That's too much for a year of Pacioretty, and the Pens can't afford to re-sign him to big money

would not trade any one of those pieces alone for patches

Thats a silly response.

one year of patches for a young solid d man signed to a great deal no way! a 1st can be used later to fill a bigger need than another winger. Rust is signed, patches isnt not to imagine the raise he will want, rust kills penalties patches doesnt. pens need money and d not wingers

The better solution for Pittsburgh may be to trade no one and try and sign a scorer like JVR now that the have freed up cap space.