Penguins Update: Deadline Doozies ‘n’ Duds

1. Hey Rick
   Remember the e mail I sent you last week..

   Hey all
   Before we all beat up JR to much, and you regulars know I have blasted him on many occasions. …I have complained like the rest of us about needing not just one but several players with size, speed and skill….
   So with that in mind you should know I have been keeping something from you until after the trade deadline. I had no choice.
   One of my closest friends is very,very close to Jake Allen and his family of the St. Louis Blues.We live in a small city of 70k people and we have a very close hockey community. About 10 days my friend told me that Jake was given a list of 4 teams to be traded to.
   Pittsburgh was on that list. I could not say anything until after 5 pm your time, 6 pm mine when the trading was finished. All I was told that Shattenkirk was part of the proposed deal.
   I have been on the phone with my friend for the last 40 minutes and could not answer you Coach and others. Shattenkirk chose to go to Washington instead of Pittsburgh because he believed they had a better chance to win the Cup. That is his free choice to do so…I do not share that same belief.
   But JR could do nothing in this case.He tried his best and it is better not to talk about failed deals if you are him. But I give JR full marks for trying.
   Thanks for understanding.
   30 days I never dreamed I would be writing in defense of a man I question his decisions so often.
   Mario too.

   Again I apologize to all of u for hogging the site today. Time to shut up and let you talk.
   Cheers

   1. Hey Jim,

      I really believe you. I obviously don’t have your contacts but I was pretty sure that JR was trying to deal MAF. That is why I mentioned something to that effect a couple of times.

      I am still frustrated though that the Pens really didn’t address the D any better than they have.

      Also, I agree, Shattenkirk may have pulled a major league mistake in choosing the Caps. I do think that the Caps have a strong chance of beating the Pens but friends of mine from the DC area have taught me that the Cap media is the best weapon any opponent can have in the playoffs. Unless the Caps can effectively put the broom to the Pens, every game passed 4 plays into the Pens hands as the DC media will amp the pressure beyond belief, particularly with signing Shattenkirk.

      I really wish the Pens can find a way to do to Shattenkirk what they did to Hossa when Hossa dissed them.

2. My next question is what happened to JRs assurance that the Pens were “All in to win this year”? These last 2-deals hardly strengthed the team for a play-off run.

3. The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded Eric Fehr, Steve Oleksy and a fourth-round to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenceman Frank Corrado.

   Are you kidding me – we gave up (2) players and a 4th round pick for nada.

   JR has lost his freakin mind.

   1. Hey Mike
      Understand your disappointment.
      However Eric Fehr and his 2 million dollar salary and his age and having younger and cheaper options in WBS…We got a 23 year old 6′ 1″ 205 # d man with 5/6 pairing.
      Plus Mark Streit is a filler only.But necessary. And for a 4th round pick.
      We now have 3 NHL caliber d men to help and none have long term commitments.

      Not the best…but better than we were last week.

      Cheers

      1. Thats one way of looking at it – Im thinking we needed size
         and a legit defenseman to make any kind of playoff run.

         Although Fehr isn’t great he offered a little size. We have
         a bunch of midgets on the wings – there’s noway we’re
         beating Wash, Boston or Columbus in the East.

         There’s absolutely no reason for optimism. “BAD DAY”

         1. I tend to agree with you Mike.
            The Pens do have an ace in the hole in Murray.
            However, neither Streit nor Corrado represent an upgrade to the Pens D. Streit may be better than several of the WBS players that have paraded thu here this season (Warsofsky) but I wouldn’t play either of them over Ruhwedel, Gaunce, or Oleksy.

            And to give up Fehr in exchange for more welterweight defensemen doesn’t fill me with any confidence in the Pens chances to get past the 2nd round this year and makes me question whether JR was “All in it to win this year”.

            If Fehr was dumped for Salary reasons, that is looking to next year, not trying to win this year.

            1. Agree. Again I like our young players and JR needs to
               pay attention to the salary cap “BUT” the Pens don’t have
               a good balance of size, toughness, speed / skill. The problem I see with this years team is they will struggle big-time against teams with similar speed /skill but have the size and toughness to go with it.

               Malkin is our biggest player and continually has to defend
               himself – which is a joke in itself.

               The thing I struggle with the most is JR is counting on
               Letang, Dailey & Matta being back for the playoffs – he
               never factored in the chances of new injuries on the backline. Does anyone on the blog feel comfortable with
               any of the players in place right now being plugged into a
               5/6 defensive pairing for the playoffs.

