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Penguins Trade Deadline: Roundtable discussion #3

by Tony on 02/25/09 at 08:37 AM ET
Comments (6)

We’re back for Roundtable Discussion #3 here at The Confluence.  Roundtable #1 was while I was still at MVN, and Roundtable #2 was done back here on December 15th.  This time around, of course, we’re going to focus on the March 4th trade deadline.  The Penguins are surely among the most intriguing teams leading up to the deadline, especially considering their disappointing season to date, which has now resulted in their frantic attempt to earn a playoff spot.

I’ve shortened the participants and questions this time, the previous Roundtables got a bit too long (sorry to the previous participants, much thanks though !!).  Here’s who will be participating this time around:

- Sean Leahy (SL), Yahoo! Puck Daddy
- Jesse Marshall (JM), Faceoff Factor
- Seth Rorabaugh (SR), Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Empty Netters
- Brian Metzer (BM), Hockeybuzz.com Penguins blogger
- Pensblog Staff (PB), The Pensblog
- Yours Truly (TF), The Confluence
- Greg Wyshynski (GW), Yahoo! Puck Daddy

Here we go....

1.  It’s been stated that the Pens normally budget under the assumption of one round of playoffs, where they receive approximately $2 million per game.  With that understanding, do you believe that will sway GMRS to make a big deadline move ??

(SL) I think he’ll be swayed more by the embarrassment of not making the playoffs a season after reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. With the new arena on its way, the money will come so I don’t think playoff money will be the biggest factor in whether a big deal is made.

(JM) I don’t think it has anything to do with the money, I think it has to do with the unpredictable nature of the playoffs. Even if you sneak in as the 8 seed, anything can happen. It’s not about one series, you can’t box the team into that. It’s about getting in and winning the Stanley Cup. Overall, though, I don’t think that money will be a contributing factor to a move being made. At this point, the organization should be feeling pressure from having the two best forwards in the game and being in the tenth seed over any monetary trouble.

(SR) I’m not sure they can really. First, they’re up against the salary cap. And second, they really don’t have a lot of assets in the minor league or system they can give away. They don’t have an Esposito to dangle in front of other teams.

(PB) The Pens are fine in the money department, or least they haven’t said anything. Shero will make a move if it works, the Pens financial should have no factor in this.

(BM) Many NHL teams budget for at least one round of playoff revenue and the Penguins are no different. I believe that upper management has made it abundantly clear that missing the playoffs is not an option and Ray Shero will have to go into the trade deadline with that in mind. Will that cause Ray Shero to make a huge splash? I don’t think so, but he will definitely look to shore up some deficiencies in the line-up, such as team toughness, defensive help and if possible a winger for Crosby.

(TF) There won’t be a Hossa-like move, it’s extremely difficult to make that type of move.  But I firmly believe that he’s going to make a couple of significant moves.  With the rash of injuries this year, if they somehow get into the playoffs, who knows what can happen after that.

(GW) Not necessarily, because Shero already said on the record that the coaching move was, in fact, the “big move.” Plus, I believe he thinks the players can play out of whatever this has been without another Hossa move.

2.  If you were GMRS, what would be your priorities as the deadline approaches ??

(SL) I would try to make the best deal possible to set myself up not only for the playoffs (hopefully) but also for next season in regards to the salary cap. I wouldn’t want to be handcuffed by salaries going forward, especially if the cap is going down which has been rumored.

(JM) The Penguins need a warrior on the wing. They need a guy that can go into the boards and come away with the puck. Not just a dynamic goal scorer, a guy who gets his nose dirty and fights to the death. They need the true definition of a power-forward.  Not just a guy that can skate with Crosby, a guy that can actually compliment Crosby’s will to win and determination.

(SR) Whatever’s best for the long term health of the team. He’s always stated he won’t give up the future for the present and he’s done the exact opposite the past two trade deadlines. I’m not saying they become outright sellers at the deadline, but they shouldn’t give up a prospect for a run at a playoff spot they might not get.

(PB) If we were GMRS we wouldn’t be in this round table woooooooooooo.

(BM) My priorities would be as follows: 1) A strong, mobile, defensive defenseman who can clear the front of the net of bodies and rebounds. 2) A tough forward or two with the ability to dig in the corners, stand in front of the net and grind/cycle down low to eat clock when the game is on the line 3) A scoring winger.

(TF) Well, I realize it’s a broken record now, but it’s painful watching Crosby virtually by himself out there.  I think they finally realize it’s time to get a winger for Sid long term.  In addition, I think another Orpik-type of defenseman is really needed that will smack some heads in front of the crease.

(GW) The “winger for Sid” has almost become cliché at this point, but how about a winger for Sid?  He could use a trigger man, or maybe a power forward that can go to the net and collect some of the best passes in hockey.

