Penguins Trade Deadline: Buyers and Sellers?

[Daniel]

I agree 100%. If we can get someone like Dylan Cozens for less, and is more in line with the other young players we have, why overpay and give up all those assets for E. Pettersson?

I'm down for either of those guys as an option.

I don't know how accurate either of our proposals are for E. Pettersson and Cozens, but they're not all that far apart value wise.

To Van: M. Pettersson, Rakell (with $1M-$2M retained), 2nd, picks/prospects to even things out
To Pit: E. Petterson, picks/prospects to even things out

To Buf: Rickard Rakell, Noel Acciari (cap purposes), Anthony Beauvillier (cap purposes), Ville Koivunen, 2026 2nd (STL)
To Pit: Dylan Cozens and Jason Zucker (50% retained)

Both have Rakell & a 2nd going out. Difference is Rakell's retention and Pettersson vs Acciari, Beauvillier, & Koivunen. I would say that Pettersson and retention is the higher value than those 3, but I do think that Beau and Koivunen have some/decent value.

Coming back with Cozens is Zucker. To me, Zucker may have value to a playoff team, but not with the Pens. Forget the cap hit and his age, it's just adding another vet to block an opportunity for the youth. So, if we're taking Zucker back, to me, it's because we have to, not because we want to. I don't know it if evens out the difference in Petterson going out, but those two packages aren't all that far apart in my eyes.

Now, Cozens is 3 years younger and $4.5M cheaper, so there is definitely value in that. I haven't seen enough of either of them to know how they stack up taking things like salary, age, team, etc. into consideration.

So, is the difference in performance between Cozens & Pettersson equivalent to the difference in age/salary? Your guess is probably better than mine.

I just hope that Dubas is looking into some impact players like that, that can help take some of the pressure off of Sid & Geno going forward. I'm down for some more Tomasino & Lizotte types, but I think we need at least one guy that moves the needle on a regular basis.

If you are talking about building around someone, I'd take Cozens almost every time, simply because he is 2 years younger.

I also would not get too attached to any prospect we have in our system, and potentially any prospect we draft in the next 2 years. The chances of the team drafting the right pieces and putting everything together on the first try are pretty low. Some of these guys, if we were to go out and get them, really wouldn't be for building around, but rather, to acquire the pieces to build around.

I don't think there is a single player in our system right now that we absolutely must keep and build around. Quite frankly, I don't think we have an A-level guy in our system. We have some solid B-level guys, but, there are no forwards that are essentially top 6 forwards. There are no d-men in our system that are guaranteed top pairing guys.

So, we can try for a quick rebuild on the fly, but some of that may be acquiring young guys with good upside and potential, and eventually flipping them for high picks or other players young players a few years down the road.

Murasov and Blomqvist and McGroarty are as close as they've got for A level guys. Not sure you'd want to build around a goalie though.

I think McGroarty's top end is a Bryan Rust/Hornqvist type of guy. Ceiling for me is a 25 goal, 50 point player. But he reminds me more of Rick Tocchet...a lot of garbage type goals from just being around the net, but that isn't the only way he'll score. I would agree he is our best prospect...high B or low A level type.

Need to see more from Murashov and Blomqvist. They are good and have some promise, but also both have some holes to their game that they will need to improve upon.

I'd throw Brunicke in that mix as well. I've seen a few reports that, based on what he did this summer and the start he got in Juniors, he likely should have been a late 1st round pick.

if McGroarty can be Rust, Hornqvist, Tocchet, I'd definitely say he is an A prospect. If you think about it, Crosby was never a prospect once he got drafted.

You get better than the comparisons you gave and you get guys that go straight to the NHL, for the most part. When Crosby got drafted, the team had Malkin and Orpik and Fleury and little else. I think it's easier to rebuild now because of free agency and technology to help with diamonds in the rough prospects. I doubt the Penguins will get a top 5 pick this year, but when they do they might have a much better group of prospects than when Crosby got drafted. We'll see though.

Of course, they need to replace Sullivan, but at this point that might be the signature at the end of any post on this message board.

[FLPensFan]

It's time to make a move Dubas....

