Official 2025 trade deadline

[KG]

Dubas sent a 5th for the Connors.

We only care about 5th round picks unless we give them obvi

[KG]

After reading the quotes KD said about Schenn, everyone should quickly learn to not take the GM’s word as gospel. Schenn was someone that was going to help us grow and mentor into the first. 8 hours later he’s getting dealt for a 2nd and 4th.

[FLPensFan]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

[FLPensFan]

After reading the quotes KD said about Schenn, everyone should quickly learn to not take the GM’s word as gospel. Schenn was someone that was going to help us grow and mentor into the first. 8 hours later he’s getting dealt for a 2nd and 4th.

This wasn't a KD not telling the truth issue, though. This was a Luke Schenn wanted to go to a contender. A few media outlets, Yohe most notably, said the Penguins intention was to keep Schenn, but Schenn came to management after the trade and said he would prefer to be dealt to a contending team. Dubas honored that request.

Schenn's 35 and probably doesn't have many more seasons in the tank. It didn't really hurt the Penguins for him to move on, either.

[Pens4Life]

This our core is done, zero chance to win anything at this stage.. we have a long road ahead of bad years and rebuilding back up to playoff team.

[Wyopen]

FlPF wrote:
“McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.”

If MacDonald would become HC of the NHL Pens, I think both would do well. There is a trust and confidence between them. Also, Brunicke I think has a chance to be at least 3-4 defenseman.

[Michael74]

FlPF wrote:
“McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.”

If MacDonald would become HC of the NHL Pens, I think both would do well. There is a trust and confidence between them. Also, Brunicke I think has a chance to be at least 3-4 defenseman.

We need to draft a center with our 1st pick all things being equal. That IMO is the biggest area of concern.

[Victor]

I believe it is a mistake. I think that 2025 4th from Philly should be shown as going to Boston, not Pittsburgh. That pick is listed in the TOR to BOS part of the deal. It isn't shown in the TOR to PIT deal.

The official statement on the Penguins website says Penguins acquired Dewar and Timmins for a 2025 5th round pick. There is no mention of any pick coming to Pittsburgh.

It is on puck pedia, I think maybe we retained? I know it's not at capwages though, but they haven't listed Cody Glass yet with NJ. I think they are a little behind. I don't know though.

I know, that is where I was looking. But if you look they 2025 4th you are saying went to Pittsburgh is only listed in the part of the deal between BOS and TOR. They don't list it as a 3 team trade. So, I think it is just a simple mistake on Puckpedia's part, especially since the Penguins official announcement on their site mentions nothing about a pick coming to them in that deal.

Spoiler:

If you look on the PIT draft pick break down on that site it has us having two 4ths this year. It didn't make much sense to me either, but it's listed in two places. Again it's not a big deal, I just found that interesting.

Got it. I see what you mean. No idea why Puckpedia thinks we had that pick at any point.

It's probably just a mistake indeed, the same way capwages still shows 2026 6th as conditional to Columbus from the Bemström-Nylander trade.

[Daniel]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

I think Pickering has the chance to be a top pairing defensemen, more like Dumoulin than Letang but still a top pairing. The more I think about the Rakell situation the more I wonder if KD was offered nothing but draft picks and with the amount they have over the next few years, why get a late 1st or late 2nd? I imagine he'll revisit this summer and try to get a 21-24 year old top prospect as the anchor of the trade.

[pens_CT]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

How many top 50 drafted prospects got moved from a contender to a team out of the playoff race. I think the answers is zero, and that's why Rakell is still a Penguin. Teams don't give up that kind of asset at the trade deadline.

[KG]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

I think Pickering has the chance to be a top pairing defensemen, more like Dumoulin than Letang but still a top pairing. The more I think about the Rakell situation the more I wonder if KD was offered nothing but draft picks and with the amount they have over the next few years, why get a late 1st or late 2nd? I imagine he'll revisit this summer and try to get a 21-24 year old top prospect as the anchor of the trade.

Agreed. I think KD was/is looking for some younger pieces that can help now if he is to trade Rakell. Issue with making big trades at the deadline is many contending teams don’t want to move a good piece or two from their current roster.

We’ll see how things progress this summer when teams have more cap space as well.

[Daniel]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

How many top 50 drafted prospects got moved from a contender to a team out of the playoff race. I think the answers is zero, and that's why Rakell is still a Penguin. Teams don't give up that kind of asset at the trade deadline.

Not many and that's why Rakell wasn't traded. Pickering would have been traded if this was 5 years ago since he's not helping today.

