- We cannot retain on that many contracts.
- The Edmonton deal is horrible.
- The Pens would just keep Rakell and trade next season if they could only get a 4th

- I guess I am saying I don't like any of these deals.

Guentzel already rejected a $8.5m deal long term. Very doubtful he is accepting a lesser contract from a Canadian market unless he is deadset on giving EDM a discount to play there.

With how well Drury has been playing, his price just continues to go up. Frankly, the Canes might keep him to see if he will end up being an internal 2C solution. But a couple of picks isn’t going to do it anymore for Drury.

How about Ponomarev? In your opinion what would be the price for him?

I don't understand, if you already traded for McCleod (a very capable 3C) then what's the use of trading for Drury also?

Ponomarev looked fantastic in the couple of NHL games he has played, but the problem he has is not that Drury has found his offense at the NHL level, Ponomarev doesn’t have a clear path onto the Canes. He has 2C upside, so at least for the time being, if he isn’t used as part of a centerpiece for a big roster upgrade, I would imagine the Canes would ask for a high second/low first, a similar level prospect who is also NHL ready (probably a D prospect), or for a mid 1st round pick if Ponomarev is packaged with another pick (pick and prospect to upgrade pick position at the draft). Joe interested would the Pens be in a trade where it’s Ponomarev and the Flyers 2nd for the Pens 1st (top 10 protected)? Maybe an extra 3rd/4th round pick might be needed as extra incentive, but I think moving Ponomarev to upgrade pick position at the draft is probably the most likely of these options.

Give the coach options if needed (i.e. injuries or if Geno needs to slide to wing)