Quoting: Hammerwise
True, but the way Graves has played has been just as bad, if not worse, than Bertuzzi, so its also about moving that long contract in exchange for an expiring one. The way PIT is going, its not really about the playoffs but getting rid of some struggling contracts (Rackell for another)
And somewhat about need, PIT can cover their defense but need some size/physicality in their top 9. Whereas TOR needs a dman more than another UFA forward.
How do you figure Graves has played worse? As a pair, he and Letang rank 12th in the NHL at 58% goal share (14 goals for, 10 against) which is 4% better than Pettersson-Letang last year. And it's not like Letang is pulling all the weight there, as his %goals share is 56% (9 for 7 against) away from Graves and Graves has a 60% (3 for, 2 against) away from Letang.
The Petterson-Karlsson pair is the best in the NHL and Graves-Letang is 12th. They have an expected goals for per 60 of 3.20 and 2.85, respectively (3rd and 9th in NHL) and an expected goals against per 60 of 2.66 amd 2.59, respectively (21st and 17th in NHL).
That means if those two pairs are out there for 50 minutes (which is a lot, I know), the Pens would be expected to score 3.05 goals and let up 2.6 goals. Over a season that would be 250 for, 213 against or a differential of +37.
Of the teams with a differential of 20-40, all 7 made the playoffs.
Bertuzzi is actually having a decent season too. He is playing well on the PP but is slightly misused by Tor. I wouldn't mind trading for him but not at the cost of Graves.
One last point, Rakell scored 28 goals last year and had 33 expected goals. He, like Rust last year, is having an underwhelming year. That said, don't trade him for nothing. He is a top 6 winger and will find his groove.
TLDR: Graves is a positive on this team. Bertuzzi would be as well but weakening a thin D would be a bad idea. Rakell will break out eventually.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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