. Not many can make it work and given his age not many teams will likely be able to meet his demands on term for next contract. I'm pretty confident he won't get traded that said we'd certainly do 1st + Kuz + Raty. No go on Willander/Lekkerimaki.

I don't think he gets traded either, but if the pens come down with an injury to one of the big guns and they slip out of the race... then he will go. And you are right on limited landing spots too. That can hopefully drive up the price.

I think Dubas makes the deal (not the one you proposed) if the pens are sitting 10pts outside a playoff spot come deadline because it'd be a way to get a 1st back from acquiring EK as well as a prospect and potential roster player.

To me for VAN it'd be something like 2024 1st + Hoglander (they won't want Kuz) + someone like Podkolzin and you'd get jake 50% retained. If they trade jake they'll retain 50%.

In the same light I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if they trade Jake and he signs back in pittsburgh this summer (the ole Antoine Vermette deal).

Remove Kuzmenko and trade Hoglander, McWard, Podkolzin, and Vancouver’s first round pick.

I wouldn't do this. Hogs' cheap second year of the deal is too valuable. Plus I think he's got another gear.