That trade seems pretty weird to me from Colorado's perspective. I know Rantanen is a UFA-to-be, and I read that Colorado didn't feel like they were close on a new contract, but when has a team that is (presumably) a legit contender traded a legit star player like this leading up to the deadline? I know Necas is having a good year, but I'm not sold that this is sustainable for him, and he seems at least 1 tier down from Rantanen.

I appreciate Carolina's boldness, though. Trading for Guentzel last year to really go for it; he walks, and they're back at it this year adding another top-tier offensive talent to go all in.

You are right on some parts. From what I've read, Colorado has had talks and they were nowhere near close on $$$ for Rantanen. Rumor is he is looking for Draisaitl type money. Draisaitl just got an 8 year, 14M AAV contract. Avs thought that was too much.

Necas doesn't have the high end production that Rantanen does. Rantanen a 55 goal season, a 42 goal season, 3 30+ goal seasons, and a 29 goal season. Necas at his best probably tops out at 30 goals and 80 points. Necas is 2 years younger, so, it was unlikely they were going to get a Rantanen level talent even swap. This was probably the best they were going to do.

I also believe Carolina is confident they can re-sign Rantanen. He apparently is extremely good friends with Sebastian Aho. Carolina, I'm told, may also have the most cap space available this offseason, with almost 30M in cap space coming off the books from their UFAs (Hall, Rantanen, Roslovic, Orlov, Burns, and Andersen). Gives them plenty of space to bring back Rantanen and go after UFAs (I'd be surprised if Hall, Orlov, or Burns come back due to age).

Anyone else wish we went with Tulsky instead of Dubas for GM?

[BigMcK]

Anyone else wish we went with Tulsky instead of Dubas for GM?

Given that FSG owns the Penguins, nothing surprises me.

A quick search of Eric Tulsky, he reads like a ultra-smart nerd. When FSG interviewed him in 2023, nanotechnology listed on his resume probably scared ownership away. On the ownership board is a guy who dropped out of highschool in the ninth grade. Nothing wrong with that. Basketball is a good backup plan.

Junior Manager Dubas is what I thought he was. Peter Principal candidate. At this point, I am not sure he is able to replace Sullivan with a qualified coach. Also at this point, I don't want him to have that power. At this point, I am sure FSG would terminate JMKD before HCMS. Man, how the coffers sing in tune with wealth...

But, I digress to the point. JMKD said the Jarry situation garnered much media coverage, I asked myself: Self, doesn't this talking head know that any move involving a $5,00,000 player is going to garner much media?

"Anyone else wish we went with Tulsky instead of Dubas for GM?". Yes.

[Pens4Life]

I actually really like Necas, I think he can be big for Colorado, if he will adjust to their system.

About Elias Pettersson to Pens..why? Please god no.. that contract is beyond awful! Stay away with 11.6M contracts from Pens at this stage of the team! We already paying too much for Karlsson..

Also I would like to keep Rakell, you need at least 2 wingers who can score regulary, we dont have them,beside Rust and RR! Even if we go into small retool, we should clean up the rest of the mess.

Jarry, Karlsson, Pettersson (if price is too high for re+signing), Graves, Gryz, Acciari, Nieto, Nedeljkovic, Beauvillier, DOC (maybe), Puljujarvi (because Sully wont play him, otherwise he should be regular)..

These guys should be priority to move.. if not,wait for offseason, draft night whatever!

But Crosby, Rust, Rakell is the line I would like to keep.

[Victor]

It's time to make a move Dubas....

That trade seems pretty weird to me from Colorado's perspective. I know Rantanen is a UFA-to-be, and I read that Colorado didn't feel like they were close on a new contract, but when has a team that is (presumably) a legit contender traded a legit star player like this leading up to the deadline? I know Necas is having a good year, but I'm not sold that this is sustainable for him, and he seems at least 1 tier down from Rantanen.

I appreciate Carolina's boldness, though. Trading for Guentzel last year to really go for it; he walks, and they're back at it this year adding another top-tier offensive talent to go all in.

You are right on some parts. From what I've read, Colorado has had talks and they were nowhere near close on $$$ for Rantanen. Rumor is he is looking for Draisaitl type money. Draisaitl just got an 8 year, 14M AAV contract. Avs thought that was too much.

