A Reality Check for Penguins Fans

[Dynasty1970]

Fellow Penguins fans, it’s time to confront a hard truth: expecting this team to rebuild while clinging to the remnants of its once-glorious core is unrealistic. The NHL is an unforgiving league, and no team can sustain success forever without making difficult decisions. For years, the Penguins have tried to keep one foot in the present and one in the future. It’s now clear that strategy is failing—and the window to compete for another Cup has firmly closed.

The Illusion of a Contending Core

Let’s be honest: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are legends. They’ve cemented their legacies as three of the greatest Penguins of all time. But hockey is a young man’s game. At this stage in their careers, they can no longer single-handedly drag this team to playoff glory. The supporting cast is thin, the prospect pool is shallow, and the league is faster and deeper than ever. Clinging to the stars who brought us so much joy is a sentimental choice, not a strategic one.

The Reality of the “Rebuild While Competing” Fantasy

Fans clamoring for a rebuild while keeping the core are asking for the impossible. Rebuilding requires capital—draft picks, prospects, and patience. The Penguins have none of those in surplus. Management has repeatedly traded futures to “go for it” during the Crosby-Malkin-Letang era, leaving the team ill-equipped for a true rebuild. You can’t stock the cupboards while still trying to win a Cup. It’s a contradiction that’s now catching up with the organization.

Mike Sullivan: A Coach Without Answers

Mike Sullivan’s contributions to the 2016 and 2017 Cups were undeniable, but that success feels like ancient history now. In recent seasons, Sullivan has failed to adapt. His insistence on a speed-based system doesn’t align with the team’s declining roster capabilities. Special teams have been inconsistent, defensive play remains a glaring issue, and key players often look uninspired when it matters most. Last season’s failure to even make the playoffs should have been the wake-up call, but nothing has changed. Sullivan has had the opportunity to adjust, and he simply hasn’t.

The Window is Shut

Let’s stop pretending this team is a piece or two away from contending. The Eastern Conference is loaded with younger, deeper, and hungrier teams. The Penguins’ best chance at success came and went years ago, and holding on now only delays the inevitable rebuild that must come. By continuing to straddle the line, the Penguins risk becoming the next version of the Detroit Red Wings post-2015—a proud franchise mired in mediocrity.

Conclusion

It’s not easy to accept the end of an era, but the sooner Penguins fans and management do, the better the long-term outlook will be. Continuing to chase an unreachable dream only ensures a longer road back to relevance. Rebuilding is painful, but it’s necessary. Let’s honor the core’s legacy, but let’s not let sentimentality dictate the future. The time for tough decisions is now.

[Daniel]

Fellow Penguins fans, it’s time to confront a hard truth: expecting this team to rebuild while clinging to the remnants of its once-glorious core is unrealistic. The NHL is an unforgiving league, and no team can sustain success forever without making difficult decisions. For years, the Penguins have tried to keep one foot in the present and one in the future. It’s now clear that strategy is failing—and the window to compete for another Cup has firmly closed.

The Illusion of a Contending Core

Let’s be honest: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are legends. They’ve cemented their legacies as three of the greatest Penguins of all time. But hockey is a young man’s game. At this stage in their careers, they can no longer single-handedly drag this team to playoff glory. The supporting cast is thin, the prospect pool is shallow, and the league is faster and deeper than ever. Clinging to the stars who brought us so much joy is a sentimental choice, not a strategic one.

The Reality of the “Rebuild While Competing” Fantasy

Fans clamoring for a rebuild while keeping the core are asking for the impossible. Rebuilding requires capital—draft picks, prospects, and patience. The Penguins have none of those in surplus. Management has repeatedly traded futures to “go for it” during the Crosby-Malkin-Letang era, leaving the team ill-equipped for a true rebuild. You can’t stock the cupboards while still trying to win a Cup. It’s a contradiction that’s now catching up with the organization.

