5 (or more) potential Left Defense targets for Dubas

[FLPensFan]

The other day I looked at potential 2C options for Dubas to acquire this summer. Today, I am looking at left defense options. Grzelcyk should be allowed to go to UFA. Grzelcyk, Letang, and Karlsson on the same team is just not feasible if you want to actually prevent goals from going in your own net. The players below may or may not be available, but if they are, they could be more of what this team needs...all around d-man or more shutdown d-man than point producer.


1. Bowen Byram, 23, 6 foot 1, 190lbs LH d-man - He is an RFA at season's end, coming off a 3.85M AAV contract. He currently has 38 points this season, same as Grzelcyk, but Byram has 7 goals to Grzelcyk's 1. Byram at 23 makes him the youngest potential target on my list, which is why he is at #1. His name had been out there in the rumor mill, although I don't know what Buffalo plans to do to replace him. Concussions are a concern, as he missed 75 games combined in 20-21 and 21-22 season with what looks to be 4 concussions. Has been in the clear since then. I'll add that Buffalo and Pittsburgh were rumored to have multiple talks around the trade deadline. Sometimes those are setting things up for the summer. Byram maybe?

2. Ryan Lindgren, 27, 6 foot, 195lbs LH d-man - He is a UFA at season's end, so this would be a no asset acquisition. He'd be more of a mid-term fill not long-term solution, since he is 27 years old. He's not a big point producer, but in theory, he's the type of guy you would want to stick with a Letang or Karlsson. Current expiring contract is 2.25M AAV. I would expect this to jump up into the 4-5M range in free agency.

3. Vladislav Gavrikov, 29, 6 foot 3, 220lbs, LH d-man - Like Lindgren, he is a UFA at season's end so no assets to acquire other than cap space. He's making 5.875M AAV today, and if he makes it to free agency, you may be looking at 7-8M for him. He'll be the top shutdown defenseman available and will be in huge demand. At 29, like Lindgren he's be more of a stop-gap guy, but he is very good defensively and in terms of skill (forgoing age), he'd be a better player to plug in with Letang or Karlsson.

4. Pavel Mintyukov, 21, 6 foot 1, 195lbs, LH d-man - Another player that there were some rumors that Pittsburgh had interest before the deadline. He's young, but he was a healthy scratch 12 times this season. Is there friction there? Mintyukov is probably a better version of Kolyachonok. He's going to take some risks offensively but has defensive ability as well. Next year is the final year of his ELC contract.

5. Alexander Romanov, 25, 6 foot 1, 215lbs, LH d-man - I've heard zero about Romanov being available, and he would certainly cost a lot to acquire, but, he would also be a good top 4 pairing LD for this team. Don't think this one is very realistic chance to happen, but he's in that sweet spot of not being too young or two old. He is an RFA this summer, coming off a 2.5M AAV contract

2 Honorable mentions - 2 birds with 1 stone deals

1. Thanks to 100565 for reminding me about leaving Shane Pinto off of my centers list. I like his idea of a trade where Karlsson goes back to Ottawa (this was in the rumor mill all year), and Pinto and LHD Tyler Kleven are part of the return. Pinto, you would hope takes the next step and elevates to at least 2C level. In OTT, he's stuck behind Stutzle and Cozens...he likely isn't getting top 6 time anytime soon there. Kleven was OTT #1 ranked prospect in 2024, and played 76 games for them this year.

2. Back to Anaheim, and I like this one better than #1....A single trade where McTavish and Mintyukov come to Pittsburgh, and, some things of value are sent back to Anaheim. I'm not sure what the deal would look like, but Mintyukov was a 10th overall pick, McTavish 3rd overall....so you could expect a 1st round pick plus a high end prospect, plus more to be in that mix. Maybe something like a 1st round pick (not defining which one at this point), one of Broz or Howe, and one of Kolyachonok/Ilyin/Lucius. Add a 3rd team in where we send Blomqvist out and get a different B level prospect that we send to Anaheim.

