The Playoff Race / The Lottery Race

[EndO FanEra]

I don't really know anything about the top prospects, but I'm of the opinion now that the Pens should trade up to secure an elite talent if that's a possibility. I think they have a decent set of prospects right now who project to be solid middle-6 forwards or bottom-4 d-men, but they don't have any high-end guys, except maybe Murashov. I'm not talking about getting a future HOFer like Crosby or Malkin. Obviously, no one's going to trade that pick, but if they can package the Rangers' 1st with their own to move up and get a guy who's very likely going to be a legit 1st-line forward/top-pairing d-man, then I'd do it.

This is my thought process as well. We need to find top 6 centers. If this draft is a bit weaker but we are still able to draft a future 2nd line center, that crosses off one big need of our list. Top 6 centers and top pairing defensemen are the hardest positions to fill. Those positions are almost never traded away at a young age unless they are severely underperforming (Sam Bennett in Calgary comes to mind) or have some other types of issues (Trevor Zegras comes to mind).

There's almost always a good bit of top 6 wingers available in free agency that you can sign some UFA wingers or trade for them to fill out your wings while later developing your own via the draft. A look at what Florida has accomplished proves this can work, as Barkov (1C), Lundell (3C) and Ekblad (1-RD) were the only contributing own drafted players on their cup team last year. They acquired the rest through astute trades and UFA.

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

This is where I am as well. Realistically, 7th seems like a good middle ground as a prediction. We need centers. Plus, there's always some team that goes a little off the board early, like I could see Seattle going after Jackson Smith, who's considered the second best defensive prospect who can really skate. (Earlier, someone mentioned Philly. I could see that too.)

I'm starting to lean this way myself. If we're this close to the top 5, and there is someone in the top 5 that they really like, go for it. Strike while we have the chance and draft capital to make it happen. Especially if someone slides, and the cost isn't as great.

WRT next year's better draft, we might be in the same position if we can manage to get another 1st out of a Karlsson or Rakell trade. Depending on where we end up, we could use both to trade up again, or use them individually in a deeper draft.

FLFP - if they do manage to pull off a Frondell or Desnoyers pick, do you see them as topping out as a 2C, or more of a solid 2C with 1C potential? I guess I'm curious if you are specifically targeting a 2C this year and then would try to target a 1C in next year's deeper draft, or if you think either of those two is capable of 1C, which is why you're willing to throw the multiple firsts at them.

[FLPensFan]

I don't really know anything about the top prospects, but I'm of the opinion now that the Pens should trade up to secure an elite talent if that's a possibility. I think they have a decent set of prospects right now who project to be solid middle-6 forwards or bottom-4 d-men, but they don't have any high-end guys, except maybe Murashov. I'm not talking about getting a future HOFer like Crosby or Malkin. Obviously, no one's going to trade that pick, but if they can package the Rangers' 1st with their own to move up and get a guy who's very likely going to be a legit 1st-line forward/top-pairing d-man, then I'd do it.

This is my thought process as well. We need to find top 6 centers. If this draft is a bit weaker but we are still able to draft a future 2nd line center, that crosses off one big need of our list. Top 6 centers and top pairing defensemen are the hardest positions to fill. Those positions are almost never traded away at a young age unless they are severely underperforming (Sam Bennett in Calgary comes to mind) or have some other types of issues (Trevor Zegras comes to mind).

There's almost always a good bit of top 6 wingers available in free agency that you can sign some UFA wingers or trade for them to fill out your wings while later developing your own via the draft. A look at what Florida has accomplished proves this can work, as Barkov (1C), Lundell (3C) and Ekblad (1-RD) were the only contributing own drafted players on their cup team last year. They acquired the rest through astute trades and UFA.

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

This is where I am as well. Realistically, 7th seems like a good middle ground as a prediction. We need centers. Plus, there's always some team that goes a little off the board early, like I could see Seattle going after Jackson Smith, who's considered the second best defensive prospect who can really skate. (Earlier, someone mentioned Philly. I could see that too.)

I'm starting to lean this way myself. If we're this close to the top 5, and there is someone in the top 5 that they really like, go for it. Strike while we have the chance and draft capital to make it happen. Especially if someone slides, and the cost isn't as great.

