The Pittsburgh Penguins have a lot to think about in the next few months. The draft is only a few days away and they are without a first round choice.
The Penguins traded away their pick for David Perron to Edmenton. At first, it looked like a sweet deal adding a top six forward. After a while it looked bad. Perron only talied 22 points in 43 games for the Pens. Not a good choice for GM Rutherford. The Pens made the playoffs, but would have picked 15th or higher. With the early exit, they wouldn't pick much higher than that. With that choice, they could have got a top six young forward to play with Crosby or Malkin. What do they do here? Trades.
Brandon Sutter and Rob Scuderi have been in trade talks for potential wingers. Sutter is more of a potential trade while Scuderi is aging and isn't very productive as well as his huge contract. Not many teams would want him, unless they are playoff contenders. Sutter could bring in a first pick or a top six product.
Brandon Saad, the young native Pittsburgh is on JR's radar, but will be pricey. Florida announced they won't bring back Upshall or Kopecky. Upshall or Kopecky could come cheap and couls fill in anywhere as a top 9 forwards. There will not be any reliable forwards in free agency, but could help the Pens in any form.
There is a lot of potential for the Pens this off season. They have to play it smart given the time frame. Scuderi won't be bought out, but more than likely will not be back in a Pens uniform. Sutter has a big value and should be moved and quickly within 8 days due to the draft. Phill Kessel says he would love Pittsburgh, but would come at a huge price.
They must become younger and faster. Justin Willams and Patrick Sharpp aren't young but provide legit short term skill and could come cheap. This off season will be interesting.
The Penguins traded away their pick for David Perron to Edmenton. At first, it looked like a sweet deal adding a top six forward. After a while it looked bad. Perron only talied 22 points in 43 games for the Pens. Not a good choice for GM Rutherford. The Pens made the playoffs, but would have picked 15th or higher. With the early exit, they wouldn't pick much higher than that. With that choice, they could have got a top six young forward to play with Crosby or Malkin. What do they do here? Trades.
Brandon Sutter and Rob Scuderi have been in trade talks for potential wingers. Sutter is more of a potential trade while Scuderi is aging and isn't very productive as well as his huge contract. Not many teams would want him, unless they are playoff contenders. Sutter could bring in a first pick or a top six product.
Brandon Saad, the young native Pittsburgh is on JR's radar, but will be pricey. Florida announced they won't bring back Upshall or Kopecky. Upshall or Kopecky could come cheap and couls fill in anywhere as a top 9 forwards. There will not be any reliable forwards in free agency, but could help the Pens in any form.
There is a lot of potential for the Pens this off season. They have to play it smart given the time frame. Scuderi won't be bought out, but more than likely will not be back in a Pens uniform. Sutter has a big value and should be moved and quickly within 8 days due to the draft. Phill Kessel says he would love Pittsburgh, but would come at a huge price.
They must become younger and faster. Justin Willams and Patrick Sharpp aren't young but provide legit short term skill and could come cheap. This off season will be interesting.