Mike Sullivan: A Coach Without Answers

Mike Sullivan’s contributions to the 2016 and 2017 Cups were undeniable, but that success feels like ancient history now. In recent seasons, Sullivan has failed to adapt. His insistence on a speed-based system doesn’t align with the team’s declining roster capabilities. Special teams have been inconsistent, defensive play remains a glaring issue, and key players often look uninspired when it matters most. Last season’s failure to even make the playoffs should have been the wake-up call, but nothing has changed. Sullivan has had the opportunity to adjust, and he simply hasn’t.

The Window is Shut

Let’s stop pretending this team is a piece or two away from contending. The Eastern Conference is loaded with younger, deeper, and hungrier teams. The Penguins’ best chance at success came and went years ago, and holding on now only delays the inevitable rebuild that must come. By continuing to straddle the line, the Penguins risk becoming the next version of the Detroit Red Wings post-2015—a proud franchise mired in mediocrity.

Conclusion

It’s not easy to accept the end of an era, but the sooner Penguins fans and management do, the better the long-term outlook will be. Continuing to chase an unreachable dream only ensures a longer road back to relevance. Rebuilding is painful, but it’s necessary. Let’s honor the core’s legacy, but let’s not let sentimentality dictate the future. The time for tough decisions is now.

I agree with most of this, but not about the trio. The problem is that we think they're still 1st/2nd line and 1st pairing talent. If you put Sid/Malkin on the 3rd line with, lets just say DOC for the discussion. Have Letang as 3rd pairing with, Belliveau (again for this discussion).

Pretty much load the rest of the roster with anyone under 25 and build through that. The rebuild time in modern sports should be less because of free agency and quicker time from draft to NHL.

While they might not be a contender during the trios time left, we might see that one last hurrah before they go. Best case scenario, we see a win one for Ray Bourque scenario, worse case we catupult the rebuild to have a quicker turnaround after they retire. The issue as I see it is the team is still built around them. Build it around Pickering and McGroarty and hopefully a top 5 pick in next years draft and lessen the ice time and responsibility of Sid/Geno/Kris.

[lemieuxReturns]

I understand what both of you are saying.
On one hand, I would hate to trade away any of the 3. On the other hand, it would significantly shorten the rebuild time.

I would only be ok with trading away the trio if we traded all 3. Otherwise, it would feel wrong. Trading away Geno and keeping Sid would feel like a gut punch.

On the flip side, I could also see keeping the 3 and trading away almost everything else of value that is over the age of 29. Get as much youthful talent as possible and let the old guys mentor the new wave.

Imagine however what a team would give up for Sid, Geno and Letang. Teams would be begging for a seat at the negotiating table. Even at the age, all three are winners and are still producing. I could only imagine seeing Geno centering a third line in Dallas or Sid centering a second line in Colorado or Letang on Montreal team. As a hockey fan, it would be fun to watch those guys competing for a cup again... something that is definitely not going to happen for them before they retire if they remain Pens.

[Dynasty1970]

“ Imagine however what a team would give up for Sid, Geno and Letang. Teams would be begging for a seat at the negotiating table. Even at the age, all three are winners and are still producing. I could only imagine seeing Geno centering a third line in Dallas or Sid centering a second line in Colorado or Letang on Montreal team. As a hockey fan, it would be fun to watch those guys competing for a cup again... something that is definitely not going to happen for them before they retire if they remain Pens.”

THIS!!!!!

[Daniel]

I understand what both of you are saying.
On one hand, I would hate to trade away any of the 3. On the other hand, it would significantly shorten the rebuild time.

I would only be ok with trading away the trio if we traded all 3. Otherwise, it would feel wrong. Trading away Geno and keeping Sid would feel like a gut punch.

On the flip side, I could also see keeping the 3 and trading away almost everything else of value that is over the age of 29. Get as much youthful talent as possible and let the old guys mentor the new wave.