WRT next year's better draft, we might be in the same position if we can manage to get another 1st out of a Karlsson or Rakell trade. Depending on where we end up, we could use both to trade up again, or use them individually in a deeper draft.

FLFP - if they do manage to pull off a Frondell or Desnoyers pick, do you see them as topping out as a 2C, or more of a solid 2C with 1C potential? I guess I'm curious if you are specifically targeting a 2C this year and then would try to target a 1C in next year's deeper draft, or if you think either of those two is capable of 1C, which is why you're willing to throw the multiple firsts at them.

I would say they are most likely to end up solid 2C options, and MIGHT have a chance to be a 1C. 2C is more likely, though. I target Frondell or Desnoyers simply because we have zero top 6 capable centers, so I'd take anything we could get. If we were able to get one either where we end up, or by moving up by only giving up our 1st, WSH 2nd, and OTT 3rd to move up....I might even double down and take someone like Jake O'Brien with the Rangers pick, should we get it.

[EndO FanEra]

I don't really know anything about the top prospects, but I'm of the opinion now that the Pens should trade up to secure an elite talent if that's a possibility. I think they have a decent set of prospects right now who project to be solid middle-6 forwards or bottom-4 d-men, but they don't have any high-end guys, except maybe Murashov. I'm not talking about getting a future HOFer like Crosby or Malkin. Obviously, no one's going to trade that pick, but if they can package the Rangers' 1st with their own to move up and get a guy who's very likely going to be a legit 1st-line forward/top-pairing d-man, then I'd do it.

This is my thought process as well. We need to find top 6 centers. If this draft is a bit weaker but we are still able to draft a future 2nd line center, that crosses off one big need of our list. Top 6 centers and top pairing defensemen are the hardest positions to fill. Those positions are almost never traded away at a young age unless they are severely underperforming (Sam Bennett in Calgary comes to mind) or have some other types of issues (Trevor Zegras comes to mind).

There's almost always a good bit of top 6 wingers available in free agency that you can sign some UFA wingers or trade for them to fill out your wings while later developing your own via the draft. A look at what Florida has accomplished proves this can work, as Barkov (1C), Lundell (3C) and Ekblad (1-RD) were the only contributing own drafted players on their cup team last year. They acquired the rest through astute trades and UFA.

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

This is where I am as well. Realistically, 7th seems like a good middle ground as a prediction. We need centers. Plus, there's always some team that goes a little off the board early, like I could see Seattle going after Jackson Smith, who's considered the second best defensive prospect who can really skate. (Earlier, someone mentioned Philly. I could see that too.)

I'm starting to lean this way myself. If we're this close to the top 5, and there is someone in the top 5 that they really like, go for it. Strike while we have the chance and draft capital to make it happen. Especially if someone slides, and the cost isn't as great.

WRT next year's better draft, we might be in the same position if we can manage to get another 1st out of a Karlsson or Rakell trade. Depending on where we end up, we could use both to trade up again, or use them individually in a deeper draft.

FLFP - if they do manage to pull off a Frondell or Desnoyers pick, do you see them as topping out as a 2C, or more of a solid 2C with 1C potential? I guess I'm curious if you are specifically targeting a 2C this year and then would try to target a 1C in next year's deeper draft, or if you think either of those two is capable of 1C, which is why you're willing to throw the multiple firsts at them.

I would say they are most likely to end up solid 2C options, and MIGHT have a chance to be a 1C. 2C is more likely, though. I target Frondell or Desnoyers simply because we have zero top 6 capable centers, so I'd take anything we could get. If we were able to get one either where we end up, or by moving up by only giving up our 1st, WSH 2nd, and OTT 3rd to move up....I might even double down and take someone like Jake O'Brien with the Rangers pick, should we get it.

Thanks! Yeah, that would be ideal, I suppose. Either one of those centers slides to us, or close enough that we can keep our other 1sts and use 2nds and/or players/prospects to move up and grab one.

[Michael74]

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

We need to go for quality over quantity and while in theory that's an overpayment I'd likely do the same thing myself. We need one of our future key cogs down the middle. IF we have an opportunity to get him we should! Barring a ridiculous ask of course.