               Streit, Hainsey, Gaunce, Ruhwedel, Pouliot – “NOT ME”

               1. Hey Mike,

                  Agreed, I would also like to add that even when healthy, only the Combo of Schultz and Letang have been getting the job done consistently. Letang, Daley, Donoulin, and Maatta have been very inconsistent at best surrendering 32 shots per game. Although not really true, they say the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. Even if Schultz, Cole, Letang, Daley, Domoulin, and Maatta are all healthy, They haven’t yet shown that they can get the job done this year.

                  Let’s not mention the absence of a third line, Bonino and Hagelin have been slumping big time this year, no doubt adding to the pressure on our already overwhelmed D. Bonino isn’t even winning FO.

               2. Bonino has struggled big-time and I credit some of this to the struggles of his line mates – I attended the
                  Pens game vs the Stars in Dallas – Hagelin is working his rear-end off but Bonino can create offense to save his life “Very disappointed” – I personally thought we should of moved him – His penalty killing / face offs have also been below average.

                  JR did a number on us this year.

4. FYI
   Fehr we get d man Frank Corrado
   Oleksy
   To Toronto

   Plus we get Mark Streit from Tamp for a 4th round pick in 2018.

   1. Depressing day in the Burg. JR has some serious explaining to do.

      Our playoff chances have been cut short.

   2. Carrado for Fehr and Oleksy?

      What??????

      Corrado another midget D man who has only played 2 games in the NHL this year, 69gp in 5 years for Fehr aaaannnnndddd Oleksy.

      Not only did our competition get stronger, we actually got weaker????????

      Please tell me this is not official and maybe an early April fool joke!!!

      1. I think they traded Oleksy for Carrado and dumped Fehr’s 2 mil a yr contract. Something I would bet they’ve been trying to do all year. If it was something else, Toronto would have picked Fehr off of waivers.

         Streit is just a rental to fill in while the Pens D corp is a mess.

         There is much to much emphasis put on trade deadline. Shero seemed to screw the team up every year. I like how Rutherford does it, even If the Knights take Fleury the Pens will have almost $7-8 mil to pick up some long term real players come July. It seems obvious to me no one made a serious offer for Fleury.

         1. But isn’t Streit’s contract $5.25 mil cap hit, how are the numbers working out?

            Can they put Maatta on LTIR to balance them?

            Yes Streit can be a rental and the numbers workout next year but what about this year?

            1. Oh, I just saw something saying that both Phi and TB retained some part of his salary.

         2. Phil – all due respect – this has nothing to do with the deadline
            but away to fill some obvious needs. The deadline deals have
            also won cups.

            JR hates the rough stuff – bottom line and now Crosby and
            Malkin are going to suffer the trickle down effect.

            Also, we gave up (2) valuable 4th round picks. “For nothing”

            The kid from Toronto can’t play.

5. Pens fans – I think its safe to say we got our asses handed to us
   at the trade deadline. All of our competitors helped themselves.

   Not a good day.

6. FYI
   Not posted yet…
   But suggested Mark Streit is coming to Pen’s from Tampa?
   Tampa was a go between.
   Will know in next 30 to 60 minutes for sure

   1. What could we possibly want with a “40”yr old defenseman. Are
      we collecting 40 year old players. This has to be a bad joke.

7. Next one is coming
   Already booked
   Pen’s notified league for 2 deals booked

   Hold your breath

8. Fyi
   2 trades for Pittsburgh
   Eric Fehr to Toronto

9. Fyi
   Duchesne and Landeskog did not move.
   R Vrbata and Doan did not move

10. Fyi
    Tampa gets D man Mark Streit from Phili for 32 year old center Valtteri Flippula

11. Fyi
    Blue Jackets get 31 year old d man Kyle Quincy
    from Devils for Dalton Proud.

    This one affects us .

    1. Hey Jim,

       I know he’s not JR’s type of defenseman. But I covet Prout.

       Big and tough … (more than) a bit of a mean streak. Maybe Ray Shero will trade him to us before 3 PM (wishing thinking).

       Rick

12. Fyi
    They are talking Canada 2018 Olympic Team.
    Goalies Price, Holtby and Murray.

    What is so interesting is they have discussed every possible Goalie and they rate Matt Murray as the 3rd best Canadian goalie and he can only get better they said. He is still is just a rookie.( He is allowed to make a few rookie mistakes they pointed out.)

    If there is an NHL olympics agreement they said.