Necas doesn't have the high end production that Rantanen does. Rantanen a 55 goal season, a 42 goal season, 3 30+ goal seasons, and a 29 goal season. Necas at his best probably tops out at 30 goals and 80 points. Necas is 2 years younger, so, it was unlikely they were going to get a Rantanen level talent even swap. This was probably the best they were going to do.

I also believe Carolina is confident they can re-sign Rantanen. He apparently is extremely good friends with Sebastian Aho. Carolina, I'm told, may also have the most cap space available this offseason, with almost 30M in cap space coming off the books from their UFAs (Hall, Rantanen, Roslovic, Orlov, Burns, and Andersen). Gives them plenty of space to bring back Rantanen and go after UFAs (I'd be surprised if Hall, Orlov, or Burns come back due to age).

Anyone else wish we went with Tulsky instead of Dubas for GM?

I believe you hit the nail on the head here. Makar will be eligible to sign an extension in about 18 months so they are likely already making choices on who to keep. Colorado also have time to see how well Necas plays for them as he is signed for one more season after this one. One thing I read is that they might also have to open up cap space for a Landeskog return. This trade increased their cap space in about $1 million to $5.6 million. Landeskog's cap hit's $7 million.

If you consider a $92 million cap for next season, Carolina will have over $35 million in cap space with 13 players under contract. If they're able to extend Rantanen, one would think their next priority would be adding a dman if they indeed let Orlov and Burns walk. Their top D prospect Alexander Nikishin is out of his KHL contract this summer.

[KG]

After the Avs trade last night was going down, Weekes put out one of his tweets with eye balls and the Pens.

Had people speculating if something is going down.

[FLPensFan]

After the Avs trade last night was going down, Weekes put out one of his tweets with eye balls and the Pens.

Had people speculating if something is going down.

And to further the plot.....

[largegarlic]

After the Avs trade last night was going down, Weekes put out one of his tweets with eye balls and the Pens.

Had people speculating if something is going down.

And to further the plot.....

Crosby to the Avs? That's about the only thing I can think of that's bigger than the Rantanen deal that would involve the Pens.

[KG]

After the Avs trade last night was going down, Weekes put out one of his tweets with eye balls and the Pens.

Had people speculating if something is going down.

And to further the plot.....

Crosby to the Avs? That's about the only thing I can think of that's bigger than the Rantanen deal that would involve the Pens.

I don't think Sid would leave. It's his call obviously.

I was thinking maybe EK?

[FLPensFan]

After the Avs trade last night was going down, Weekes put out one of his tweets with eye balls and the Pens.

Had people speculating if something is going down.

And to further the plot.....

Crosby to the Avs? That's about the only thing I can think of that's bigger than the Rantanen deal that would involve the Pens.

I don't think Sid would leave. It's his call obviously.

I was thinking maybe EK?

They got that covered, too:


As for the Weekes eyes, Kingerski was speculating, since Ryan Callahan was tagged, that it could be Penguins - Lightning related. Lightning are playing 23 year old Emil Lilleberg as their 3rd pairing LD, and could surely use an upgrade for the playoffs.

One deal I heard was in the works was JT Miller to Carolina. Vancouver wanted Necas, and Carolina said no. Good thing they held out for Rantanen instead.

[Ohio_Pens_fan]

Maybe we’ll get Guentzel back? Yea, right…

[stonewizard51]

I'm not sure Jake would want to come back.

[100565]

Karlsson at $6.5mil (or $5mil) for two more years is pretty sweet. He is 12th in NHL in D points - on a team he is not utilized to fullest potential (sully). His stats are declining a little since arriving in Pitt, but he remains one of the top offensive Dmen in the game. After playing a full season in NHL, he went to World Championship and ended tied for 7th is scoring with 6g, 5a for 11points.

With a cap potentially being $98mil next year, Karlsson at $6.5 is a steal. With only two years left on the contract and with retention, he is certainly worth shopping. I think a deadline deal is doable (expiring UFA coming back to Pens)

I did not want the Pens to retain on any salaries but this has changed my mind.