Imagine however what a team would give up for Sid, Geno and Letang. Teams would be begging for a seat at the negotiating table. Even at the age, all three are winners and are still producing. I could only imagine seeing Geno centering a third line in Dallas or Sid centering a second line in Colorado or Letang on Montreal team. As a hockey fan, it would be fun to watch those guys competing for a cup again... something that is definitely not going to happen for them before they retire if they remain Pens.

This is my preference, but put Sid/Geno down in the lineup. With all the changes in sports, it's kinda cool to have 3 players for 20 years and Sid might end up with the most points for a player on only one team (about 120 away from Stevie Y). Maybe I'm just sentimental but I like the legacy part of this and think they can rebuild around them then the final pieces after they retire.

[FLPensFan]

I understand what both of you are saying.
On one hand, I would hate to trade away any of the 3. On the other hand, it would significantly shorten the rebuild time.

I would only be ok with trading away the trio if we traded all 3. Otherwise, it would feel wrong. Trading away Geno and keeping Sid would feel like a gut punch.

On the flip side, I could also see keeping the 3 and trading away almost everything else of value that is over the age of 29. Get as much youthful talent as possible and let the old guys mentor the new wave.

Imagine however what a team would give up for Sid, Geno and Letang. Teams would be begging for a seat at the negotiating table. Even at the age, all three are winners and are still producing. I could only imagine seeing Geno centering a third line in Dallas or Sid centering a second line in Colorado or Letang on Montreal team. As a hockey fan, it would be fun to watch those guys competing for a cup again... something that is definitely not going to happen for them before they retire if they remain Pens.

This is my preference, but put Sid/Geno down in the lineup. With all the changes in sports, it's kinda cool to have 3 players for 20 years and Sid might end up with the most points for a player on only one team (about 120 away from Stevie Y). Maybe I'm just sentimental but I like the legacy part of this and think they can rebuild around them then the final pieces after they retire.

The problem is, getting the pieces we need to drop them in the lineup and build around them....means giving up futures. So, you end up chasing a long shot and scrapping what little system we have.

It doesn't really matter, because we as fans can't change this, but, fans need to decide what is more important to them:

1. The legacy of the core all retiring as only Penguins.
2. The quickest turnaround from bottom feeder to annual contender

I don't think both are possible. If the team is set on the core all retiring as Penguins, then, we've got another 3 years of up and down pain before we even really BEGIN to do a rebuild.

I also continue to believe that the time to do this was 2-3 years ago, when we could have added a Sam Bennett, Dylan Strome, ERod, Chychrun, etc instead of continuing to add 30+ players. The UFA market this year and next, for the most part, is either filled with such high end guys (Marner) that are out of reach, or mid-tier guys that aren't going to push us to the next level.

[ahawk9]

I think what could happen is that of the three, Letang goes eventually. Malkin will stay and retire after next year. He doesn't seem to want to go anywhere, so I think that's moot. Sid also seems to want to stay in Pittsburgh, although he may opt for one last shot at the trade deadline in the last year of his contract, which would pull in some assets for sure. Letang has a lot of time left on his deal but he's still serviceable and would fetch something, I think. He still makes colossal mistakes, which is in his DNA. That's not going away. Maybe he could go somewhere and be effective on 2nd or 3rd pair for a couple of years.

What I see right now is that this team will (again) miss the playoffs by a few points - the points they have squandered numerous times this season when leading by two goals - and maybe (hopefully) they decide to move on from Sully after the season (I know, I know, I'm delusional). Also, I'm hoping that Dubas at some point deals some vets. I think Acciari has a little value to a contender, as does Grzelcyk and Beauvillier (I guess). Bunting keeps playing like this and he could fetch something nice. Rakell and Rust could be dealt next summer for a nice haul, again to contending teams that wouldn't need to rely on them as their primary goal scorers. Nieto and Glass can get a 3-bedroom place with Sully at his next stop so they can hang out all the time, not just at work.

I would give Tomasino and Puljujarvi new contracts (depending on if Sully is here in Pool Party's case) and keep them around for a bit and deal them at a future deadline. Same with Lizotte, who was really impacting games until he was saddled with two anchors on the 4th line.

