Bob McKenzie: Kovalev will likely end up in Pittsburgh

[Urkie]

Bob McKenzie (TSNBobMcKenzie) on Twitter

So for Pens fans who thought that saga was over...it isn't.

He thinks it will only be for a late round pick though.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

If this is the route they're going, you'd have to think they are going to make a move for Arnott or someone to fill out the middle.

 

[Urkie]

If this is the route they're going, you'd have to think they are going to make a move for Arnott or someone to fill out the middle.

Maybe but when Crosby comes back they'll be fine up the middle. Unless they know for sure that Crosby is done for the year then I'd imagine they'll focus on getting another winger.

 

[Eddie_Shack]

I would think with Malkin done for the year and Crosby questionable, they'd be hunting for a center right now. Salary cap pretty much goes away in the playoffs, right?

 

[devs30rko]

I think arnott availability has gone steadily downhill

 

[Eddie_Shack]

I think arnott availability has gone steadily downhill

I agree, the higher the Devils climb in the standings the more he's going to want to stay. Hell, he might want to stick around just for the promise of next year at this point. I was just using him as an example, I'm having trouble thinking of a good healthy center who's available right now (Andy McDonald maybe?).

 

[Urkie]

I would think with Malkin done for the year and Crosby questionable, they'd be hunting for a center right now. Salary cap pretty much goes away in the playoffs, right?

Yeah, the salary cap pretty much goes out the window when the playoffs come around.

Usually McKenzie is pretty spot on with this kind of stuff so I'll still say they'd only go after Arnott if they are forced to do so (ie. Crosby setback). If Crosby is coming back in March then it makes more sense to get Kovalev.

 

[Automattic]

I agree, the higher the Devils climb in the standings the more he's going to want to stay. Hell, he might want to stick around just for the promise of next year at this point. I was just using him as an example, I'm having trouble thinking of a good healthy center who's available right now (Andy McDonald maybe?).

Unless it's for a bomb ass Dman, I don't see the Blues parting with anything other than picks.

 

[HonusWagner66]

DO IT. I don't care if he sucks.

 

[JustAsking]

What are the chances of Penner ending up a Penguin? Would Edm deal him and what would be the price. Talbot, Niskanen, and a mid pick? The Pens should end up with over 4.5 mil in cap space to spend on a FA right winger for Sid (assuming the Pens only resign TK, Rupp, Adams). Penner would look good on that right side.

Neal-Sid-Penner
Kunitz-Staal-Geno
Cooke-Letestu-TK*
Rupp*-ROOKIE-Adams*

EDIT: I would think Edm would ask for TK (RFA) instead of Talbot(UFA). So resign Talbot (4th line) and replace TK with ROOKIE.

EDIT EDIT: Even Lovejoy instead of Niskanen.

So how about TK, Lovejoy, and a mid pick for Penner?

 

[evolver115]

What are the chances of Penner ending up a Penguin? Would Edm deal him and what would be the price. Talbot, Niskanen, and a mid pick? The Pens should end up with over 4.5 mil in cap space to spend on a FA right winger for Sid (assuming the Pens only resign TK, Rupp, Adams). Penner would look good on that right side.

Neal-Sid-Penner
Kunitz-Staal-Geno
Cooke-Letestu-TK*
Rupp*-ROOKIE-Adams*

Hopefully that ends up being Jeffrey. He's looked great in his limited time.

 

[JustAsking]

Hopefully that ends up being Jeffrey. He's looked great in his limited time.

He didn't look out of place, that's for sure.

 

[pixburgher66]

Penner is too expensive, being that he's signed through next year as well. We just have too many spots to fill up front next year and not a lot of money to do it with. With Crosby *coming back* and Letestu being close as well, I don't think the Pens will focus too much on a rental center. Not worth it really. Shero showed last deal that he's building for the future just as much as he's building for the postseason. After the last deal I'm fine with going and getting Kovy because we got our 'future' guy in Neal. I was really sold on getting one of Penner/Hemsky, but they're both 4+ mill and signed for next year.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

The Oilers are rebuilding. They would want Depres. They'd also be interested in adding a 1st round pick. They tried to get the 4th pick overall last year from Columbus. They offered Hemsky straight up. The Blue Jackets made the right decision by keeping the pick.

 

[pixburgher66]

The Oilers are rebuilding. They would want Depres. They'd also be interested in adding a 1st round pick. They tried to get the 4th pick overall last year from Columbus. They offered Hemsky straight up. The Blue Jackets made the right decision by keeping the pick.

Yeah...in that case, good day Edmonton. No way Shero gives up either of those two things, especially considering the guy is riding high off the last trade. He probably feels invincible. Well, at least I do for him.

 

[JustAsking]

Penner is too expensive, being that he's signed through next year as well. We just have too many spots to fill up front next year and not a lot of money to do it with. With Crosby *coming back* and Letestu being close as well, I don't think the Pens will focus too much on a rental center. Not worth it really. Shero showed last deal that he's building for the future just as much as he's building for the postseason. After the last deal I'm fine with going and getting Kovy because we got our 'future' guy in Neal. I was really sold on getting one of Penner/Hemsky, but they're both 4+ mill and signed for next year.

It's funny, just two days ago Iw as saying no trades, no trades... but after looking at the numbers it's possible, the Pens should have around 3 mil in cap space not including any increase in the cap amount. Penner makes 4.25.. it would be nice, he's signed for one more year, but the more I write, the mor eI convince myself it can not happen.. just about 1 mil over the Pens limit probably.

 

[pixburgher66]

It's funny, just two days ago Iw as saying no trades, no trades... but after looking at the numbers it's possible, the Pens should have around 3 mil in cap space not including any increase in the cap amount. Penner makes 4.25.. it would be nice, he's signed for one more year, but the more I write, the mor eI convince myself it can not happen.. just about 1 mil over the Pens limit probably.

We just have too many holes to fill, and seeing as we'd be over, we'd have to make another hole just to get under the cap. That fact, coupled with what EDM is asking for= not worth it. But hey, if Shero can swing it, I'm not opposed to adding Penner as a player.

 

[elocomotive]

Every now and again the Swamp provides a gem...

 

[pixburgher66]

*cough* look at the Stars/Pens trade thread *cough*

Man, that was a long winded cough.

 

[loki604]

Pens are done with "future building" until the offseason in my opinion (we're not going to give up any more significant assets at the moment). I see a low conditional pick for Kovalev (low-risk, high-reward...he either pans out for 25 games or gets the Sykora treatment) and some other low-end or mid-tier asset for a bottom pairing, stay at home D.