[Michael74]

I don't really know anything about the top prospects, but I'm of the opinion now that the Pens should trade up to secure an elite talent if that's a possibility. I think they have a decent set of prospects right now who project to be solid middle-6 forwards or bottom-4 d-men, but they don't have any high-end guys, except maybe Murashov. I'm not talking about getting a future HOFer like Crosby or Malkin. Obviously, no one's going to trade that pick, but if they can package the Rangers' 1st with their own to move up and get a guy who's very likely going to be a legit 1st-line forward/top-pairing d-man, then I'd do it.

This is my thought process as well. We need to find top 6 centers. If this draft is a bit weaker but we are still able to draft a future 2nd line center, that crosses off one big need of our list. Top 6 centers and top pairing defensemen are the hardest positions to fill. Those positions are almost never traded away at a young age unless they are severely underperforming (Sam Bennett in Calgary comes to mind) or have some other types of issues (Trevor Zegras comes to mind).

There's almost always a good bit of top 6 wingers available in free agency that you can sign some UFA wingers or trade for them to fill out your wings while later developing your own via the draft. A look at what Florida has accomplished proves this can work, as Barkov (1C), Lundell (3C) and Ekblad (1-RD) were the only contributing own drafted players on their cup team last year. They acquired the rest through astute trades and UFA.

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

This is where I am as well. Realistically, 7th seems like a good middle ground as a prediction. We need centers. Plus, there's always some team that goes a little off the board early, like I could see Seattle going after Jackson Smith, who's considered the second best defensive prospect who can really skate. (Earlier, someone mentioned Philly. I could see that too.)

I'm starting to lean this way myself. If we're this close to the top 5, and there is someone in the top 5 that they really like, go for it. Strike while we have the chance and draft capital to make it happen. Especially if someone slides, and the cost isn't as great.

WRT next year's better draft, we might be in the same position if we can manage to get another 1st out of a Karlsson or Rakell trade. Depending on where we end up, we could use both to trade up again, or use them individually in a deeper draft.

FLFP - if they do manage to pull off a Frondell or Desnoyers pick, do you see them as topping out as a 2C, or more of a solid 2C with 1C potential? I guess I'm curious if you are specifically targeting a 2C this year and then would try to target a 1C in next year's deeper draft, or if you think either of those two is capable of 1C, which is why you're willing to throw the multiple firsts at them.

I would say they are most likely to end up solid 2C options, and MIGHT have a chance to be a 1C. 2C is more likely, though. I target Frondell or Desnoyers simply because we have zero top 6 capable centers, so I'd take anything we could get. If we were able to get one either where we end up, or by moving up by only giving up our 1st, WSH 2nd, and OTT 3rd to move up....I might even double down and take someone like Jake O'Brien with the Rangers pick, should we get it.

IF we finish 8th OA and say the Rags pick is 14th or 15 OA, that should (in theory) get us to 5th OA. That's a lot to give up, but if you can get ''that'' center I guess you bite the bullet. Just hope we have a willing partner.

Maybe there's a team in there who would be interested in Rakell and do a different combination, but we need a key piece, otherwise this season was an absolute waste of time!

[Puck-Lurker]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

[Michael74]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

But the Rangers would very likely keep that pick if it's 11th OA.

[dark_forces]

I don't really know anything about the top prospects, but I'm of the opinion now that the Pens should trade up to secure an elite talent if that's a possibility. I think they have a decent set of prospects right now who project to be solid middle-6 forwards or bottom-4 d-men, but they don't have any high-end guys, except maybe Murashov. I'm not talking about getting a future HOFer like Crosby or Malkin. Obviously, no one's going to trade that pick, but if they can package the Rangers' 1st with their own to move up and get a guy who's very likely going to be a legit 1st-line forward/top-pairing d-man, then I'd do it.

This is my thought process as well. We need to find top 6 centers. If this draft is a bit weaker but we are still able to draft a future 2nd line center, that crosses off one big need of our list. Top 6 centers and top pairing defensemen are the hardest positions to fill. Those positions are almost never traded away at a young age unless they are severely underperforming (Sam Bennett in Calgary comes to mind) or have some other types of issues (Trevor Zegras comes to mind).