Pettersson gets traded this deadline. They must find a way to offload Jarry, even if they retain. Someone else mentioned in the game thread last night that he just is not THE guy for anyone but might make a decent backup. Three years left on the contract after this one, and all their retention spots open up after this season, so I would ship him off and retain up to the maximum just to get him out.

Karlsson has been playing much much better lately. He's shown flashes of what he was brought in to do. Maybe that helps his trade value. Again, they could look to retain after this season. He will only have two seasons left on that deal. With the cap going up, and with the impending retirement of Malkin after next year, they could also retain on him.

There are trade options available over the next 6-8 months. Does KD have the ability to pull the trigger on these deals that will help the future? How long have we collectively been saying to rip off the bandaid? Three, maybe four, years? FLPF mentioned about 5 years ago that they had an opportunity to retool on the fly if there were some bold moves made. Well, they didn't do it - that may be why Rutherford left - and here we are.

[Cow_Master66]

None of the geezer 3 are going anywhere. There was a vocal minority that saw the window closing a few seasons ago. Back around 21/22, this team could have turned things around in light speed, to the point they could already be back to top contender status. Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Guentzel, Rust could have all turned in huge returns. Instead they kept the band together, exposed McCann and signed Carter, leading to a bunch of bad deals and hail Mary's (i.e. Karlsson), hoping to spark some magical last run. Meanwhile, they can't even qualify for the tournament.

It is what it is. The choice was made a few years ago that the 3 captains never playing for another team was more important than winning, logic, and sound business. All this, despite having very recent examples of how this approach would play out.

Embrace it. With some luck and solid drafting and development, this team could be a threat to win the cup again in 2036.

[Cow_Master66]

None of the geezer 3 are going anywhere. There was a vocal minority that saw the window closing a few seasons ago. Back around 21/22, this team could have turned things around in light speed, to the point they could already be back to top contender status. Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Guentzel, Rust could have all turned in huge returns. Instead they kept the band together, exposed McCann and signed Carter, leading to a bunch of bad deals and hail Mary's (i.e. Karlsson), hoping to spark some magical last run. Meanwhile, they can't even qualify for the tournament.

It is what it is. The choice was made a few years ago that the 3 captains never playing for another team was more important than winning, logic, and sound business. All this, despite having very recent examples of how this approach would play out.

Embrace it. With some luck and solid drafting and development, this team could be a threat to win the cup again in 2036. (that's not an exaggeration, that's reality)

[Antonio]

None of the geezer 3 are going anywhere. There was a vocal minority that saw the window closing a few seasons ago. Back around 21/22, this team could have turned things around in light speed, to the point they could already be back to top contender status.

Oooh oooh, teacher, me teacher, me!
Jokes aside, totally agree with what you said, including the earliest possible date they're competitive.

Genuine question for some of the people who still think all the "trio" are still actual valuable high value talents. I'm being totally serious, no judgement or negativity for anyone's opinions but who HONESTLY in their hearts thinks anyone but Crosby would yield a 1st? Does anyone REALLY SERIOUSLY think Malkin or Letang would yield a 1st at this stage, all things (age, production, contract, etc) considered? I love Malkin and I've loved and hated Letang (wanted him moved years ago) and Malkin has been an incredible talent but I've never understood the elevation of him to a Crosby type reverence. This is NOT reducing him or denigrating his accomplishments and INCREDIBLE career but Crosby is one of the 10 greatest players to ever play the game. Malkin just is not and has never been on that level... that doesn't make him garbage and isn't insulting him but he most definitely isn't anywhere close to an epic talent now. I can't imagine any team giving up serious top tier assets for him and less for Letang who is signed until he's 73.

I definitely wanted Letang and Malkin both moved years ago when they would have both still yielded a significant return and allowed for this team to change its direction and make up but honestly... lets be real... even if they had done those things, who cares? They would never have moved the imbecile behind the bench so it would have so been meaningless window dressing anyway. Until that **** **** **** **** is gone, who cares.