    So all the experts hold him in very high regard.
    That is good to hear.

13. Eric cleared waivers.
    Not claimed.
    Now he can go to WBS
    I think we get about 1.1 million in cap relief.

    1. Thanks for keeping us in the loop, my friend … 🙂

       Rick

       1. I thought I am over doing it Rick.
          But it is only another 3 hours.
          I apologize to the other bloggers for hogging the air time. I thought people could see what other teams are doing.
          So thanks for understanding.
          I trying to watch 3 different TV channels on 2 tvs
          There is a lot of talent available.
          MAF is on all of 3 channels. (Calgary and Colorado ) are mentioned as possible homes.

          Here is a cool fact? The TV reports that the Pen’s hold the record at 59 trades being made on Trade deadline day.

          Cheers

          1. Hey Jim,

             Thanks for all of the updates. There is only 2hrs left.

             Right now I don’t know what to think about an MAF trade.
             I would have have thought MAF would have played last night if he were staying but with no apparent back-up for tonights game I just don’t know. So last night I thought maybe, this morning I am wondering maybe not.

             1. Hey Coach
                FYI usually they announce trades up to 90 minutes after the deadline. Last year 6 of the 19 deals were posted after 3 pm et. They send the paperwork to the NHL at 3 then fill in details after

                All the big ones.
                Plus there are a few trades announced but I am going to post as a group later.
                Iggy went to LA. For a 4 th round pick.
                King went from LA to Montreal.
                I think they needed to see if Fehr was going to clear waivers.
                Talk soon

                1. Just saw the Inginla trade, that gives Col lots of cap room for them. They took a 4th round pick for him, so his $5.3 is gone off of their books.

                   Maybe that was holding up a deal with the Pens. Col had no cap space.

          2. Please, Jim.

             Keep on posting … as much as you like … 🙂

             That’s what this blog is for. And you’re helping me out a lot, too, by taking the lead on this … 🙂

             Rick

             1. Thanks Rick.
                I wish u all could be here to see the incredible amounts of information these TV networks give us.
                Sports net has at least 20 anaylists. TSN has at least that much. The Quebec French media is crazy.
                They have reporters in all 31 NHL cities plus the NHL offices. They interview players that got traded.
                It is an unreal experience for a Hockey fan.
                But all 3 networks are saying Pen’s are going to do something. Montreal as well. Tampa as well.
                We will see.

          3. You’re not overdoing it, Jim … following your comments is the next best thing to being inside the room. 😉
             Jayelene

             1. Thanks

14. FYI
    Vanek to Florida and Detroit keeps 50% of his salary.

15. Fyi guys
    They just had JR on for 10 minutes on our national sports TV.
    He mentioned that he has his entire staff traveling with him and they are set up in Chicago.
    He said he prefers to make his deals early but the secret is to wait until the last hour whereby other teams panic and drop their price.Then u get the best deal he said.
    He mentioned the Kessel trade. He said it was not what he did, more that Toronto panicked and dropped the price.
    All about being in the right place at the right time .
    Asked about MAF he answered everything is in play.
    Played it really cool. What a poker face.

    Cheers

16. FYI
    Colorado trades forward Joe Whitney to Arizona for forward Brendan Ranford.

17. The Pouliot call up is intriguing. It could mean the Pens are looking to move a defenseman (not necessarily Pouliot as he didn’t need to be called up to be moved). It could also be only to circumvent the 4 call ups after the deadline rule.

    1. Your probably right Phil, or it sounds better in a multi player trade package if he is a current NHL roster player as opposed to be playing in the AHL.
       It seems a foolish idea, but selling a trade to a fan base, especially a Western based one who does not follow the Pen’s and the other Metro teams as we do, those little things matter. It is like you shine your car before you sell, type of idea. ?
       There is a lot of anticipation going right now.
       Jim

18. Hey guys
    As of 10.05 et nothing to report on NHL trade tracker.
    Keep the faith.
    ☺☺

19. Hi Rick
    As of 7.10 am, et
    2 more trades happened over night.

    Montreal receives 34 year old forward Steve Ott from Detroit for a 6th round pick from Montreal in 2018.

    Vancouver receives 21 year old,forward Nikolay Goldobin , and a conditional 4th pick in 2017 from San Jose for forward Jannik Hansen.

    I am still praying to see if Fehr gets picked up and what JR does between 12 and the 3 pm deadline. Obviously there is a deal some where and they are waiting to clear space at noon.