There's almost always a good bit of top 6 wingers available in free agency that you can sign some UFA wingers or trade for them to fill out your wings while later developing your own via the draft. A look at what Florida has accomplished proves this can work, as Barkov (1C), Lundell (3C) and Ekblad (1-RD) were the only contributing own drafted players on their cup team last year. They acquired the rest through astute trades and UFA.

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

This is where I am as well. Realistically, 7th seems like a good middle ground as a prediction. We need centers. Plus, there's always some team that goes a little off the board early, like I could see Seattle going after Jackson Smith, who's considered the second best defensive prospect who can really skate. (Earlier, someone mentioned Philly. I could see that too.)

I'm starting to lean this way myself. If we're this close to the top 5, and there is someone in the top 5 that they really like, go for it. Strike while we have the chance and draft capital to make it happen. Especially if someone slides, and the cost isn't as great.

WRT next year's better draft, we might be in the same position if we can manage to get another 1st out of a Karlsson or Rakell trade. Depending on where we end up, we could use both to trade up again, or use them individually in a deeper draft.

FLFP - if they do manage to pull off a Frondell or Desnoyers pick, do you see them as topping out as a 2C, or more of a solid 2C with 1C potential? I guess I'm curious if you are specifically targeting a 2C this year and then would try to target a 1C in next year's deeper draft, or if you think either of those two is capable of 1C, which is why you're willing to throw the multiple firsts at them.

I would say they are most likely to end up solid 2C options, and MIGHT have a chance to be a 1C. 2C is more likely, though. I target Frondell or Desnoyers simply because we have zero top 6 capable centers, so I'd take anything we could get. If we were able to get one either where we end up, or by moving up by only giving up our 1st, WSH 2nd, and OTT 3rd to move up....I might even double down and take someone like Jake O'Brien with the Rangers pick, should we get it.

If McQueen should slip a bit and is there, do you take him with our second 1st round pick (NYR)?

[Daniel]

This is my thought process as well. We need to find top 6 centers. If this draft is a bit weaker but we are still able to draft a future 2nd line center, that crosses off one big need of our list. Top 6 centers and top pairing defensemen are the hardest positions to fill. Those positions are almost never traded away at a young age unless they are severely underperforming (Sam Bennett in Calgary comes to mind) or have some other types of issues (Trevor Zegras comes to mind).

There's almost always a good bit of top 6 wingers available in free agency that you can sign some UFA wingers or trade for them to fill out your wings while later developing your own via the draft. A look at what Florida has accomplished proves this can work, as Barkov (1C), Lundell (3C) and Ekblad (1-RD) were the only contributing own drafted players on their cup team last year. They acquired the rest through astute trades and UFA.

Even if we had to give up our 1st, the Rangers 1st, and a player like Koivunen to get the center we wanted, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, it's Frondell or Desnoyers in this year's draft.

This is where I am as well. Realistically, 7th seems like a good middle ground as a prediction. We need centers. Plus, there's always some team that goes a little off the board early, like I could see Seattle going after Jackson Smith, who's considered the second best defensive prospect who can really skate. (Earlier, someone mentioned Philly. I could see that too.)

I'm starting to lean this way myself. If we're this close to the top 5, and there is someone in the top 5 that they really like, go for it. Strike while we have the chance and draft capital to make it happen. Especially if someone slides, and the cost isn't as great.

WRT next year's better draft, we might be in the same position if we can manage to get another 1st out of a Karlsson or Rakell trade. Depending on where we end up, we could use both to trade up again, or use them individually in a deeper draft.

FLFP - if they do manage to pull off a Frondell or Desnoyers pick, do you see them as topping out as a 2C, or more of a solid 2C with 1C potential? I guess I'm curious if you are specifically targeting a 2C this year and then would try to target a 1C in next year's deeper draft, or if you think either of those two is capable of 1C, which is why you're willing to throw the multiple firsts at them.