[ahawk9]

I think Crosby would still yield a first, plus a bit more. The other two? Not a chance.

[Daniel]

I understand what both of you are saying.
On one hand, I would hate to trade away any of the 3. On the other hand, it would significantly shorten the rebuild time.

I would only be ok with trading away the trio if we traded all 3. Otherwise, it would feel wrong. Trading away Geno and keeping Sid would feel like a gut punch.

On the flip side, I could also see keeping the 3 and trading away almost everything else of value that is over the age of 29. Get as much youthful talent as possible and let the old guys mentor the new wave.

Imagine however what a team would give up for Sid, Geno and Letang. Teams would be begging for a seat at the negotiating table. Even at the age, all three are winners and are still producing. I could only imagine seeing Geno centering a third line in Dallas or Sid centering a second line in Colorado or Letang on Montreal team. As a hockey fan, it would be fun to watch those guys competing for a cup again... something that is definitely not going to happen for them before they retire if they remain Pens.

This is my preference, but put Sid/Geno down in the lineup. With all the changes in sports, it's kinda cool to have 3 players for 20 years and Sid might end up with the most points for a player on only one team (about 120 away from Stevie Y). Maybe I'm just sentimental but I like the legacy part of this and think they can rebuild around them then the final pieces after they retire.

The problem is, getting the pieces we need to drop them in the lineup and build around them....means giving up futures. So, you end up chasing a long shot and scrapping what little system we have.

It doesn't really matter, because we as fans can't change this, but, fans need to decide what is more important to them:

1. The legacy of the core all retiring as only Penguins.
2. The quickest turnaround from bottom feeder to annual contender

I don't think both are possible. If the team is set on the core all retiring as Penguins, then, we've got another 3 years of up and down pain before we even really BEGIN to do a rebuild.

I also continue to believe that the time to do this was 2-3 years ago, when we could have added a Sam Bennett, Dylan Strome, ERod, Chychrun, etc instead of continuing to add 30+ players. The UFA market this year and next, for the most part, is either filled with such high end guys (Marner) that are out of reach, or mid-tier guys that aren't going to push us to the next level.

I think both can happen but it will take a coaching change and a complete change in organizational effort. WBS has a bunch of 2nd/3rd/4th line guys, 2 NHL ready goalies (at least), Pickering looks like he'll be able to handle top pairing minutes. The key of course is a top 5 pick this year and get an NHL caliber top line C. If the draft is as deep as they say, maybe an NHL caliber 2nd round pick (even 2nd/3rd line guy).

Rather than score score score, they can play more chippy and opportunistic hockey. 3 years from now the new C will be 21, the WBS kids/Pickering will be about 25, the trio will take on the Bill Guerin role and who knows what'll happen. With good goaltending and defense, who knows what'll happen.

If it fails then they're that much further into a rebuild.

[EndO FanEra]

I think Crosby would still yield a first, plus a bit more. The other two? Not a chance.

I don't know. Even at their age, $6.1M for a #2-3 C or a top 2-4 Dman doesn't break the bank. I know they're on the decline and not the same players they were 5-10 years ago, but IMO, they still offer value at those salaries.

Not saying it's guaranteed, but I could see a contender ponying up a first for one of those guys if they think it could put them over the top. Especially if we retain a little or take back an unwanted contract.

IDK, maybe it's just wishful thinking. I doubt either of them are going anywhere, unless things go into a tailspin and they request a trade.

[Antonio]

I think Crosby would still yield a first, plus a bit more. The other two? Not a chance.

Not saying it's guaranteed, but I could see a contender ponying up a first for one of those guys if they think it could put them over the top. Especially if we retain a little or take back an unwanted contract.

And to be clear when I asked, would they return a first, I mean a true trade... player for a first, not player plus sweeteners on our part to get a first. Not us retaining, taking on crap etc... that's my point... straight up neither of them is generating a first because they're not close to that value anymore... people need to get realistic about what we're working with.