But, a single big deal with Anaheim with McTavish and Mintyukov as the return, trading out Karlsson, then signing a UFA like Gavrikov or Lindgren would push us a heck of a lot forward into a position of competing for a playoff spot.

[Ericf]

I’d like them to look at RFA Nick Hague. Like him a lot. Vegas is always up against the cap

[FLPensFan]

I’d like them to look at RFA Nick Hague. Like him a lot. Vegas is always up against the cap

I had considered him, but he didn't make the top 5. I had also looked at a list of "defensive defenseman" ranks, and I know he was on that list.

[Cow_Master66]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

[KG]

To me the biggest need in the off-season for KD is to revamp this defense, as much as possible. It's pretty piss-poor.

Have to think EK will prefer to get moved to a contender and will work with the Pens on a trade. I guess we are keeping Letang. But to me if we are keeping Letang then he cannot play top pairing minutes. It's ridiculous the amount of minutes Sully just continues to hand him.

So in other words, basically we need a new top #1 D pair. Easier said than done for sure. I guess I would bring Gryz back only to play bottom pairing minutes and on the PP. I guess. I wouldn't be overly excited about it. Can Pickering play top 4 minutes? I hope KD tries hard to move on from Graves. Maybe make a trade for a similar contract and look for a better fit or something.

X-X
Pickering-Letang
Gryz-Timmins

[FLPensFan]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

[Cow_Master66]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

[dark_forces]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

I think Grzelcyk returning hinges on what happens with Letang/Karlsson. If those two return, I would let Grzelcyk walk. (I'm assuming POJ is allowed to walk as well).
I think they resign Grzelcyk to another relatively cheap 1 year deal if they manage to deal Karlsson, where Grzelcyk again plays on the 2nd/3rd pairing and on the PP.
Remember, it seems as though there was little interest in Grzelcyk at the deadline. So, in free agency, I can't imagine much changing.

[dark_forces]

The other day I looked at potential 2C options for Dubas to acquire this summer. Today, I am looking at left defense options. Grzelcyk should be allowed to go to UFA. Grzelcyk, Letang, and Karlsson on the same team is just not feasible if you want to actually prevent goals from going in your own net. The players below may or may not be available, but if they are, they could be more of what this team needs...all around d-man or more shutdown d-man than point producer.


1. Bowen Byram, 23, 6 foot 1, 190lbs LH d-man - He is an RFA at season's end, coming off a 3.85M AAV contract. He currently has 38 points this season, same as Grzelcyk, but Byram has 7 goals to Grzelcyk's 1. Byram at 23 makes him the youngest potential target on my list, which is why he is at #1. His name had been out there in the rumor mill, although I don't know what Buffalo plans to do to replace him. Concussions are a concern, as he missed 75 games combined in 20-21 and 21-22 season with what looks to be 4 concussions. Has been in the clear since then. I'll add that Buffalo and Pittsburgh were rumored to have multiple talks around the trade deadline. Sometimes those are setting things up for the summer. Byram maybe?

2. Ryan Lindgren, 27, 6 foot, 195lbs LH d-man - He is a UFA at season's end, so this would be a no asset acquisition. He'd be more of a mid-term fill not long-term solution, since he is 27 years old. He's not a big point producer, but in theory, he's the type of guy you would want to stick with a Letang or Karlsson. Current expiring contract is 2.25M AAV. I would expect this to jump up into the 4-5M range in free agency.

3. Vladislav Gavrikov, 29, 6 foot 3, 220lbs, LH d-man - Like Lindgren, he is a UFA at season's end so no assets to acquire other than cap space. He's making 5.875M AAV today, and if he makes it to free agency, you may be looking at 7-8M for him. He'll be the top shutdown defenseman available and will be in huge demand. At 29, like Lindgren he's be more of a stop-gap guy, but he is very good defensively and in terms of skill (forgoing age), he'd be a better player to plug in with Letang or Karlsson.

4. Pavel Mintyukov, 21, 6 foot 1, 195lbs, LH d-man - Another player that there were some rumors that Pittsburgh had interest before the deadline. He's young, but he was a healthy scratch 12 times this season. Is there friction there? Mintyukov is probably a better version of Kolyachonok. He's going to take some risks offensively but has defensive ability as well. Next year is the final year of his ELC contract.

