The NHL announced the remainder of the All Star rosters. Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang were named to the Metropolitan Division Team. First of all congratulations to Crosby and Letang.
Now for the tough part.
Over the course of (at least) this season, there have been calls by many people here, and elsewhere for the Penguins to trade Kris Letang. I have been a member of that chorus. However, others have said that Letang’s stock has dropped so low that no team would take him. Hmmm apparently not. Apparently there are people around the league that still think Letang has something to offer.
Well, let’s stir the pot a little; maybe the best time to trade Letang is right now! The Penguins showed that they could win the Stanley Cup without him last year and his stock may never get higher than now as a member of the All Star Team.
Please do not misunderstand me: I do appreciate all that Letang has done for the team and although I have been one of those calling for a trade, I admit that Letang does still have something in his tank.
So who should the Penguins trade for?
I have already put forward my idea several times but just to refresh; I really think I would target Erik Karlsson of Ottawa. Ottawa has asked Karlsson for his no trade list and their front office has said that they are pretty much close to sell mode in both the trade market and even considering moving the team to relieve financial stress. No, I don’t think a direct trade for Karlsson would ever be worked out, but Letang, as an All Star himself, just might net the Penguins enough picks and prospects to make an offer for Karlsson.
Another idea was just put into my brain just today when Rick Buker noted that Brent Seabrook has recently been a healthy scratch for Chicago. Now this could be an interesting avenue to pursue. Seabrook’s salary is $9 milllion but his cap hit (according to Cap Friendly) is only $6.875 because his contract is front loaded and will start going down after next season. The numbers would work out. However, Seabrook may not be as offensive a Defenseman as Letang but he may be a better defensive Defenseman. Another down side to Seabrook is he is older than Letang at 33 years old.
With all apologies to Letang fans, if I could, I would definitely try to make one of these trades (or some other not mentioned yet) work. If a deal isn’t made, I really doubt it was because no wanted to trade for him. It would seem to me that it was because the Penguins didn’t want to trade him.
Heard that DeSmith has been recalled from WBS with no reciprocating roster adjustments.
Other rumors surrounding this “development” are that the reason is Murray is out for personal reasons, or that Jarry is having travel trouble getting back to the Burgh (weather?).
Or, could Murray, or Jarry, be part of an impending deal?
The Days of Pens Lines soap continues. Tune in tomorrow for an exciting, or boring, conclusion.
– 55
Hey 55 on Point,
I had a similar thought when I saw that.
However, from a trade perspective, anything is possible, but unless the Penguins were getting a quality back-up in return, it is hard to imagine either Murray or Jarry being dealt. Although DeSmith hasn’t looked liked Niemi in his appearances, he really has not played enough to risk trading either Murray or Jarry.
I thought the exact same thing yesterday when I heard Letang made the All-Star team. Karlsson is a huge stretch and would be completely amazing, but something like that is not unprecedented. I would site the Subban/Weber trade.
I was thinking maybe Buffalo for Kane then pick up a quality workman defenseman, the Lovejoy/Hainsey type for Sheary or Hagelin sort of trade. I wouldn’t be surprised if Buffalo and the Penguins did a big multi player swap.
I’m not sure Seabrook and his age and salary is the answer. They benched him for a reason. I would have to watch a few Blackhawk games to see what that was.
Hey Phil,
I know the Karlsson idea is a bit of a stretch. I don’t even think we would try. It is just, I guess, a dream.
I really wouldn’t mind picking up Kane, I just would like to see the Penguins try and negotiate an extension if they do make that deal. I wouldn’t mind seeing a Lovejoy type D-man to help settle down the bad decisions in the defensive zone.
I am not committed to the Seabrook idea. I just thought it was interesting that Rick B brought it up right before I saw Letang getting the All Star nod. He is a long in the tooth and signed for 5 or so years and would not want to be held to even the $5 mil of his final year, especially since it still carries the $6+ mil cap hit.
I do think that this is the time to make a deal though, on the heels of his All Star selection; we can get our best return.
Letang is staying. He is elite and will get back to his game over the next few months I strongly believe the worst is behind Letang. Pens need to keep Letang. When on his game he is in the top 10 in the league. We lost some great dmen in Daley and Hainsey in the offseason which is the only reason why we wo the cup. We will not do it again without Letang.
Hey Anonymous,
Although I disagree with you in the disposition of Letang, I would trade him. I do agree with you in that he still has much left in his tank. Also, as much as I would deal him, I have my doubts that the Penguins will. SO I hope you are right. I hope that Letang finds some sort stride.