[Cow_Master66]

It's also important to remember that a 1st is nothing more than a lottery ticket with better odds than some of the other tickets.

I know we are used to generational talents around here that are can't miss, but even if we traded a Letang for a late 1st, it's not guaranteeing anything (other than more responsible defense by the current team).

[Daniel]

It's also important to remember that a 1st is nothing more than a lottery ticket with better odds than some of the other tickets.

I know we are used to generational talents around here that are can't miss, but even if we traded a Letang for a late 1st, it's not guaranteeing anything (other than more responsible defense by the current team).

Let me ask you this though. Let's say the Penguins have the 15th overall pick and trade for the 25th. If you're a top 5 team do you trade for both 1st round picks and if you're the Penguins do you offer since this looks to be a deep draft? If no is it because the 2 1sts aren't enough or rather one better prospect?

Keep in mind the Oilers had a ton of top picks but couldn't really do much until they traded Taylor Hall. A team might think two quality players that fit the team might be better than one redundent stud. Food for thought.

[EndO FanEra]

I think Crosby would still yield a first, plus a bit more. The other two? Not a chance.

Not saying it's guaranteed, but I could see a contender ponying up a first for one of those guys if they think it could put them over the top. Especially if we retain a little or take back an unwanted contract.

And to be clear when I asked, would they return a first, I mean a true trade... player for a first, not player plus sweeteners on our part to get a first. Not us retaining, taking on crap etc... that's my point... straight up neither of them is generating a first because they're not close to that value anymore... people need to get realistic about what we're working with.

Understood. Maybe I'm mistaken, but when a team is trading away a 1st, it seems there are usually multiple assets involved in the transaction. I'm sure there are examples, but I don't often recall a player going one way and a first going the other way, with no other assets involved.

In a vacuum (player for pick scenario), I think we could potentially get a late first for either of those two under the right circumstances (team having cap space and wanting them). Agreed it's highly unlikely that it's Malkin or Letang for a 1st straight up, but I don't think it's unrealistic that they would return a late first in a deal with the other assets essentially being a wash.

[KG]

The window is most certainly shut. I understand what KD is trying to do, trying to remain competitive because Sid/Geno/Letang earned that. I don't mind the strategy of trading aging vets for young ready players and picks.

I blame Sullivan the most to be honest. The teams that JR put together were solid teams. Bringing in Brassard, McCann, Bjugstad, even Reaves I understood, were all good trades on paper but all underachieved under this coach or were grossly under-utilized. Hextall was a disaster losing both McCann and Tanev during the expansion draft was a huge fail. But again, the roster still had talent. Look at Granlund now. Another player never given a chance here. Let's turn a skilled playmaker into a 3C??

Issue is the coach more than the roster. It has been since the silly bubble. It's system issues. LA makes every goalie they bring in an all-star, because they defend and commit to it. This coaching staff still wants to run and gun and outscore everyone.

[100565]

In this year’s draft, I would certainly trade 15th + 25th for top 5 pick. I think another third would be needed to possibly entice a top 5 pick return. I would be willing to include a third round pick, too.

I think (maybe?? I am not a scout) 4-5 players in this draft could play in NHL next year - that is why I make the trade.

[Daniel]

In this year’s draft, I would certainly trade 15th + 25th for top 5 pick. I think another third would be needed to possibly entice a top 5 pick return. I would be willing to include a third round pick, too.

I think (maybe?? I am not a scout) 4-5 players in this draft could play in NHL next year - that is why I make the trade.

I can see both sides of this and the Penguins need all the prospects they can get but I would definitely want the player that can play in the NHL next year.

[lemieuxReturns]

[Daniel]

Had to look it up, lol, it was Toews

[Puck-Lurker]

My thoughts.

- You never, ever, ever trade Crosby. Unless he brings it up and wants it. Then you do your best to facilitate that, until such a point, the conversation (for th org) should be instantly over and people should walk away in disgust immediately.

