Penguins Trade Deadline: Buyers and Sellers?

[Puck-Lurker]

If the return for Rakell is a 2nd and a B-level prospect, you might as well keep him.

The other org's top prospect or a 1st should be the starting point of any deal.

[Michael74]

If the return for Rakell is a 2nd and a B-level prospect, you might as well keep him.

The other org's top prospect or a 1st should be the starting point of any deal.

Agreed, a 1st as well as a top five prospect is a must. With his term and very reasonable cap hit, and the cap going up considerably, you either sell high or wait until the offseason.

[FLPensFan]

If the return for Rakell is a 2nd and a B-level prospect, you might as well keep him.

The other org's top prospect or a 1st should be the starting point of any deal.

I'm not sure Brandt Clarke would be considered a B-level prospect. He was ranked LA's top prospect last year by the Athletic. He doesn't make their list this year because he has "graduated out" since he's playing in his 3rd season already. He was an 8th overall pick

Simon Nemec is also considered NJ's top prospect this year and last year. He was a 2nd overall pick. Their top 3 prospects are all d-men in Nemec, Silayev, and Casey.

[EndO FanEra]

If the return for Rakell is a 2nd and a B-level prospect, you might as well keep him.

The other org's top prospect or a 1st should be the starting point of any deal.

I'm not sure Brandt Clarke would be considered a B-level prospect. He was ranked LA's top prospect last year by the Athletic. He doesn't make their list this year because he has "graduated out" since he's playing in his 3rd season already. He was an 8th overall pick

Simon Nemec is also considered NJ's top prospect this year and last year. He was a 2nd overall pick. Their top 3 prospects are all d-men in Nemec, Silayev, and Casey.

Perfect examples, FLPF.

I suppose I was thinking somewhere in the middle of B-level and Clarke/Nemec. Clarke/Nemec are the types of players I was referring to, but that is some pretty high draft pedigree to be adding a 2nd to. If we could, great! I was thinking more along the lines of a Yager/McGroarty mid-late first prospect plus a 2nd. Then again, I don't know much about where Clarke/Nemec are in their development to have an idea of their current value. So, I could be off there.

I'm also mostly basing that off of KD's comments about prioritizing young NHL ready talent over picks/prospects. I'll happily take a 1st for Rakell and be done with it.

[FLPensFan]

If the return for Rakell is a 2nd and a B-level prospect, you might as well keep him.

The other org's top prospect or a 1st should be the starting point of any deal.

I'm not sure Brandt Clarke would be considered a B-level prospect. He was ranked LA's top prospect last year by the Athletic. He doesn't make their list this year because he has "graduated out" since he's playing in his 3rd season already. He was an 8th overall pick

Simon Nemec is also considered NJ's top prospect this year and last year. He was a 2nd overall pick. Their top 3 prospects are all d-men in Nemec, Silayev, and Casey.

Perfect examples, FLPF.

I suppose I was thinking somewhere in the middle of B-level and Clarke/Nemec. Clarke/Nemec are the types of players I was referring to, but that is some pretty high draft pedigree to be adding a 2nd to. If we could, great! I was thinking more along the lines of a Yager/McGroarty mid-late first prospect plus a 2nd. Then again, I don't know much about where Clarke/Nemec are in their development to have an idea of their current value. So, I could be off there.

I'm also mostly basing that off of KD's comments about prioritizing young NHL ready talent over picks/prospects. I'll happily take a 1st for Rakell and be done with it.

In my view, Dubas has 2 MUST HAVE items on his shopping list: A top 6 center and a young d-man with top pairing potential. My broken record statement...Top 6 centers and #1 d-men are the hardest pieces to acquire. Dubas should do anything in his power to acquire those pieces as soon as possible.

If he can get 2 of those pieces before next season, I have faith in his rebuild on the fly plan.