    Just pure speculation and a few rumors, but nothing has happened in Colorado yet…..Could they be waiting until after Fehr clears Cap space ?
    JR likes the big splashy deal….Mario really does !
    Cheers

    1. Hey Jim,

       I tend to agree with you, the only real difference makers left are Landeskog and Duchene, at least that are possibly trade bait. However if either is the target, Fehr moving may not be enough without a bigger piece than Fehr involved.

       I didn’t get much done yesterday at work and may not get much done today watching and waiting.

       1. Hey Coach
          How about this idea?
          Reports said MAF approved 1 trade from 3 options put to him last week.
          He has been told that Vegas will claim him in the off season. If he gets forced to go to Vegas, he will see more rubber than a Goodyear factory worker,not a good place to be.
          So my guess is MAF , Derrick P. and other pieces get moved…but they did not want Eric and they are a little short on cap space to make the deal happen.

          It will be a big deal. So they need to clear CAP space.
          I just do not know the other ” star ” pieces needed to entice the other party.

          We will all know soon enough.
          Cheers

          1. Hey Jim,

             Looking at Phil’s update that the Pens brought up Pouliot seems to cloud the issue more. If MAF is part of any package, why wasn’t Jarry called up too, even if only for one game. It is hard to imagine they could aquire a back-up and get him to the rink in time to dress for a game tonight; that is unless that goalie already knows and will already be on his way to the rink

20. Hey Rick,
    One late trade to report.
    Montreal receives 25 year old, 6’2″ 210 #, 3 year d man Brandon Davidson from Edmonton for 30 year old,5’8″ 171# Center man David Desharnais .

    For Montreal, acquiring 6’3″, 225 # d man Jordie Benn from Dallas yesterday and Brandon Davidson tonight, they are bulking up their d corps along with 6’4″, 235 # Shea Weber.Plus local rumor has it they are still in play for Colorado’s Matt Duchene.

    FYI, in a separate article the media reports that Eric Fehr, when he clears waivers or gets picked up by another club, it gets reported at Noon time today and Jimmy R. will have 3 hours to swing a deal. *** If we keep him and he clears waivers, only about half of his 2 million dollar salary comes off our books, so therefore to get the maximum 2 million dollars in Cap relief, he needs to get claimed by another team.

    1. Rick

       I happen to be in Dallas tonight for the Pens game. I just heard Fehr had
       been put on waivers to clear cap space. Whats your take?

       Also, Murray was not good tonight – even though Dallas out shot us the
       pens carried the play in the stars end most of the night. We need several
       big wingers but I would take “1” along with a bruising defenseman.

       Hopefully tomorrow brings the Pens a couple of pieces needed to make
       another strong run at the cup.

       1. Hey Mike,

          When healthy, I think we have all the speed we need. I, too, would like to see us get a little bigger and tougher (a forward and a d-man) to compete on more even terms with heavier teams.

          To that end, I would love to pry Gabriel Landeskog off Colorado. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. Would’ve liked to have gotten Brendan Smith, too.

          When considering a trade, I think Rutherford looks at character, speed and skill level first. Size and physicality seem to be an afterthought. If JR does make a deal (and that’s a big if at this stage) I doubt he’ll be trying to improve our physical presence.

          That said, I hope he surprises me … 🙂

          Rick

21. Hey Rick,
    If you indulge me a minute, I would like to share something that just happened now.
    I went outside to put my garbage out, and my neighbor of 10 years was outside as well.He is a P eng. orginally from India and has been a Canadian Citizen for 4 + years. Real good neighbor.
    He asked me tonight jokingly to name our satutory holidays.So I went thru them Christmas, New years, Easter, Labor day and Thanksgiving. ..ect. He said to me I missed 2. What? Which ones I asked ?
    Remember orginally he is from India. He would not know a hockey rink from a horse track.
    He said Hockey Trade deadline Day on March 1st and Free agency day in July.
    You guys are nuts about hockey .That is all that’s on the radio,in the papers and on TV right now. Tommorrow in my office,the TV will be turned on to an all day hockey channel, and people who normally do not talk to each other will be cheering and booing all day for their favorite team.

    I had to laugh Rick, but it made me think. Yes most of us are Crazy about hockey. Unlike America where u have many major league sports to cheer for…We really only have 1.
    I thought I would share this because I am laughing to my self how it took someone born outside of Canada to make me realize the Power this game really has on me and my Country.
    Thanks for letting me ramble.
    Cheers

    1. You mean that the NHL trade deadline isn’t a holiday around the world? 🙂

       It is in my house!