- This team is not going to the playoffs. We still have some good players, but it isn't enough anymore. Maybe if you had a support cast of really exceptional cheap role players, you could make it work. We don't have that. There's this fever dream that the team could still make it.. and as we say here.. "you'll never know how a cow might be able to catch a hare". Not a realistic goal, even when other teams are crapping the bed harder than you at some point.

- This team is not a bottom feeder. We're too good for that. A team with Crosby, Rust, Rakell as first line will win too many games. Well fine, go break Gretzky's record. That will be worth the draft position for this year for me. The difference is #6 or #14, give or take. I'm fine with that if it means Crosby has >1PPG for yet another year. Draft difference... David Jiříček or Rutger McGroarty. *shrug*

- I generally think and hope the plan is, at the deadline to trade everything old and/or expiring that has value. I expect Dubas to make 2-3 moves to maneuver some picks or whatever. If he can take out the trash all the better.

- Sullivan needs to go. He can not be part of any rebuild. He's actively working against making this team younger. I'm so done with him trotting out Nieto and Acciari again and again. Often our worst penalty killers on the PK.

- Jarry needs to never play for Pittsburgh again unless we have 5 injured goalies. And even then you should be able to find an EBUG to play in his stead. Again and again and again and again.. setting records for giving up goals on the first five shots -- for giving up goals on the very first shot -- for giving up a goal right after Pens scored one. He's like some kind of anti-clutch goalie, consistently comes up with team back breaking plays and soft goals against. He turns 30 in April, we have seen enough of this polished turd. Spraying it with deodorant will not make the smell go away. His future should be healthy scratch, and letting Blomqvist or Larsson play alongside Ned. Then waivers and hope some GM is dumb enough to claim him (they won't). Jarry's cap relief would be higher than Blomqvist's salary for the first two years.

- Dubas needs to make his mind up about Sullivan. By that I mean, he needs to reverse course and eject him. Overrule him and send some of his pets to WBS (see above). Invest in younger guys. Make room on the roster for whoever in WBS is ready. Or better yet, have a rotating door of 2 players coming in and out of the group. Training camp competition was nice.. how about some in season competition? I'd be willing to look at any forward from WBS over Nieto at this stage. Gruden, Imama, hell even Bemström. Time for the next act in the grand illusion, Kyle, you can spin this in a way that people will buy into it.

[KG]

My thoughts.

- You never, ever, ever trade Crosby. Unless he brings it up and wants it. Then you do your best to facilitate that, until such a point, the conversation (for th org) should be instantly over and people should walk away in disgust immediately.

- This team is not going to the playoffs. We still have some good players, but it isn't enough anymore. Maybe if you had a support cast of really exceptional cheap role players, you could make it work. We don't have that. There's this fever dream that the team could still make it.. and as we say here.. "you'll never know how a cow might be able to catch a hare". Not a realistic goal, even when other teams are crapping the bed harder than you at some point.

- This team is not a bottom feeder. We're too good for that. A team with Crosby, Rust, Rakell as first line will win too many games. Well fine, go break Gretzky's record. That will be worth the draft position for this year for me. The difference is #6 or #14, give or take. I'm fine with that if it means Crosby has >1PPG for yet another year. Draft difference... David Jiříček or Rutger McGroarty. *shrug*

- I generally think and hope the plan is, at the deadline to trade everything old and/or expiring that has value. I expect Dubas to make 2-3 moves to maneuver some picks or whatever. If he can take out the trash all the better.

- Sullivan needs to go. He can not be part of any rebuild. He's actively working against making this team younger. I'm so done with him trotting out Nieto and Acciari again and again. Often our worst penalty killers on the PK.

- Jarry needs to never play for Pittsburgh again unless we have 5 injured goalies. And even then you should be able to find an EBUG to play in his stead. Again and again and again and again.. setting records for giving up goals on the first five shots -- for giving up goals on the very first shot -- for giving up a goal right after Pens scored one. He's like some kind of anti-clutch goalie, consistently comes up with team back breaking plays and soft goals against. He turns 30 in April, we have seen enough of this polished turd. Spraying it with deodorant will not make the smell go away. His future should be healthy scratch, and letting Blomqvist or Larsson play alongside Ned. Then waivers and hope some GM is dumb enough to claim him (they won't). Jarry's cap relief would be higher than Blomqvist's salary for the first two years.