[Ericf]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

I think Pickering has the chance to be a top pairing defensemen, more like Dumoulin than Letang but still a top pairing. The more I think about the Rakell situation the more I wonder if KD was offered nothing but draft picks and with the amount they have over the next few years, why get a late 1st or late 2nd? I imagine he'll revisit this summer and try to get a 21-24 year old top prospect as the anchor of the trade.

Agreed. I think KD was/is looking for some younger pieces that can help now if he is to trade Rakell. Issue with making big trades at the deadline is many contending teams don’t want to move a good piece or two from their current roster.

We’ll see how things progress this summer when teams have more cap space as well.

He’s not going to get anything good and young off a team’s roster for Rakell. He’s not Rantanen lol. He would have to do something like Rakell and our first round pick from the Rangers. Maybe that works for the Sabre’s’ Peterka. Might still have to add to that. But Rakell would have gotten a first round pick in 2026 and a top 50 prospect. Apparently there was an offer for this with a prospect rated higher than McGroarty and Dubas rejected this. Won’t get a better offer at the draft or this summer. Mistake not to trade him at the deadline with the arms race going on

[100565]

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....
[/quote]

I am reading differently. I think when KD says "as quickly as possible" he knows (unless draft lottery wins) it will several years or more. He cannot come out and say the Pens are going to be really bad next year and most players are here short term; it would hurt attendance and jersey sales. when asked about the core and competing he said they have different length contracts, some have 3 more years after this so it might be possible.

To me, KD is in full long term rebuild while honoring the core. If Sid, Geno, or Letang ask to be traded, he would. Otherwise they aten't going anywhere. He is trying to accumulate enough ammo to go after some of the pricey, NHL ready, highly talented players.

Rebuild will be years unless the Pens win some lotteries (even then, it will take time)

[KG]

Wonder if KD was offered peanuts for Gryz and he felt it wasn't worth it. Gryz is a small D man who was scratched regularly in the playoffs last season. Teams look to add grit and size at the deadline, especially on the blueline (Schenn). I hope we just let him go though. No reason to give him a raise and re-sign him.

[Antonio]

This team is not competing for anything anytime soon and if he is stupid enough to believe that, he needs his head examined. I'm sure it's just empty puffery for public delusion. The odds that Crosby sees the playoffs again with this organization before retirement are almost 0.

[Tico Rick]

Free agency is our friend.

[Gunnerfan]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

I find it funny how overly critical this post is without any true knowledge of what transpired or the environment of the locker room. You can have an opinion for sure but to be so absolute is .. odd.

[Pens4Life]

This team is not competing for anything anytime soon and if he is stupid enough to believe that, he needs his head examined. I'm sure it's just empty puffery for public delusion. The odds that Crosby sees the playoffs again with this organization before retirement are almost 0.

With solid work in FA, they might reach playoffs..but winning anything?? Not a chance, zero chance

[Skatingpen]

It will be many years before this team is a true contender, many years.

[Victor]

Wonder if KD was offered peanuts for Gryz and he felt it wasn't worth it. Gryz is a small D man who was scratched regularly in the playoffs last season. Teams look to add grit and size at the deadline, especially on the blueline (Schenn). I hope we just let him go though. No reason to give him a raise and re-sign him.

One more reason to not re-sign him is the roster spot he takes. Pickering should play full time next season. They already have Kolyachonok and Graves signed.

[FLPensFan]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

I find it funny how overly critical this post is without any true knowledge of what transpired or the environment of the locker room. You can have an opinion for sure but to be so absolute is .. odd.

That's fine. You don't have to agree with me. There's definitely a split between folks that strongly felt Rakell should have been moved, and another side the strongly agreed with Dubas. And you are right, we have no knowledge of what was offered, so it is impossible to really make a determination of what was potentially turned down. Unless some leaks come out in the next few days/weeks, we'll never know. And we also don't know what Dubas ask was. I use LA as an easy example....maybe LA said we'll give you a 1st and Brandt Clarke, and Dubas said my asking price is two 1sts, Brandt Clarke, Liam Greentree, a 2nd, and a 3rd. We don't know either side....Dubas price or potential offers.

But, I also think it's funny that there is a side that says just wait until summer. Why? What in the world is Rakell giving you between now and the summer that you'd risk offers going down considerably and competing with UFAs (who cost no additional assets)?

[Daniel]

My read on KD press conference was overall positive. I think it was evident that he had a busy day; he was mentally tired.