I also don’t have interest in E Petterson, Cozens, or Zegras. Not this year. It seems to be a bit (1-2 season, if all goes well) early. I think the Pens need high-end talent and that will come by top 5 picks. Bringing in one of the above now (before getting a couple top 5 picks) would improve them enough to not be top5, but not good enough to be good (bubble playoff team that might win a round).

I don’t believe Dubas when he says to media winning now or rebuilding does not need to be binary. I think he is clearly selling. Why trade Eller? Trading him did not improve the Pens. Maybe he asked for a trade, but “team first” if winning is the main goal. Why trade Pettersson? I get Guentzel but Pettersson won’t be signing a huuuge deal. A raise? Yes. But nothing too crazy. I think he will sell and he would sell a lot in an ideal world (takes two to trade so maybe no takers at his value).

Rakell, EK, and Pettersson could all be potentially traded - along with a bunch of players that ain’t worth much.

I am hoping for top 5 pick(s) or top level, super high end, prospect. It would take a combination of trades to attain. Rakell and EK for firsts, then those firsts plus Howe for a top 5 pick or super prospect. Not counting the Pens 7-9 overall pick.

It should be interesting.

[largegarlic]

Karlsson at $6.5mil (or $5mil) for two more years is pretty sweet. He is 12th in NHL in D points - on a team he is not utilized to fullest potential (sully). His stats are declining a little since arriving in Pitt, but he remains one of the top offensive Dmen in the game. After playing a full season in NHL, he went to World Championship and ended tied for 7th is scoring with 6g, 5a for 11points.

With a cap potentially being $98mil next year, Karlsson at $6.5 is a steal. With only two years left on the contract and with retention, he is certainly worth shopping. I think a deadline deal is doable (expiring UFA coming back to Pens)

I did not want the Pens to retain on any salaries but this has changed my mind.

I also don’t have interest in E Petterson, Cozens, or Zegras. Not this year. It seems to be a bit (1-2 season, if all goes well) early. I think the Pens need high-end talent and that will come by top 5 picks. Bringing in one of the above now (before getting a couple top 5 picks) would improve them enough to not be top5, but not good enough to be good (bubble playoff team that might win a round).

I don’t believe Dubas when he says to media winning now or rebuilding does not need to be binary. I think he is clearly selling. Why trade Eller? Trading him did not improve the Pens. Maybe he asked for a trade, but “team first” if winning is the main goal. Why trade Pettersson? I get Guentzel but Pettersson won’t be signing a huuuge deal. A raise? Yes. But nothing too crazy. I think he will sell and he would sell a lot in an ideal world (takes two to trade so maybe no takers at his value).

Rakell, EK, and Pettersson could all be potentially traded - along with a bunch of players that ain’t worth much.

I am hoping for top 5 pick(s) or top level, super high end, prospect. It would take a combination of trades to attain. Rakell and EK for firsts, then those firsts plus Howe for a top 5 pick or super prospect. Not counting the Pens 7-9 overall pick.

It should be interesting.

I think you and I are on the same page on this. I think Karlsson would still be attractive at 50% (or close to that) retained, and I don't think the Pens have to worry about the cap for the next few years.

[Pens4Life]

Retaining too much on player is just bad management.. throwing money out for nothing

[lemieuxReturns]

Geno’s injury tonight should serve as a warning to Dubas not to wait too long with these assets. He needs to trade some guys and soon. Waiting serves no one at this point.

[KG]

Pens should absolutely sell high on Rakell if that opportunity is there.

Bunting should also be on the table as well. Start trading off some decent players while they still have value and aren't too old.

[Puck-Lurker]

Takes two to tango. You need someone fielding an offer worth accepting, too.

And I don't think Dubas wants to sell everything that isn't bolted down called Sidney Crosby. But he should. Point the compass south and stay the course.

[FLPensFan]

Takes two to tango. You need someone fielding an offer worth accepting, too.

And I don't think Dubas wants to sell everything that isn't bolted down called Sidney Crosby. But he should. Point the compass south and stay the course.

100%. Need a trade partner. That said, it sounds like things are heating up league-wide. It sounded like JT Miller / Elias Pettersson stuff was holding up some teams from making moves, until Carolina said eff it, and pivoted to Rantanen. As was said by Seravalli, there was another big deal in the works. May have died, may have involved teams that eventually became the CAR-COL trade, or something else.