3.  With the exception of Crosby, Malkin (much to the shagrin of the Anonymous Hockey Fraud) and Fleury, do you believe there are any other Penguins that would be considered untouchable ??  What Penguins would you put in a category that you would not trade unless GMRS was “blown away” with the deal ??

(SL) Wait, you mean all those Malkin to the Kings and Malkin for Kovalchuk rumors might be false? That stuff happens on the Internet?  Seriously, the only other untouchable I would say is Orpik, who’s a steady, physical presence on the blue line, but of course, in the words of the Million Dollar Man, “everyone has a price”.

(JM) We’ve seen an amazing emergence of Kristopher Letang’s offensive ability this year, specifically in the last month. In addition to that, he’s continued to provide a valuable presence on the blue line for such a young player. The only way I would offer Letang up in a trade is if we were assured of getting another solid two-way defenseman in return, in addition to the winger I described in the previous question. Letang is a unique package of strength and skill, and at half the size of Ryan Whitney, he’s already shown a tendency to be able to dish out and accept hits with alarming regularity.

(SR) Personally, I’m a big fan of Kris Letang. I really thing he can be a cornerstone of this franchise for 4-5 years. I want nothing to do with a deal that sends him away unless they get another player who can be a No. 1 or 2 defenseman and is a righthanded shot.

(PB) MAF is to untouchable what joke is to Abel To Yzerman. MAF’s playoffs last year proved he can raise his game. No trade out there worth making.

(BM) The Penguins only untouchables are Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Marc Andre Fleury. Shero’s most marketable bodies right now are Jordan Staal and Ryan Whitney. I do believe that it will take significant offers to land either of those big fish though. I also have a feeling that Max Talbot, Hal Gill and Mark Eaton could be on the move this deadline if the right offers come in.

(TF) Other than those three, if I was GMRS, I’d absolutely have to be blown away before I’d trade Kris Letang.  If he shores up his defensive play, you can tell his offensive play is ready to explode.  In the same regard, Alex Goligoski would be difficult to trade as well, but not to the same extent as Letang.

(GW) Well, I don’t see them trading Orpik. I think Staal is more “untouchable” than Whitney, because of his potential and because Whitney is playing like dog poo. I also think Shero isn’t moving a young defenseman like Letang for anything but an all-star.

4.  Because of the Hossa trade, the Pens don’t have their last two 1st round picks.  Is there ANY scenario that you could see that GMRS gives up that #1 draft pick for the 3rd straight year ??

(SL) The only scenario would be for a superstar player who’s signed through next season, at least.  Craig Patrick and Shero built this team through the draft and as evidenced in Detroit, that’s where the developing of championships teams begin.

(JM) I don’t think they can. Right now, they have some solid gems in the prospect pool with Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Alex Grant, Luca Caputi and Nathan Moon, but they don’t have a sure-thing, home-run offensive prospect. If they drop a few more games before the 4th and the playoffs become even more dismal, I’d keep that pick and get a sure fire prospect into the system. With guys like Zach Kassian, Nazem Kadri and Jordan Schroeder floating around the 10-15 spot in the draft, you have the ability to go in and make a slam dunk with your first pick. The depth at defense is great (Goligoski, Strait, Muzzin, Grant, Sneep) - they lack that true blue chip at wing. Specifically, Zach Kassian is a guy that could bring some added toughness and scoring to a top 6 role in a short matter of time. In the long run, the Penguins are going to need to address their problems at wing from within the system. It’s the cheapest and most assured way of doing it.

(SR) Unless they got someone like a Nash or Kovalchuk with a chance to hang on to them for a few years. Those are just two names I threw out there. Obviously, those two players would be very difficult to get.

(PB) No way GMRS moves that pick. It was worth it last year. It would be a bigger risk than making out with Magic Johnson to trade it now.

(BM) If Shero has a deal on the table for a significant player who is guaranteed to resign with the team and works for his cap, he might consider moving the pick. Otherwise I do not thing he will be trading his first round selection.

(TF) I agree with some of the others.  The ONLY way I’d even consider it is if he locks up a young stud winger for a long-term contract.  Other than that, they could use the depth in the minors.

(GW) For sure. If there’s a player out there that becomes available, can salvage the season and stay in Pittsburgh beyond this season, it might take a pick instead of player. But again, it’s gotta be the right guy.

5.  The following Pens are UFA’s at the end of the year: Satan, Sykora, Fedotenko, Zigomanis, Gill, Boucher, Scuderi, Garon.  How many of these do you see being dealt at the deadline ??

(SL) I don’t see any of them being dealt, especially Zigomanis and Boucher since they are injured.  I’m eagerly waiting to see Satan walk on July 1. Out of that group, I would like to see Sykora, Zigomanis, and Scuderi brought back for next season.