- Dubas needs to make his mind up about Sullivan. By that I mean, he needs to reverse course and eject him. Overrule him and send some of his pets to WBS (see above). Invest in younger guys. Make room on the roster for whoever in WBS is ready. Or better yet, have a rotating door of 2 players coming in and out of the group. Training camp competition was nice.. how about some in season competition? I'd be willing to look at any forward from WBS over Nieto at this stage. Gruden, Imama, hell even Bemström. Time for the next act in the grand illusion, Kyle, you can spin this in a way that people will buy into it.

Nice post PL

I agree with everything you said. I really hoped that KD was taking control and bringing in more younger players, then he waived Puljujarvi while Nieto remained on the roster. That gave me pause for sure. Makes me think that Sully is very much involved with roster decisions. Which at this stage, he really shouldn't. Like Dubas says, he is looking at the team for the now and the future. The coach only looks at the game in front of them.

Sullivan will always pick a veteran over a younger player because he thinks the veteran will help them win that game in front of them.

It's flawed logic. Especially for a team that is re-tooling!

Sullivan should have nothing to do with any roster decisions and should be let go.

[Antonio]

My thoughts.

- You never, ever, ever trade Crosby. Unless he brings it up and wants it. Then you do your best to facilitate that, until such a point, the conversation (for th org) should be instantly over and people should walk away in disgust immediately.

- This team is not going to the playoffs. We still have some good players, but it isn't enough anymore. Maybe if you had a support cast of really exceptional cheap role players, you could make it work. We don't have that. There's this fever dream that the team could still make it.. and as we say here.. "you'll never know how a cow might be able to catch a hare". Not a realistic goal, even when other teams are crapping the bed harder than you at some point.

- This team is not a bottom feeder. We're too good for that. A team with Crosby, Rust, Rakell as first line will win too many games. Well fine, go break Gretzky's record. That will be worth the draft position for this year for me. The difference is #6 or #14, give or take. I'm fine with that if it means Crosby has >1PPG for yet another year. Draft difference... David Jiříček or Rutger McGroarty. *shrug*

- I generally think and hope the plan is, at the deadline to trade everything old and/or expiring that has value. I expect Dubas to make 2-3 moves to maneuver some picks or whatever. If he can take out the trash all the better.

- Sullivan needs to go. He can not be part of any rebuild. He's actively working against making this team younger. I'm so done with him trotting out Nieto and Acciari again and again. Often our worst penalty killers on the PK.

- Jarry needs to never play for Pittsburgh again unless we have 5 injured goalies. And even then you should be able to find an EBUG to play in his stead. Again and again and again and again.. setting records for giving up goals on the first five shots -- for giving up goals on the very first shot -- for giving up a goal right after Pens scored one. He's like some kind of anti-clutch goalie, consistently comes up with team back breaking plays and soft goals against. He turns 30 in April, we have seen enough of this polished turd. Spraying it with deodorant will not make the smell go away. His future should be healthy scratch, and letting Blomqvist or Larsson play alongside Ned. Then waivers and hope some GM is dumb enough to claim him (they won't). Jarry's cap relief would be higher than Blomqvist's salary for the first two years.

- Dubas needs to make his mind up about Sullivan. By that I mean, he needs to reverse course and eject him. Overrule him and send some of his pets to WBS (see above). Invest in younger guys. Make room on the roster for whoever in WBS is ready. Or better yet, have a rotating door of 2 players coming in and out of the group. Training camp competition was nice.. how about some in season competition? I'd be willing to look at any forward from WBS over Nieto at this stage. Gruden, Imama, hell even Bemström. Time for the next act in the grand illusion, Kyle, you can spin this in a way that people will buy into it.

Yes