5. Alexander Romanov, 25, 6 foot 1, 215lbs, LH d-man - I've heard zero about Romanov being available, and he would certainly cost a lot to acquire, but, he would also be a good top 4 pairing LD for this team. Don't think this one is very realistic chance to happen, but he's in that sweet spot of not being too young or two old. He is an RFA this summer, coming off a 2.5M AAV contract

2 Honorable mentions - 2 birds with 1 stone deals

1. Thanks to 100565 for reminding me about leaving Shane Pinto off of my centers list. I like his idea of a trade where Karlsson goes back to Ottawa (this was in the rumor mill all year), and Pinto and LHD Tyler Kleven are part of the return. Pinto, you would hope takes the next step and elevates to at least 2C level. In OTT, he's stuck behind Stutzle and Cozens...he likely isn't getting top 6 time anytime soon there. Kleven was OTT #1 ranked prospect in 2024, and played 76 games for them this year.

2. Back to Anaheim, and I like this one better than #1....A single trade where McTavish and Mintyukov come to Pittsburgh, and, some things of value are sent back to Anaheim. I'm not sure what the deal would look like, but Mintyukov was a 10th overall pick, McTavish 3rd overall....so you could expect a 1st round pick plus a high end prospect, plus more to be in that mix. Maybe something like a 1st round pick (not defining which one at this point), one of Broz or Howe, and one of Kolyachonok/Ilyin/Lucius. Add a 3rd team in where we send Blomqvist out and get a different B level prospect that we send to Anaheim.

But, a single big deal with Anaheim with McTavish and Mintyukov as the return, trading out Karlsson, then signing a UFA like Gavrikov or Lindgren would push us a heck of a lot forward into a position of competing for a playoff spot.

I like both honorable mention ideas. I may lean toward the Ottawa notion as possibly more realistic—as far as Karlsson being dealt is concerned.

[pekkasteele]

I don't really want to spend money and make trades to be good next season either. I say we trade Rakell in the summer and, some others to, keep Letang and EK so that we are guarantied a top 10 pick at least next year. And, imagine then if we could win the lottery and get McKenna? With whatever we get this year, and with NYRs pick, THEN we are set and can start to really improve the team and hopefully be a contender soon.

[Pens4Life]

If Pens dont move on from ONE of Letang, EK and both Gryz and Graves, defense will still be s**t ! Joseph also didnt show enough to be worth keeping, I prefer Shea and Kolyachonok..

Among listed, Gavrikov, Hague, Romanov arent much realistic I think, Byram I have fear of concussion issues coming back.

Lindgren, Mintyukov maybe more realistic options.. I prefer Lindgren, sign him at 4yrs, 4.25M per, at 27yrs, he can be here for at least 3 years.

Lindgren - Letang
Pickering - Dumba (received back in EK trade)
Shea - Timmins
x - Kolyachonok
To start the season wouldnt be that bad.. Brunicke gets 9 games at least

[Victor]

If Pens dont move on from ONE of Letang, EK and both Gryz and Graves, defense will still be s**t ! Joseph also didnt show enough to be worth keeping, I prefer Shea and Kolyachonok..

Among listed, Gavrikov, Hague, Romanov arent much realistic I think, Byram I have fear of concussion issues coming back.

Lindgren, Mintyukov maybe more realistic options.. I prefer Lindgren, sign him at 4yrs, 4.25M per, at 27yrs, he can be here for at least 3 years.

Lindgren - Letang
Pickering - Dumba (received back in EK trade)
Shea - Timmins
x - Kolyachonok
To start the season wouldnt be that bad.. Brunicke gets 9 games at least

Hague is an interesting option if Vegas makes him available. He's a RFA eligible for arbitration this summer and only one year away from UFA status. This will be one Vegas last chances to get something back from him.

Vegas has 7 dmen signed for next season and their left side looks already crowded. Hanifin and Theodore are their top 2 LD and they also have McNabb and Hutton signed.