(JM) Of the aforementioned, I’d keep Scuderi and Sykora, for sure. It’s my hope the Penguins can get some action on Satan at the deadline, he’s been a complete bust here. Gill could prove valuable to a team that needs some size on their PK unit. I think we’ll hold on to Fedotenko to see how he recovers from the hand issue. So, of that group, I think Sykora and Scuderi are really the only untouchables.

(SR) Depending on Boucher’s health, I could see one of their defensemen getting dealt. Just to clear some room on the roster. With those three, they have eight NHL caliber defensemen. You can’t carry that many blueliners.

(PB) Satan is gone if anyone is dumb enough to take him. Gill could be moved if GMRS decides to make a huge move. Everyone else stays till seasons end.

(BM) I believe that Hal Gill, Rob Scuderi and Petr Sykora will cause Ray Shero’s phone to blow up come March 4th, but at the end of the day Sykora and Scuderi will still be in black and vegas gold. Satan could be a throw in on a deal involving more significant players. I foresee the Penguins resigning Sykora, Zigomanis, and making a gallant attempt at Scuderi, though I see a team such as the Rangers making him an offer that the Penguins will not be able to match.

(TF) I think Gill has a high probability of being traded.  I also see a lot of calls for Scuderi, but doubt he’d go barring a big deal.  Satan could very well go, but he’d be a throw-in on a bigger deal.

(GW) Unless Shero can use a Jedi mind trick to deal either Satan or Fedotenko, I think there’s a chance they’ll be here through the deadline.

6.  Now that we’ve had a coaching change, do you think IHCDB’s speed and aggressiveness theories will be a big factor in any deals that GMRS makes ??

(SL) I think GMRS’s focus will be finding a winger to work with Sid as well as possibly bringing in a defenseman who, in the words of the departed Michel Therrien, isn’t “soff”.

(JM) No, the interm tag sets Danny Bylsma apart from having that big of an impact on the organization. Not to mention the fact that Bylsma isn’t a proponent of believing that there are players that can’t buy into his system of speed and agression. I think that any potential deal orchestrated by Ray Shero will address the lack of a true top winger playing with Sidney Crosby, regardless of the attributes that player has.

(SR) Obviously, if they’re buyers, they’ll pick up someone who can play Bylsma’s style, but I think if you’re a worthwhile player, you can play in just about any system. Rick Nash plays in Ken Hitchcock’s defensive style after all.

(PB) While IHCDB’S style is sweet, it will play no factor in what Shero does. Pens don’t have the luxury of finding a player to meet the system. They just need someone that can help. Does that even make sense?

(BM) Yes, I believe that Shero will be looking for players who are great skaters, can move the puck and are comfortable playing an up tempo style. He has long coveted players like that, but his coach brought a more conservative style to the table.

(TF) I’m sure he’ll be consulted, but considering that IHCDB’s not HCDB, it’ll probably be a courtesy rather than a necessity.  Speed is a must if you’re gonna be on Sid’s wing, and really any of the lines.

(GW) No, because we both know what the “I” stands for.

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 Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,

Comments

GReat questions and great to see all your responses. Great roundtable. Any chances of one soon after the trade deadline to discuss any (potential) fallout?

Posted by Stephen on 02/25/09 at 11:03 AM ET

Um, doubtful Stephen.... I think we’ll have another if/when the Pens make the playoffs, of if they don’t, a season ender.....

Posted by Tony F from Virginia Beach, VA on 02/25/09 at 11:04 AM ET

Here’s hoping for a playoff edition then....

Posted by Stephen on 02/25/09 at 11:52 AM ET

I don’t believe I saw any other responses in bold, did I Tony? 

(PB) MAF is to untouchable what joke is to Abel To Yzerman.

Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 02/25/09 at 12:14 PM ET

If I stop using excessive profanity to describe how much I dislike Ryan Whitney, perhaps one day I will be invited to weigh in on a round table discussion.  Until then, I’ll have to settle for having fantasy trade rumor battles with Ecklund.  If he thinks Star Wars is going to trade Yoda and Mace Windu to LOTR for Gandalf and Pippin, he’s out of his mind.

Posted by Hept-Rossi on 02/25/09 at 12:24 PM ET

Chief, the italics is what should be emphasized....

Hept, LOL, I hear ya… Always enjoy reading your posts....

Posted by Tony F from Virginia Beach, VA on 02/25/09 at 01:14 PM ET

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Welcome to The Confluence, a Pittsburgh Penguins blog since 2006.  Originally at Blogspot, then at MVN, The Confluence has over 1000 articles reporting Penguins news as well as jumping on my soapbox to opine constructive Penguins criticism.  My posts are regularly linked by hockey websites such as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Empty Netters and Yahoo!’s Puck Daddy, and I’ve done guest blogger spots on such websites as the New York Times.  I invite you to spend a little time and peruse the archives at all of the sites for some of my better work.  I am a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, but don’t confuse me with my fellow Chief at A2Y.

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