Not a big fan of any of these deals.

You would want more?

Unless guentzel comes with an extension hard pass

Pens say no

Not necessarily more, just higher quality and less volume. Don't like any of the roster players coming back and would rather they target a more promising prospect with a minor throw in than the typical 1st+ volume throw in package. Obviously it takes another GM to make that happen, but I really don't like any of these deals.

I know Kakko has underperformed, but I actually still believe in him. I would much rather him than any of EDM's prospects, for example. I doubt the Rangers move Perreault.
I would've added a bit more in VGK trade, but I dont know how highly to value Smith in this. I originally had Smith for Howden + 3rd, but removed the 3rd because we were getting Martinez back. 1st + Brisson for MP seems pretty fair.
I think we could maybe squeeze a 2nd for Ned, but I am thinking closer to a 3rd. Kaliyev is definitely someone I would take a chance on.

These are all pretty bad for the penguins.

For starters if they trade Pettersson it needs to be for a better return. Not a LD that's a year away from retirement and a 4th line forward.

Rangers aren't paying enough for Jake, that's an inner division rival, if they want Jake you make them pay basically double what someone in the western conf would.

Pettersson is pretty much worth a 1st and Brisson in this deal. I guess you can add a 3rd so the return for Smith is 3rd + Howden and Martinez is in for cap.
NYR deal I could see it being a bit more, but most ppl making EDM deals is a 1st, another pick, and usually 2 of 3 between Broberg, Bourgault and Holloway. I am not interested in those guys at all. Idk what other west team makes sense/would go for it.

*IF* the penguins sell they won't move Pettersson unless they get some ungodly offer.

My whole point behind the Rags comment is that they are not going to trade Jake to one of the Penguins biggest/most dislike rivals and if they would they would absolutely make them over pay. (Example lets say Jake's value is a 1st and A prospect, they'd tell NYR 2 1sts + and A prospect or something).

I did make an ACGM sending Jake to EDM just cause I sort of think it's likely but my two (maybe three) preferred would be as follows:

Option 1
To WPG = Jake at 50%
To PIT = 2025 1st and Cole Perfetti

Option 2
To VAN = Jake at 50%
To PIT = 2025 1st, Nils Hoglander, Podkolzin

Hard to see WPG doing that. I feel like they would maybe want us to take back Schmidt so they can afford to re-sign Jake.
VAN trade is okay. Two players arent anything crazy to me.

BOS, BUF, DET & NSH are a couple teams that make sense to me.

BOS is obviously win now, the other 3 would be adding so they can start to compete asap.

IDK That BOS has anything of value to return though that the penguins would want...

BUF/DET/NSH definitely probably have pieces, but like you say I don't see them as buyers (specially not BUF).

I fully think the plan for Dubas will be see what happens the next few games, if they're playing better *maybe* a small depth option(s). If not then I could see him attempting to sell some things (Maybe Jake, Ned, Chad, Eller if someone is really in need of a C and then Smith if he can figure something out).

He will try and clear out some additional space to retool in the summer.

Just made a new ACGM with ideas. I do think the best option moving forward is to trade Jake for younger pieces that can still help us contend in the near future.

Easy pass on Kakko for pure rental