Trade Rakell for Nemec or Clarke+. Both of them are RD.
Ensure that you can draft one of Hagens, Misa, or Desnoyers. All 3 are centers. Use draft capital and prospects to move up.
If you can trade for a Cozens, Kulich, McTavish, Wright, Pinto, Bourque type, then you make that trade.
Set yourself up so you can have something like this come 2026-2027:

Malkin-Crosby-Rust
X-McTavish-Koivunen
McGroarty-Desnoyers-Tomasino
X-Ponomarev-Glass
x-Broz

X-Nemec
Pickering-Letang
Pieniniemi-Brunicke
X-POJ

Blomqvist
Larsson

Go out and spend on a high quality LW for the top 6, and for a mid-20s 2/3 LD type, and let Sullivan get his type of guy to fill out the 4th line. Not saying it has to be exactly like this, but, a top 6 center is a must, and picking up some young, closer to NHL ready defense is a must.

[tman1737]

Hypothetically, IF Rust agrees to waive his NTC, what would be a reasonably acceptable return?

[Michael74]

Hypothetically, IF Rust agrees to waive his NTC, what would be a reasonably acceptable return?

I would think Rakell would be far more likely to be moved for several reasons. 1ST off he's having a very good year with 23 goals and 45 points I believe. Also, his NTC only covers 8 teams. So, that affords KD a lot of flexibility as to the teams he could be moved to. He's only 31 and isn't as entrenched with the core as Rust is.

At a minimum we should garner a 1st and good prospect back. Maybe we'll take back a lesser roster player from said team to help balance out the cap. But that's the sorta package I'd expect. Something very similar if Rust was traded. But considering his NMC and his affinity for being here that'd be a harder way to go.

[FLPensFan]

Hypothetically, IF Rust agrees to waive his NTC, what would be a reasonably acceptable return?

I think the package for Rust might be comparable to what we would want for Rakell....a 1st and a B-level prospect, or a 2nd and an A-level prospect.

First, Rakell is having a good year. He's been a little up and down year over year in his career, so, if there is a market for him at the deadline, or even over the summer...Dubas should jump on a deal that meets those parameters above, because his value likely is never going to be this high again.

On Rust, he's a year older, but he's been a model of consistency. 6 consecutive years of 20 goals, including 27 goals in 55 games during COVID years. He's an extremely well rounded 200-foot player, and can play on PP and PK. That's what makes him valuable. He may not be a top end top 6 guy, but he has the speed, hands, IQ, and defense to play with any top center in the league.

I've heard different rumors on Rust. One says he still absolutely refuses to want to go anywhere but Pittsburgh (but says team has never approached him to waive), and one a few weeks ago where he said he isn't looking to move on, but, if the team came to him with the right situation, he might be open to moving.

I'd move Rakell at the deadline or at the draft, and probably hang onto Rust until next deadline if we still aren't a playoff team.

[lemieuxReturns]

Sid would be getting the Geno treatment if they got rid of both Rakell and Rust. No chance they would move both.
I think the most logical player to be traded is EK. He has no real ties to the Penguins organization, and he is most likely looking to win a cup at this point in his career. He has put up 35 points this season as a defensemen on a bad team… hopefully someone out there still wants him. He has 2 years left on that insane contract.

[KG]

Sid would be getting the Geno treatment if they got rid of both Rakell and Rust. No chance they would move both.
I think the most logical player to be traded is EK. He has no real ties to the Penguins organization, and he is most likely looking to win a cup at this point in his career. He has put up 35 points this season as a defensemen on a bad team… hopefully someone out there still wants him. He has 2 years left on that insane contract.

I get that KD needs to make Sid happy. But if he has the opportunity to bring in legitimate high end picks and prospects for Rust and Rakell, then he has to do it. By accumulating future assets, KD could also flip them for a young player who can play now. I think that is his real goal. To get a legit top line young forward to play with Sid. We just never had the asset pool to go down that road.

If we could get 1st round picks or A prospects for Rust, Rakell and a retained EK, Dubas should be all over it.

It shouldn't be a hard sell to Sid. Rust and Rakell aren't getting any younger and it's not like the team is any good with them. Re-tool it. Get younger, faster and more skilled.

[FLPensFan]

Sid would be getting the Geno treatment if they got rid of both Rakell and Rust. No chance they would move both.
I think the most logical player to be traded is EK. He has no real ties to the Penguins organization, and he is most likely looking to win a cup at this point in his career. He has put up 35 points this season as a defensemen on a bad team… hopefully someone out there still wants him. He has 2 years left on that insane contract.

