Overall, McGinn, Thorburn, and Skille are all above average skaters, which Rutherford values players that can skate. McGinn, Thorburn, and Skille also add some much needed physical element to the lineup. The 4th line no longer relies on inept Sheary, Plotnikov, Wilson, or Porter to be in the starting lineup, and relegates them to injury fill-ins at best. Polak (50% retained, and for Bonino, who disappeared when reverting trade) add some toughness on the back end, and give Pittsburgh a needed upgrade over Ian Cole or Ben Lovejoy. In terms of what we give up, Toronto gets a player with cheap term (Bonino) and a 3rd round pick due to retaining salary on Polak. Buffalo, again, gets a player with term in Ian Cole, and we also send a late round pick. To make room for Thorburn, the Penguins send out the walking bandage Beau Bennett, and, because of his potential when not injured, the Penguins recover their earlier traded 5th round pick. On Skille, he's a 4th line UFA. We could send a 7th or something limited, or just rid ourselves of midge Sheary. I'll take the latter. This team, without making a splash for a big name like Byfuglien, Ladd, etc, makes a few small moves to greatly increase speed, toughness, and overall depth.
I honestly think I'd rather have Bennett and Rust than Thorburn and Skille. McGinn is a good get. I'm not a believer in Polak but he at least fits a bit of a need. I can understand it.
wouldnt be shocked to see Skille moved as he has been a nice surprise for the Avs, but no way would Roy and Sakic move him for a small forward. They have been preaching size size size with their wingers since they have taken over. Dont see that as a target return for Skille, I'm sure they would take a draft pick over him if they don't resign him
The Toronto and Buffalo deal are ok. The other two are bad.
Big picture my friend. Skille and Thorburn aren't going to come in and put up 20 goals. But they both have speed, both play a more physical style game, and both would force guys like Kuhnhackl, Rust, Wilson, Plotnikov, and Sheary out of the lineup. I like Rust, and think he can be a solid 3rd line contributor in the future. Let's say you only make the McGinn and Polak moves. And Rust gets hurt. And Hagelin gets hurt. Your now forced to move McGinn up, and dress two of Porter, Plotnikov, Wilson, or Sheary. I'd take Skille or Thorburn over any of those 4 every day of the week. This team lacks depth, and if they don't make bottom 6 moves, they are screwed if any type of injury hits (and the injuries are already starting to pile up).
Polak is a good fit and Mcginn would be great as he could fit in with Crosby as he is a younger more skilled kunitz. I think it will take a little more to get him than Cole and a 5th. No one wants Cole.
Skille is a journeyman and brings nothing that Rust, Sheary or WIlson couldn't. I don't really believe in bringing in journeymen 4th liners when you have younger cheaper talent available to fill those spots.
Thorburn I get it and losing Bennet is really nothing to the Pens.
Polak is a good fit and Mcginn would be great as he could fit in with Crosby as he is a younger more skilled kunitz. I think it will take a little more to get him than Cole and a 5th. No one wants Cole.
Skille is a journeyman and brings nothing that Rust, Sheary or WIlson couldn't. I don't really believe in bringing in journeymen 4th liners when you have younger cheaper talent available to fill those spots.
Thorburn I get it and losing Bennet is really nothing to the Pens.
Rust is in my starting lineup. Bringing in Skille AND Thorburn keeps guys like Sheary, Wilson, Kuhnhackl, Plotnikov or Porter from being counted on in the starting lineup. The difference is injuries. I'd rather have a Skille and Thorburn playing on the 4th line, and putting in Sheary, Wilson, Porter, Plotnikov, or Kuhnhackl in the lineup when an injury occurs. Otherwise, without adding Skille and Thorburn, now you've got, say, Wilson and Porter on the 4th line. Two injuries to the lineup, and you end up with a bottom 6 that includes Rust, Wilson, Porter, Sheary, and Kuhnhackl........those 5 guys ALL PLAYING at the same time is a horrible, horrible, bottom 6. One, maybe two of those guys in small doses is fine. But having to rely on 4-6 of those guys and expecting to go anywhere in the playoffs is insane. Penguins need more bottom 6 depth this year.
thats why i agree with Thorburn acquisition but I don't think its a bad thing to get the younger players in the lineup and play some meaningful minutes. I don't see the Pens as a Cup contender this year so those players getting more time allows the bottom 6 to develop, get better and still be cheap for a few more seasons. Thorburn provides that energy player with physicality depth and if you could deal bennet for him I hope the Pens do it tomorrow. Skille is just kind of blah. the potential of Sheary outweighs having Skille as a bottom line plugger.
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