[Cow_Master66]

I don't really want to spend money and make trades to be good next season either. I say we trade Rakell in the summer and, some others to, keep Letang and EK so that we are guarantied a top 10 pick at least next year. And, imagine then if we could win the lottery and get McKenna? With whatever we get this year, and with NYRs pick, THEN we are set and can start to really improve the team and hopefully be a contender soon.

They can spend money and make trades, but they won't be good. They won't be able to (or have the desire to) move most of the guys they should. They should be on par or worse than this season, all things considered.

[Antonio]

Hopefully given that he had a record season, Rakell will command a very high off season price and KD is not stupid enough to fail to move him again. Free up space and acquire more capital and or youth... only targets I want to see signed are young players with longer term potential, or maybe some solid medium term guys at the right price.

[TexasPenguins]

I don't really want to spend money and make trades to be good next season either. I say we trade Rakell in the summer and, some others to, keep Letang and EK so that we are guarantied a top 10 pick at least next year. And, imagine then if we could win the lottery and get McKenna? With whatever we get this year, and with NYRs pick, THEN we are set and can start to really improve the team and hopefully be a contender soon.

I agree 100%, wish KD felt the same way.
Adding a few free agents is NOT going to make this team a Stanley Cup contender. There are way too many holes, and way too many old players to focus on anything but rebuilding.

[Cow_Master66]

I don't really want to spend money and make trades to be good next season either. I say we trade Rakell in the summer and, some others to, keep Letang and EK so that we are guarantied a top 10 pick at least next year. And, imagine then if we could win the lottery and get McKenna? With whatever we get this year, and with NYRs pick, THEN we are set and can start to really improve the team and hopefully be a contender soon.

I agree 100%, wish KD felt the same way.
Adding a few free agents is NOT going to make this team a Stanley Cup contender. There are way too many holes, and way too many old players to focus on anything but rebuilding.

They should add Free Agents on 1 year deals to trade for picks at the deadline. They obviously will because they aren't gonna bring up 1/2 the WBS squad, so hopefully they find some guys that have really good seasons and can be moved for some 2nds and 3rds.

[FLPensFan]

I'm wondering if Dylan Samberg could end up being a target on LD for Dubas. Samberg just turned 26, and he is an RFA. AFP has him projected to get a 4 year, 4.79M AAV contract. The Jets have a little over 25M in cap space, however, Ehlers is projected to get 7.5M AAV, Vilardi 6.5M AAV. That's 14M of the 25M right there. Plus Perfetti and Connor will need new deals after next season.

I could see Samberg as a potential trade target for Dubas, based on what he said in his presser today (looking at RFAs that teams may not be able to fit in their cap structure).

[Victor]

I'm wondering if Dylan Samberg could end up being a target on LD for Dubas. Samberg just turned 26, and he is an RFA. AFP has him projected to get a 4 year, 4.79M AAV contract. The Jets have a little over 25M in cap space, however, Ehlers is projected to get 7.5M AAV, Vilardi 6.5M AAV. That's 14M of the 25M right there. Plus Perfetti and Connor will need new deals after next season.

I could see Samberg as a potential trade target for Dubas, based on what he said in his presser today (looking at RFAs that teams may not be able to fit in their cap structure).

I'd love to see Samberg in a Pens uniform. He's a very solid 2nd-pair LD for Winnipeg. He would also be an UFA after next season if Winnipeg only manages to sign him to 1-year deal.

I could see Samberg and Vilardi signing extensions, as both are RFAs, and Ehlers hitting UFA. Vilardi could be an UFA only in 2027.

[Daniel]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

Matheson and Schultz were both under 30 and on Stanley Cup contending teams. Grzelcyk is a luxury for a rebuilding team several years past their window. Totally different situations.

[Cow_Master66]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

Matheson and Schultz were both under 30 and on Stanley Cup contending teams. Grzelcyk is a luxury for a rebuilding team several years past their window. Totally different situations.