Sid needs to understand the plan. Rust turns 33 in May. Rakell turns 32 in May. Crosby turns 38 in August. Geno turns 39 in July. That is 4 members of your top 6 that are in their mid to late 30s. Add in Letang 38 in April and Karlsson 35 in May. The team is STILL too old in key areas to be competitive and a playoff team.

If you've seen some of my larger posts on this, the idea would likely be some short term suffering for that final chance at a run. You move on from Rust and Rakell. You go out and get a new, younger, shiny top 6 toy for Sid in UFA or via trade. You add in a promising young guy like McGroarty or Koivunen to his other wing. This is the pivot that needs to start taking place in the top 6 and in the top 4 on defense.

I think Rakell should be moved because his value isn't going to be this high, but if Dubas has a good offer on Rust at the deadline or over the summer, and the offer fits the plan moving forward, they shouldn't hesitate to deal him.

[Cow_Master66]

If they are making business decisions based on the Captain's feelings, they deserve all the misery coming their way.

[Michael74]

If they are making business decisions based on the Captain's feelings, they deserve all the misery coming their way.

100% agree! Part of the reason we are in the predicament we're in is because of our
acquiescing to the core and Sullivan. Clearly that methodology hasn't worked going on seven years.

[Antonio]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

[Toke]

I feel precisely the same way. While I look forward to he excitement of the infusion of some new young talent, I watch with trepidation that KD will not have the gumption to finally move out Sullivan. I shudder to think of all the waste of talent we could witness should he continue to be entrenched at the helm.

[FLPensFan]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

[thehockeyguru]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

Say you get a top 5 pick that is NHL ready I'm not sure I want Sullivan ruining said player.

[Gunnerfan]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

Say you get a top 5 pick that is NHL ready I'm not sure I want Sullivan ruining said player.

I get what you're saying, but a top 5 pick would have more stroke than Sullivan at this point with the franchise.

[FLPensFan]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

Say you get a top 5 pick that is NHL ready I'm not sure I want Sullivan ruining said player.

There's no guarantee that top 5 pick is going to play next year:
--Macklin Celebrini has played a full season for the Sharks. He was #1 overall. The only other pick in the entire 2024 draft to play NHL games is Philly's Jett Luchenko, who played 4 games.

--From the 2023 draft, only 10 players from the entire draft class have played in the NHL. 4 of those played 7 games or less. 2 have only started playing this year, and 4 played straight out of their draft year.

There should be no issue drafting a guy in the top 5, lettings him play one more year in Juniors, then bringing him in for the 26-27 season.....to avoid being Sully'd.

[thehockeyguru]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

Say you get a top 5 pick that is NHL ready I'm not sure I want Sullivan ruining said player.

There's no guarantee that top 5 pick is going to play next year:
--Macklin Celebrini has played a full season for the Sharks. He was #1 overall. The only other pick in the entire 2024 draft to play NHL games is Philly's Jett Luchenko, who played 4 games.

--From the 2023 draft, only 10 players from the entire draft class have played in the NHL. 4 of those played 7 games or less. 2 have only started playing this year, and 4 played straight out of their draft year.

There should be no issue drafting a guy in the top 5, lettings him play one more year in Juniors, then bringing him in for the 26-27 season.....to avoid being Sully'd.

Yeah that's definitely the preferred path,

[Southern Fan]

Nor sure what the Dallas GM is smoking to take Cici and Granlund for a first. On a related Penguins note, the Sharks have a ton of cap space and their two goalies are UFA at the end of the year. I think the Sharks should get on the phone with Dubas and look at Jarry.

[BigMcK]

Nor sure what the Dallas GM is smoking to take Cici and Granlund for a first. On a related Penguins note, the Sharks have a ton of cap space and their two goalies are UFA at the end of the year. I think the Sharks should get on the phone with Dubas and look at Jarry.

Take Jarry and we'll throw in EK as an added bonus. Take both, and their contractual commitments, and send us a 3rd round pick in '25 and '26 and we'll call it even.

[Antonio]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

Say you get a top 5 pick that is NHL ready I'm not sure I want Sullivan ruining said player.

Sums it up for me and now extend it to a lineup of young high quality talent. I don't want Sullivan near any of it. None of his thoughts, ideas, systems, attitude, outlook, nothing. I want him and everyone connected with him flushed from this team like food poisoning after an outdoor high noon mexican seafood buffet.