I would say they are most likely to end up solid 2C options, and MIGHT have a chance to be a 1C. 2C is more likely, though. I target Frondell or Desnoyers simply because we have zero top 6 capable centers, so I'd take anything we could get. If we were able to get one either where we end up, or by moving up by only giving up our 1st, WSH 2nd, and OTT 3rd to move up....I might even double down and take someone like Jake O'Brien with the Rangers pick, should we get it.

If McQueen should slip a bit and is there, do you take him with our second 1st round pick (NYR)?

Depends on the reason for the slip, but from what I've read so far absolutely. Kinda reads like Jordan Staal to some degree. Can you imagine getting Desnoyers and McQueen in one draft? You have your Malkin and Staal 2.0 in one draft.

The only reasons not to would be permanent injury, drugs/off the field issues, or scouting was just wrong for whatever reason. Skating is a good example, but are his issues coachable or because he's freaking 18 years old and 6'5 so he skates like a giraffe and will improve as he grows into his body?

https://neutralzone.com/nhl-scouting-re ... r-mcqueen/

[FLPensFan]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

But the Rangers would very likely keep that pick if it's 11th OA.

Not so sure about that. If you finish 11th overall, you know you are outside the "top 7-8" players. If there's someone they really like in that range, then maybe they keep it. But they have to juggle....do you keep an 11th overall knowing you automatically give away a pick in a stronger draft year. I'm sure the Rangers don't think they'll be that low again next year...but if they are, that ends up being a major blunder.

Not an easy decision IMO if Rangers finish outside the top 10 on whether they keep or give up the 2025 pick.

[Michael74]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

But the Rangers would very likely keep that pick if it's 11th OA.

Not so sure about that. If you finish 11th overall, you know you are outside the "top 7-8" players. If there's someone they really like in that range, then maybe they keep it. But they have to juggle....do you keep an 11th overall knowing you automatically give away a pick in a stronger draft year. I'm sure the Rangers don't think they'll be that low again next year...but if they are, that ends up being a major blunder.

Not an easy decision IMO if Rangers finish outside the top 10 on whether they keep or give up the 2025 pick.

If you're Drury considering how this seasons gone, you need a win. In theory you could get a pretty good prospect there. I doubt he'd give us that pick.

[Badamski9]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

I completely agree! Giving up a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to move up 2-3 spots is a significant overpay and flat out dumb. We will get two quality players at the spots we pick in.

[Michael74]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

I completely agree! Giving up a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to move up 2-3 spots is a significant overpay and flat out dumb. We will get two quality players at the spots we pick in.

If there is a player you really covet and a precipitous drop after before you pick you try and move up. Conversely, if this group is relatively close then yes, stand pat. But it's very important to get a core piece here. And if that can only be achieved by moving up then that's what you need to do if possible.

[FLPensFan]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

I completely agree! Giving up a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to move up 2-3 spots is a significant overpay and flat out dumb. We will get two quality players at the spots we pick in.

So, your afraid to swap 1sts and give up a late 2nd round pick (from Washington) and a mid round 3rd pick (from OTT) to move up and increase the teams chances of getting a higher level player?

[Michael74]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

I completely agree! Giving up a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to move up 2-3 spots is a significant overpay and flat out dumb. We will get two quality players at the spots we pick in.

So, your afraid to swap 1sts and give up a late 2nd round pick (from Washington) and a mid round 3rd pick (from OTT) to move up and increase the teams chances of getting a higher level player?

Maybe he meant our 1st three picks which could be two 1sts and our 2hd from the caps. In any case you gotta look at where the quality falls off and try and be in a position to draft a top player if possible.

[FLPensFan]

Unless Boston pulls off a miracle comeback, Anaheim will win and move ahead of the Penguins by 1 point for 9th overall, Penguins back to 7th overall.
Anaheim will still have 2 games in hand on the Penguins.

Boston is also tied with Pittsburgh with 69 points, dropping to 8th place form 9th. They will be even in games played, but would be in 8th due to an extra win in regulation.

[Michael74]

Unless Boston pulls off a miracle comeback, Anaheim will win and move ahead of the Penguins by 1 point for 9th overall, Penguins back to 7th overall.
Anaheim will still have 2 games in hand on the Penguins.