He said all the appropriate PR things about Rakell.

He praised EK65 but did say they will see market in summer (I think EK65 will be traded this summer, moreso now based on press conference.) KD did "slip" and say he brought EK65 for one last go and it did not work.

He made it clear that he made tough decision to rebuild and it started with Guentzel.

He wants value. He likes having picks but he indicated he might use some for trade bait. He indicated not trading their 1st round this year. He has cap space now.

He dis say the goal is to compete for cups as soon as possible but also indicated it will take time. To me, he pretty much said next year ain't gonna be good. He does seem to think maybe before Crosby is done.

..........
I think the speed of the rebuild will depend on draft lottery this year and next year.

After watching press conference, I expect EK65 to be traded this summer. Maybe others. I expect more 1 year UFA signings and possibly take on some cap dumps. I think he will try to trade for higher end NHL ready player as well.

I agree on EK65. A few others in the media seem pretty confident he'll be moved this summer as well.

On the "goal to compete," sorry to say I think he's lying to himself or just spewing the company line. I don't see Dubas acquiring the right types of players to speed the "quick rebuild" along at the pace he discusses...basically meaning rebuilding and still being competitive while any of the core are still here. Why do I say that? Look at these numbers....

3(1), 9(4), 37(2), 49(7)

What are they? They are the number of draft choices that have played in the NHL since their draft year from the past 3 years.
--2024, 3 players from the recent draft have played NHL games. Only 1, Macklin Celebrini, has played the full season
--2023, 9 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 4 have played all/most games this season & last season (Carlsson, Benson, Bedard, Fantilli)
--2022, 37 players from this draft have played NHL games. Only 2 have played all/most games in the 22-23, 23-24 and 24-25 season (Cooley, Slafkovsky)

So over the last 3 draft years, only 49 players have played in NHL games, and only 7 of them have played 80% or more of NHL games from their draft year on. Of those 7 players, Zach Benson at 13th overall is the highest drafted player. Everyone else was lottery, top 7 pick. BTW, 655 players were drafted over the last 3 drafts. Only 7% have played an NHL game, and only 1% have played 80% or more NHL games since their draft year.

Dubas is going to need probably 3 top 6 forwards under age 24, and 2 top pairing d-men under age 24 to truly get this team where it needs to be. We don't have a legit top 6 forward in our pool. McGroarty and Koivunen MIGHT BE able to do well enough to count, but that is far from a guarantee. We don't have any defensemen that project to be top pairing d-men.

This is why I am overly critical of Dubas passing on trading Rakell. If he is truly going for a quick rebuild and to even only give Sid one more legit try at another Cup, he can't bypass chances to stock up on 24 and under NHL ready talent. The hope would have been to get someone like a Nemec, Clarke, Greentree, etc PLUS another 1st. Even if we get a top 5 pick this year, it is unlikely that that player suits up for NHL games on a regular basis before Sid retires.

I find it funny how overly critical this post is without any true knowledge of what transpired or the environment of the locker room. You can have an opinion for sure but to be so absolute is .. odd.

That's fine. You don't have to agree with me. There's definitely a split between folks that strongly felt Rakell should have been moved, and another side the strongly agreed with Dubas. And you are right, we have no knowledge of what was offered, so it is impossible to really make a determination of what was potentially turned down. Unless some leaks come out in the next few days/weeks, we'll never know. And we also don't know what Dubas ask was. I use LA as an easy example....maybe LA said we'll give you a 1st and Brandt Clarke, and Dubas said my asking price is two 1sts, Brandt Clarke, Liam Greentree, a 2nd, and a 3rd. We don't know either side....Dubas price or potential offers.

But, I also think it's funny that there is a side that says just wait until summer. Why? What in the world is Rakell giving you between now and the summer that you'd risk offers going down considerably and competing with UFAs (who cost no additional assets)?

Let's use your example, Clarke. +. What if the Kings felt removing depth on defense for Rakell would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. In the offseason they can trade Clarke and use a prospect that's ready next year as opposed to today.

A team that misses out on a UFA might circle back to Rakell and offer pieces they wouldn't have offered at the deadline. If Dubas is looking for 21-24 year olds, some might be on the roster with the next in line not ready for the NHL today but will be next season. Who knows.

[KG]

Interesting to see how a trade call is made at NHL offices. Seems like an outdated approach to be honest.

[Puck-Lurker]

Interesting to see how a trade call is made at NHL offices. Seems like an outdated approach to be honest.

I mean, it's the NHL, can't expect too much