       I am wondering again as you will see below Jim, are the Pens going to make a splash?

       1. Have faith !!! 🙂

    2. Great story, Jim … 🙂

       I can certainly relate to Hockey Trade Deadline Day. Given how often I’ve been checking the Trade Tracker on NHL.com, I’m surprised I haven’t worn out my poor keyboard. Maybe I have … 🙂

       Rick

       PS–Are you still surrounded by mountains of snow? Or has some of it melted … 🙂

       1. Got do some more business Rick.

          Dallas Trades 35 year old, 6 ‘ 200 # d man Johnny Oduya back to Chicago, where he played for 4 seasons for Center man, 24 year old,
          6’2″, 212 # Mark Mc Neil and a conditional 4th round pick. This is a depth move for Chicago.
          Earlier in a move of minor league players really, New York Rangers traded forward Daniel Catenacci to Buffalo for d man Mat Brodie.

          Lots more to come !!!

          1. Hey Jim,

             That’s a nice move by Chicago. Oduya can skate and move the puck.

             The Hawks are reminding me an awful lot of us last season. Toews is heating up, too.

             Rick

       2. Snow ! It was so bad this year Rick I could not snow blow any more. ( My poor neighbor kept getting the drifts from my blower and he could not get out of his drive way, so I had to get a CAT loader in and haul it away. )
          We have not had snow like this in 5 years. Problem is March is the Month where we can traditionally get 3 or 4 big storms and dump another 3+ feet easily, but the sunshine is very warm and the days are very pleasant. ( This is the time for winter activities, not in January where you have to get dressed up in winter apparel just to take the dog outside for nature calls).
          Thanks for asking.

22. Just throwing this out there, since I haven’t seen that the Pens have brought up Tristan Jarry yet, I would suspect that there are no deals involving MAF. It may still be possible but I would think that I wouldn’t want to risk an injury.

    I looked to see if NHL.com had listed the starting goalies since Dallas should be considered the weaker teak and MAF has been playing against weaker foes but I didn’t see any listings of starters for any of the games, early or late.

    Seeing MAF get the starting nod tonight would pretty much clinch it in my mind.

    1. I just had a chance to look at the NHL.com site and saw Murray listed as the started to night. I had convinced myself that there was no real deals in the works, now I am not so sure anymore.

23. Hi Rick
    Here we go. FUN IS STARTING. 1pm ET.
    New York Rangers acquires d man Brendan Smith from Detroit and they receive a 3rd round pick in 2017 and a second round pick in 2018.

    Ottawa gets forward Victor Stalberg from Carolina and they receive a 3rd round pick back.

    Great times to be a fan.

    Keep you posted.

    1. What a difference a year makes!

       Last year at this time I was hoping the Pens wouldn’t do anything stupid like give away the bank for naught when they brought Inginla and Murray here (See Rick’s article). This year I am hoping for a blockbuster. I had supreme confidence last year. This year I worry.

    2. Hey Jim,

       I like both of those players. Stalberg’s big and can really skate. He’ll use the body.

       I was kind of hoping the Pens might have an interest in Smith. Another guy with some mustard in his game.

       Rick

24. Hey all,

    A little add-on to my post. While it’s always fun to do lists like this, there’s a lot that gets glossed over. And it’s all-too-easy to forget there’s a human side to the story.

    Hall-of-Famers or not, each of the players listed above is an accomplished professional athlete. And they deserve my (and our) respect for their considerable achievements.

    In particular, I want to focus on Alek Stojanov. I’ve heard he’s sensitive about being a part of what many regard as hockey’s worst trade. Understandably so. If PenguinPoop was—despite my best efforts—voted the worst hockey blog of all-time, I’d be sensitive, too.

    A little background. Alek was a highly regarded power forward in junior hockey. At 6’4” 220 pounds, a lot of knowledgeable hockey folks—including Pens GM Craig Patrick—thought he’d develop into a super-sized version of Rick Tocchet.

    Good enough to be taken seventh overall in the 1991 Entry Draft. One slot behind Peter Forsberg…nine ahead of Markus Naslund. That’s how promising he was.

    For whatever reasons, things didn’t work out for Alek in Vancouver. He had injuries to both shoulders, which slowed his development, if not his willingness to scrap and do whatever it took for the good of the team.

    Excited about getting a fresh start following the trade to Pittsburgh, Stojanov scored in his second game with the Pens and took on Bob Boughner in a fight. (He’d famously beaten Philly’s Eric Lindros when both were in junior.)

