My 7th sense as to what will happen in this offseason

Initial Creation Date: Sep 9, 2020

Published: Sep 9, 2020 at 2:40

Team: 2020-21 Pittsburgh Penguins

So the offseason has already started and with a pretty big move.

(even with the HUGE trade rumours swirling I think GMJR will not trade a core member)

the to-do list coming into the offseason was a getting a top-6 RW, fixing the 3rd D pair, trading a goalie, shedding cap, a 3C, fixing the 3rd line in general, giving young guys a shot, more speed, good depth, etc.

Let's start with shedding cap.
JJ and Bjugstad have to go and most likely will, no matter how much GMJR supposedly likes JJ. he's says good things about a player then trades him. (See Kessel, Phil) I'd like to move Hornqvist but I doubt he'd waive his full NTC...but next year it decreases to a partial no trade...Seattle is an option but no matter where I think he's gone next offseason.
I think JJ can be moved and I don't think it will cost as much as some think...
OTT has cap space and won't be contending for a few years...
Murray to OTT is logical but for sake of not making a JJ/Murray trade, I'll keep them separate as a few teams are in on Murray.

BJugstad will go to a team that needs a 2nd line C, bc if healthy that's what he can be...WPG/BUF spring to mind. I think his value is about a 4th. maybe a 3rd but I doubt it.
Bjugstad to WPG for Poolman and a 5th...I don't know much about pool man-from the stats it looks like he's be an average to below average 3rd pair D--

from that we'll go the 3rd D pair...
With the 2 yr. extension of Riikola + PO Joseph "being ready" according to new assistant coach Vellucci), I see this as a tip-off that JJ is gone and Riikola/POJ will have first dibs at the 3rd D spot. extending Ruhwedel + playing him on his off side as a literal "7th D/first man in" means they love him and prob will let Ruhwedel/random depth RD (Poolman) compete for the #3RHD slot...the pens have some interesting college players in (RD) Maniscalso, (RD) Reilly, and (LD) Lee as well and I think they'll be given a shot to make the team...that's 7 intriguing D options for the 3rd pair.

Let's go to trading a goalie.
I think it's consensus Murray is halfway out the door with reportedly 5 teams interested (BUF/COL/OTT/TOR/CGY) (EDM out now). I think COL would be Able to offer the best package in return. despite what fans say, the trade talk between COL/PIT is legitimate I think and their tandem was a mix of injury and inconsistency. Murray's value I think is equivalent to a 1st round pick--although that's not what PIT will ask for. Jake Allen (a solid backup) got a 3rd so that's the starting point.
for PIT I think COL might want to give a goalie back (prob grubauer)...as he has only 1 yr left...he can backup jarry. Kaut is ranked their 5th best prospect and is a RH RW...and maybe if he develops ok can replace hornqvist in a year....on the 3rd line...Poulin has played LW--despite being referred to as a RW alot...PIT will probably move McCann as well. I don't like it but it's likely I think for no other reason than change. angello goes just as a throw in and his big body will play better in the west.
I think: Murray=Grubauer/2nd, McCann/Angello=Kaut
I think that's pretty fair...

now to the 3rd line/depth/speed/etc...
now that McCann/Bjugstad are added to the endless list of 3rd line pieces that didn't work out...
we need a new 3rd line...
Hornqvist and Simon are NHL options with Lafferty/o'connor/kaut from the AHL and I really think the pens LOVE Poulin and will give him an opportunity in training camp to make the team...
remember as well Simon and ZAR will most likely be OUT to start next season.
With Bleuger, Tanev, and Hornqvist in the bottom-6 along with ZAR and Simon (when healthy) I think the pens will look for a new #3C. they've tried bringing back some former players and I think they may do it again as Bonino only has one year left on his deal. if NSH can retain some it should be an inexpensive add. a low pick and a couple fringe prospects should get it done.
to complete the bottom-6 and preserve depth I went to free agency to finish off the team. haula is another Centre option as the injuries will always strike. Maroon is the type of gritty, character, 4th line guy that can help win. Tampa was missing guys like this so they went and got Maroon, Coleman, and Goodrow...and look where they are now... I wouldn't be surprised to see sheary back even though we got Kapanen but I hope not...
when healthy the team looks like:
16-87-24
59-71-17
haula-bonino-72
Buzzsaw (maybe subbing in maroon)

players in LTIR are illustrating depth...

caveat-i think I made one move too many in the bottom 6...I think one of Haula/Bonino would be fine...and that they'd have a logjam IF (not when) healthy...I think they'd let Lafferty or whoever impresses out of camp have that extra spot...