Sign him for the draft pick at the deadline. If they don’t sign him, they will be in the FA market for someone of his ilk anyway. He could potentially have a really good 2nd season with us and be worth a 2nd rounder.

[FLPensFan]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back Grzelcyk next season. As with TONS of FA Dmen, he got off to a rough start in year 1 but he was also a big part in making the PP respectable. He could easily take a big jump forward next year, as so many D do in their Sophomore year in a new system. I'd 1000% take him over Letang, EK, or Graves.

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

Matheson and Schultz were both under 30 and on Stanley Cup contending teams. Grzelcyk is a luxury for a rebuilding team several years past their window. Totally different situations.

Sign him for the draft pick at the deadline. If they don’t sign him, they will be in the FA market for someone of his ilk anyway. He could potentially have a really good 2nd season with us and be worth a 2nd rounder.

I think everyone expected him to get dealt at this trade deadline. As far as we can tell, nobody was interested enough. A few team reportedly kicked tires but nobody made an offer.

This team needs defensemen that can play defense. And Karlsson, Letang, and Grzelcyk provide offense, but do not do well in preventing pucks on net. Graves doesn't even realize he's playing hockey. That's 2/3 of our "defense." Push the plunger and blow it up.

[Cow_Master66]

He's the least of the teams problems on D, as well as the cheapest of their problems....but yeah, I'd be surprised if he's back. I won't be surprised if the other boneheads are back though.

[dark_forces]

In a vacuum, I wouldn't mind Grzelcyk back. But he's part of the bigger problem in that...he really isn't very good defensively. Neither is Letang at this point. Karlsson never has been. Graves doesn't even know what sport he's playing most days.

You can get away with one of those guys if he's providing enough offense, but not 3-4. I don't see him coming back. This defense needs a total revamp....again.

Imagine if this team didn't move Matheson and Marino, and ponied up for Chychrun instead of waiting a year, piling on bad contracts and then adding Karlsson. The defense was fine and Hextall went mental trying to improve something that wasn't that bad to begin with.

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

Matheson and Schultz were both under 30 and on Stanley Cup contending teams. Grzelcyk is a luxury for a rebuilding team several years past their window. Totally different situations.

Sign him for the draft pick at the deadline. If they don’t sign him, they will be in the FA market for someone of his ilk anyway. He could potentially have a really good 2nd season with us and be worth a 2nd rounder.

I think everyone expected him to get dealt at this trade deadline. As far as we can tell, nobody was interested enough. A few team reportedly kicked tires but nobody made an offer.

This team needs defensemen that can play defense. And Karlsson, Letang, and Grzelcyk provide offense, but do not do well in preventing pucks on net. Graves doesn't even realize he's playing hockey. That's 2/3 of our "defense." Push the plunger and blow it up.

I could easily see Karlsson and Grzelcyk both gone, and at least one new top pairing guy brought in, and probably another second pairing defenseman.

[pens_CT]

People were saying the same thing about Matheson after his 1st season here, but then he adjusted. Same with Schultz, same with Ceci, etc...

Anyway, I don't think they will bring him back because he's probably the only one they can get rid of, but the thought of this team throwing 58 and 65 on the PP for a full season next year gives me the chills.

Matheson and Schultz were both under 30 and on Stanley Cup contending teams. Grzelcyk is a luxury for a rebuilding team several years past their window. Totally different situations.

Sign him for the draft pick at the deadline. If they don’t sign him, they will be in the FA market for someone of his ilk anyway. He could potentially have a really good 2nd season with us and be worth a 2nd rounder.

I think everyone expected him to get dealt at this trade deadline. As far as we can tell, nobody was interested enough. A few team reportedly kicked tires but nobody made an offer.

This team needs defensemen that can play defense. And Karlsson, Letang, and Grzelcyk provide offense, but do not do well in preventing pucks on net. Graves doesn't even realize he's playing hockey. That's 2/3 of our "defense." Push the plunger and blow it up.

I could easily see Karlsson and Grzelcyk both gone, and at least one new top pairing guy brought in, and probably another second pairing defenseman.

Easy to type that on a message board, harder to execute in reality.