Before you tear me apart, which I deserve, this is under the circumstance that Sid wants to leave to start the rebuild and basically only wants to go to CO to play with MacKinnon. We've seen things like that happen, and the return isn't as sky-high as we'd think. It's still high, but you know. Possible.

Also, I don't think Allen is as valuable as some think with that contract. So, I'm probably off there too.

I'd be fine with that. Should flip Byram too for a nice haul. He'll be a UFA before PIT is competitive again.

I would hope they're eating half crosby's cap for that much

Not sure the Avs would be interested in JP and they'd likely try to keep Ritchie out of any trade but if that's what it took I think they might do it for Sid. Returns for Sid would be a lot lower than a lot project because in a hypothetical scenario he'd almost certainly be asking to move and have control over where he went and the Pens daren't do wrong by him. The Avs would at least want some retention in this scenario as well.

The Avs don't need Allen at his cap hit (or even at 50% retained). He's unaffordable going forward and that's a pretty big overpay.

Could be true. Though I could also see Crosby being open to several different contenders in which case the bidding then goes up.

Absolutely possible but most legitimate contenders won't have that many assets (and also cap space) they're willing to give up in a bidding war, even for Sid. Still a great player (and should always be remembered as when he retires) but he's now late 30's. I don't doubt that with luck he could go to 40 if he chooses, possibly even beyond, but the fact still remains his age will also likely bring the cost down. He's no longer prime age Sid. I think he'd still fetch a pretty good haul IF (big if) the Pens decided to move him but I think some will be very disappointed from some of the wild returns expected on here. The Pens biggest issue might be whether their fans can buy into the inevitable rebuild and still turn out to watch a losing team once Sid, Malkin, Letang et al are gone as you'd have to think they'd all be going in a full tear down if any one of them goes (especially Sid).

They all have full NMCs so it'll depend on what they want. Not even sure FSG is willing to move any of them unless the players requested it themselves. Fans are well aware of how spoiled they have been so as long as it is not many years of mediocrity without a clear rebuild intention, then I think the fan base will be fine. The concern is that they continue to be mediocre for the next four+ years until the core is all gone.

Please keep Callum Ritchie off the table. I think he was the hidden gem of the draft. his numbers right now are nuts, and could have a very bright future

They are, by taking RyJo



JP is just a body, he's a contract to make things even out. And there's been talk CO has been interested in the past, and more Finns more Wins. Honestly you can make that whoever in your mind. I'd LOVE to keep Ritchie, but I think his value is too high right now to not use him in this. If they're willing to let go of either him or a first, I'm down with swapping another prospect like JLF or Behrens. Personally I think you want Allen or MAF as a mentor-backup to Georgiev and Annunen this year and maybe the next and this gets that. The price is prob high, but its to get him retained for two years.

I mean sure JP is the kind of reclamation project they might look at I guess but it seems like another contract they have to fit that they probably don't need.

Personally, if I could get the Pens to take the '26 first and Behrens or JLF over Ritchie I'd do that.

Allen is simply an overpay, not that good and unaffordable going forward to my mind even with retention. The Avs realistically have a max of 1.5 to spend on a back up G next year, preferably less, part of why I prefer Raanta as a target, as he's on that now and would probably re-sign for it (or less) and isn't going to displace Georgie but gives good cover and being a Finn will be a good example to learn from for Annunen too. MAF likely won't be available or is retired but who knows, he might consider one last rodeo with Sid. All depends on cost but I'd only consider that as a free agency move and again, probably costs too much against the cap.