[EndO FanEra]

Honestly the idea of 8 to 10 new young guys with talent, a new youth movement etc would be interesting and exciting but not if Sullivan is here. I think about that kind of scenario and when I imagine a whole new generation of young talent and draft picks with Sullivan running the show, and I just find I have absolutely ZERO interest. Until he's gone, I just increasingly don't care anymore outside of watching Crosby pad the twilight stats as much as possible. I'm not interested in another decade of the same ****, another generation of the same crap, the same garbage treatment of youth, the same obstinate favoritism, etc.

Get a completely new coaching staff with new mentality and system and then fill the team with new talented picks that starts a whole new fresh future with a new young roster.... THAT excites me a ton. The fifth or six complete roster turnover again without a purge of the coaching staff, even if it is with all brand new young draft picks this time instead of with retreads and veterans like the last 3 or 4 times, isn't interesting at all to me.

There seem to be similar discussions in this thread and the random thread, but, I posted that keeping Sullivan for another year may not be the worst idea. It's failed for 2 years, and is going to fail for a 3rd year. If we are shooting for high draft picks, Sullivan might just be the right guy to let run the ship next year.

If we can get a top 5 pick this year, and another top 5 pick next year, make 2026-2027 season the one to make a change. I really like what Kirk MacDonald has done in WBS so far. Granted, the quality of prospects are better, but there are many more guys excelling and taking the next step. This is his first year as an AHL head coach. Give him another year, then axe Sullivan with a year remaining on his deal, and promote MacDonald. He'll have intimate familiarity with most of the young guys that will be on the team.

That's how I'm hoping things work out over the next season and a half.

Say you get a top 5 pick that is NHL ready I'm not sure I want Sullivan ruining said player.

There's no guarantee that top 5 pick is going to play next year:
--Macklin Celebrini has played a full season for the Sharks. He was #1 overall. The only other pick in the entire 2024 draft to play NHL games is Philly's Jett Luchenko, who played 4 games.

--From the 2023 draft, only 10 players from the entire draft class have played in the NHL. 4 of those played 7 games or less. 2 have only started playing this year, and 4 played straight out of their draft year.

There should be no issue drafting a guy in the top 5, lettings him play one more year in Juniors, then bringing him in for the 26-27 season.....to avoid being Sully'd.

Yeah that's definitely the preferred path,

I understand keeping Sully to finish out this season and think it's probably the best course of action at this point. Keep the kids down in WBS for the most part (maybe let one or two guys get a cup of tea late in the season) and let them build some chemistry within a winning environment down there.

I don't agree with bringing him back next season though. At this point, it's not even a question of IF he is capable of getting them back into contention. Along with a roster turnover and influx of youth, this organization needs a jolt to bring it back to life. That is something a new coach/system can provide. Sully's same stale messages, systems, practices, team building exercises, lineup choices/preferences, whatever else aren't going to allow for that. It is just going to stunt the team's growth for another full season. I'd rather them start with a new system & new voice next season and let that be what causes the team to struggle, not Sully's way. They're going to struggle no matter what next season, so let the guys turn the page and start moving towards the future.

It sucks, because I hate bashing Sully all the time. He seems like a decent guy (even though he's from Boston ), he's highly regarded by players/fans/peers, and yet 99% of Penguin fans want him gone ASAP. Many are begging/screaming for it. Many league analysts have talked about other coaches getting let go for way less, given the recent playoff failures. I find myself getting annoyed and turning off his interviews because I am tired of the same old rhetoric. I wish he would have moved on 3 or 4 years ago, for everyone's sake. He will always be loved for the back-to-back cups, but his Penguins tenure will be tarnished by the past few seasons.

Dragging it out for another season would be a big mistake, IMO.

[y2jimmie7420]

The problem is that the nhl draft is a total crap shoot. 70% of first round 25% of second round and 12% of third rounders make it. The odds of hitting on the amount of players we are hoping for are not high at all. The next 3 years we have currently 15 picks in the first three rounds. So let’s say we hit on 3-5 of those players how many are realistically top tier players? The rangers and capitals rebuilt on the fly with smart trades and not handing out stupid contracts.