Boston is also tied with Pittsburgh with 69 points, dropping to 8th place form 9th. They will be even in games played, but would be in 8th due to an extra win in regulation.

I have no faith in the Bruins winning anything. Technically they're behind us but on their current trajectory we'll pass them, unfortunately. They're awful anymore. If we finish 8OA we'll be very fortunate. Again we need to lose tomorrow in REG.

[Pens4Life]

If Rangers still this low, I really doubt they wont keep their 11th or 12th pick.. for us, we gotta lose 2 out next 3 games and things will sort out ok, as even players will know its all over now for playoffs.

BUT Pens have one of the easiest schedules till end of season.. Buffalo tommorow uuughh.. I wish we would play Avs, Jets, Caps, Hurricanes, Panthers next 5 lol

[Puck-Lurker]

If Rangers still this low, I really doubt they wont keep their 11th or 12th pick.. for us, we gotta lose 2 out next 3 games and things will sort out ok, as even players will know its all over now for playoffs.

BUT Pens have one of the easiest schedules till end of season.. Buffalo tommorow uuughh.. I wish we would play Avs, Jets, Caps, Hurricanes, Panthers next 5 lol

Easy opponents is who Pens will struggle against most now

[Badamski9]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

I completely agree! Giving up a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to move up 2-3 spots is a significant overpay and flat out dumb. We will get two quality players at the spots we pick in.

So, your afraid to swap 1sts and give up a late 2nd round pick (from Washington) and a mid round 3rd pick (from OTT) to move up and increase the teams chances of getting a higher level player?

If our pick is 8th or better, yes. We’ll be able to get a top 6 forward and likely a top pair defenseman with the Rangers pick, if we even end up with their pick.

If we’re higher than 8th might make more sense to try and move up.

[EndO FanEra]

At current points %, barring lottery we select 7th and 11th. I would select best player available and pick twice. Chances of getting one top 6 player out of that are relatively even anyway. No need to pay to move up, only to draft Yakupov and end up with nothing. This way you might hit on both and get better quicker

I completely agree! Giving up a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd to move up 2-3 spots is a significant overpay and flat out dumb. We will get two quality players at the spots we pick in.

So, your afraid to swap 1sts and give up a late 2nd round pick (from Washington) and a mid round 3rd pick (from OTT) to move up and increase the teams chances of getting a higher level player?

If our pick is 8th or better, yes. We’ll be able to get a top 6 forward and likely a top pair defenseman with the Rangers pick, if we even end up with their pick.

If we’re higher than 8th might make more sense to try and move up.

Let's say the Pens up around 7-9 and the Rangers end up 10-14 and giving us the pick. I think you're right that we'd land a solid top 6 forward, but I think that Rangers pick would be more of a 2-4 dman, not necessarily a top pairing guy. I could be wrong, but I just think they're a little harder to predict. Still, either way, that's a nice haul.

To try and put it into perspective, I think we're roughly talking about the difference between drafting a single player somewhat of the caliber of a Geno Malkin or keeping the two picks and drafting two players closer to the caliber of Staal and Maatta. I know that's a gross over-generalization, but hopefully that gets the point across. Basically, a 2C with 1C upside or a 2C/3C and solid 2-4 dman. This team could use all 3 of those, so we can't really go wrong (unless we pick the wrong players, of course).

I wouldn't be upset with either of those options, so I can see the sides of both arguments. I happen to lean towards the higher end talent on a single pick, but as has been discussed, it takes two to tango and it isn't very likely someone would trade down out of those spots without an overpay.

[john66]

With Torts out in Philly, there's typically an uptick with a new coach for a few games. Hopefully, Philly passes us and we move up another slot.

[FLPensFan]

With Torts out in Philly, there's typically an uptick with a new coach for a few games. Hopefully, Philly passes us and we move up another slot.

Was thinking the same thing.

[Badger Bob]

Tortorella has been a HC for 5 NHL teams (TB, NYR, VAN, CBJ, PHI). Who's going to hire him next? I wonder who holds the record for HC positions in the league.

[Michael74]

With Torts out in Philly, there's typically an uptick with a new coach for a few games. Hopefully, Philly passes us and we move up another slot.

I wouldn't count on that.