But yes, I'd be looking to move Pettersson sooner rather than later. I'd also be fielding offers on Rakell to see if there is a really good offer out there. Don't hold out for "blow me away" type of deal, because if you pass on a very good deal, his value won't be this high again.

If there were takers for Bunting, DOC, Beauvillier, Acciari, or EK65, I'd listen there too.

[maopens]

Something. Let's do something.

This team is not worth adding to IMO from what I've seen this season. I see a lot of "not good enough" mixed with a lot of "don't care enough" out there.

There is no kidding ourselves, the rebuild is underway. So commit to it and get started.

[john66]

The one thing I was looking forward to this year was seeing the young guys. Now we're 50 games in and still nothing. Allegedly, Ponomarev would have neem up at the end of last year but got hurt. He's not hurt this year!! I've heard Broz would be up but got mono. I'm sure once he recovers, he'll need a month to regain his strength in WBS. C'mon.
I would love to see 30 games with Ponamarev, Broz, Koivunen, RMG up front. Trade 72, 55, 83 & possibly 10 to make room. Injuries to Rust and maybe Geno long term also create spots. Quit wasting time.

[pekkasteele]

The one thing I was looking forward to this year was seeing the young guys. Now we're 50 games in and still nothing. Allegedly, Ponomarev would have neem up at the end of last year but got hurt. He's not hurt this year!! I've heard Broz would be up but got mono. I'm sure once he recovers, he'll need a month to regain his strength in WBS. C'mon.
I would love to see 30 games with Ponamarev, Broz, Koivunen, RMG up front. Trade 72, 55, 83 & possibly 10 to make room. Injuries to Rust and maybe Geno long term also create spots. Quit wasting time.

No need to play them now, let the old farts get us a top 5 pick, fire sullivan and then bring them up.

[Maestro]

Considering how unsurprisingly abysmal the Penguins have been recently, I doubt they “buy”, but as I was saying, Miller”s value is at a definite low point atm; add that the model of “rebuilding on the fly” has worked for both the Rangers and now Capitals, that is likely still the mindset.
https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/ ... lina-again

Of course both the rangers and caps axed their coach within the past decade so the Pens won’t have that in common.

[KG]

Considering how unsurprisingly abysmal the Penguins have been recently, I doubt they “buy”, but as I was saying, Miller”s value is at a definite low point atm; add that the model of “rebuilding on the fly” has worked for both the Rangers and now Capitals, that is likely still the mindset.
https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/ ... lina-again

Of course both the rangers and caps axed their coach within the past decade so the Pens won’t have that in common.

I hear you. We could probably get Miller for an MP package at this point. I always kind of wanted him because he would have been a major help at 2C to support Geno etc.

MP and Rakell for Miller and Hoglander type of deal is probably not so outlandish. Hoglander has pretty much negative value with his $3mill AAV deal kicking in next season.

Then we can trade Miller in 2 years, retain and get some good young assets for him. Similar to what we will probably do with EK sooner than later.

I don't expect it too happen, but I wouldn't be shocked.

[largegarlic]

Considering how unsurprisingly abysmal the Penguins have been recently, I doubt they “buy”, but as I was saying, Miller”s value is at a definite low point atm; add that the model of “rebuilding on the fly” has worked for both the Rangers and now Capitals, that is likely still the mindset.
https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/ ... lina-again

Of course both the rangers and caps axed their coach within the past decade so the Pens won’t have that in common.

I hear you. We could probably get Miller for an MP package at this point. I always kind of wanted him because he would have been a major help at 2C to support Geno etc.

MP and Rakell for Miller and Hoglander type of deal is probably not so outlandish. Hoglander has pretty much negative value with his $3mill AAV deal kicking in next season.

Then we can trade Miller in 2 years, retain and get some good young assets for him. Similar to what we will probably do with EK sooner than later.

I don't expect it too happen, but I wouldn't be shocked.

I think the risk in getting Miller is that he'll be good and elevate the Pens out of a top-10 draft pick but not so good as to get them to the playoffs. I'd prefer they focus on getting top-5/10 picks these next couple year, play their young guys they in house to see who has a shot to contribute, and then start gambling on guys like Miller to accelerate a rebuild.