    Although not for a lack of effort, he didn’t prosper in the ‘Burgh, either.

    Alek eventually played a few seasons in the minor leagues. I read that following his playing career he became a fireman in Hamilton, Ontario.

    During a rare interview, he told Christine Simpson, “How many guys get a chance to play in the NHL with Mario Lemieux?”

    Just wanted to share this.

    Rick

    1. Great article, with a lovely add-on, Rick. You’re right, sometimes as fans we forget the personal side of the game, and that it’s made up of real people, with real feelings, most of whom love the game as much or more than we do. Thanks for the perspective.
       Jayelene

       1. Thank you, Jayelene.

          I can only imagine how many times over the years people have approached Alek about the trade. And how many times he’s thought… “here we go again.”

          I’m sure it would wear on a person after a while. And, as I mentioned, even though his career fell short of expectations, it wasn’t for a lack of heart or effort.

          In the end, all each of us can do is give it our best shot and let God take it from there.

          Rick

25. Hey Guys
    Just popped up.
    Eric Fehr is placed on waivers today.
    If he clears tomorrow they can send him to the minors.Save 2 mill in salary cap.

    The real question is why?
    Need cap space…Another trade coming.
    The fun has started boys and girls.
    Cheers

    1. Interesting.

       Phil suggested moving Fehr to free up cap space a couple months back. I can’t remember the exact point he was making though.

       1. Probably some nonsensical junk like my normal comments. I would venture to guess my comment had something to do with paying a 4th line guy 2mil when we have perfectly good prospects.

          I like how they waited until the Caps were out of cap space before putting him on waivers.

          This gives Rutherford a little wiggle room to make a move if he finds something really good. I know a bunch of people here are looking at rental guys, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rutherford pulls the trigger on someone that isn’t up for contract renewal next year.

          Philly, Calgary, Vancouver, Dallas & Colorado is where i’m hearing all the rumors from.

          1. Hi Phil.
             If you are JR, forward or a d man? Which way does he go. There is a lot of big bodies who can skate being moved around.
             Plus last year we surprised a lot teams with the HBK line and 3 lines who can contribute. Now all the elite contenders have 3 scoring lines.They have made adjustments .
             It is going to be a different dance this year.
             I am still praying for the big deal to happen?

             1. I can’t imagine a forward unless something impossible to pass up crosses his desk.

          2. Interesting thoughts Phil, you are right JR usually doesn’t but rentals.

             I can think of at least one guy in Van I would like to take a look at, and several guys in Colorado. I am not sure who in Philly, Cal or Dal I would want that I am thinking those teams would be willing to part with though.

26. Hi Rick
    Another great history lesson on a very timely topic.
    You amaze us all old friend. Thanks.
    1.The top trade for me is Justin Schultz in my Mario era of limited experience.Why? He will continue to flourish this season, and if the reports are correct that New York and Boston are willing to pay 7 + million for Shattenkirk, ( remember Tampa offered 6 million, which equates to about 6.6 million in other States due to Florida State tax laws ).. Schultz should get the same.According to NHL rules,players making 5.6 million to 7.5 million annually, the Pen’s
    get a 1st,2nd, and 3rd round picks as compensation.
    So we give up a 3rd round pick and he helps us to win a cup,then he resigns for 1 year and about 40% of his orgininal salary, and then he quarterbacks the Pen’s to a Franchise record of wins in December when Letang goes out on injury again.
    So he is really a 6 to 7 million d man at fair market value and we get his services for 1.4 million.
    Great deal for us.Oilers???
    In my opinion this will go down as JR’s best.

    My worst trade is Iggy. He was definitely worth a first rounder and the minor leaguers we sent.
    Something happened to him during his brief stay in Pittsburgh. He was very excited to go there and Sid and he played well together in international play.
    Can not understand that one.

    Cheers

27. Hey Rick,

    Interesting looks at previous trades. You and I have talked about several these in the past, so you know my thoughts on those trades.

    But to comment on others;

    Some of the luster of the Schultz trade may fade if the Pens don’t resign him this summer or that they waste any Picks they get from someone else signing him.

    I liked Eddie Shack but wow, hindsight puts the Shack/Robert deal near the Naslund/Stojanov deal. I wonder what the team history looks like if they don’t make the deal. Does Robert develop? Do the Pens now have less futility in those early years and take themselves out of position to draft Mario?

    Losing Hrdina and Leroux ticked me off.

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