Fifth Avenue Forum

Classic heel move my Madden

I have to post this anytime Madden says something stupid.

it's useless to compare any trade that the Blackhawks have done in the last 3 seasons. only Vegas has given away more for less.

As much as I would hate to see it, I think Madden has a point. Guentzel is 28. His career isn't going to last long enough to carry over to the next period where the Pens might actually be playoff-competitive (and we all know they are not), so trading him now would at least bring picks that could be used for the future. It would totally be a statement that the Pens are in rebuilding mode, but I'm more in the "yank the Band-Aid off quickly" camp when it comes to that.

But they are not in rebuilding mode nor do they plan to be anytime soon.

But they are not in rebuilding mode nor do they plan to be anytime soon.

The only thing dumber than Pitt bubble talk is Pens rebuilding talk. Letang just signed a six year deal. They ain't rebuilding any time soon

The only thing dumber than Pitt bubble talk is Pens rebuilding talk. Letang just signed a six year deal. They ain't rebuilding any time soon

If the Pens are outside of the playoffs by 1-2 games going into the deadline, and an offer for Zucker comes up and nets you high picks back. Do you do it? I think they would.

High picks...?

First rounder/Second rounders just for sake of conversation.

Doesn't have to be super exact...but I'd like to see you formulate a rough draft of what this deal looks like so that it can be evaluated...

Malkin for Kopitar.

I mean let's just say at deadline the Pens are 2-3 games out. Someone comes in and offers you a first round pick (likely low rounder due to playoff team wanting him) for Zucker or a 2nd and a 3rd (something comparable to that).

It's a move that's considered giving up on the year, but not willing to go as far as rebuild. Does that deal happen?

Draft picks in the NHL are such a crapshoot unless you have like a top 3 pick, I don't think a round 1 pick holds much value if it's not in the top 5 at the very least.

Yes, we know that - do the Pens make that deal anyways? I think if they're 2-3 games out, but still offered a pick for Zucker, they should take it and get *something* back for their farm system.

I don't think a 2 and a 3 does it for me...

I'd think about the 1, depending on the team and if there was retention...

and further sabotage their chances to make the playoffs ...?

and further sabotage their chances to make the playoffs ...?

Well that's the discussion. I'm curious what's going to happen at deadline time if they're out of the picture at that time. Are they gonna waste more resources to push and likely lose in the first round, or scale back and try and circle back for next year?

You can't keep everyone and really shouldn't considering the year at that point.

I wonder about that...because if you're in that spot, you've probably been in that spot...you get a 1, you call up whoever and either push someone else into the spot, or maybe it's Poulin's big return or something...and maybe you find out something about a player, maybe he contributes...so maybe you get a 20ish, 25ish, 30ish pick and you lose, what, two goals and three points the rest of the season...?

It's tough on its face, but what are you really losing...? Even though Zucker has played well, it's probably not all that much...

My guess is they do nothing of consequence at the deadline. Bold prediction, I know.

I don't see this roster as being able to do anything significant in the playoffs anyways...so if they get a decent deal for Zucker at the deadline I'd be open to listen at least.

At some point they need to get something of value in the farm system.

Given their success at the draft, they might as well get what they can for whatever picks they still own.

If only there was a way to get players into the farm system without trading roster pieces........but how...?

Top shelf gif pull

You sign college free agents duh mikey