Minnesota says no. Pittsburgh would have to add to that deal, probably at least a second rounder

So if you think Maatta is better than Brodin and Nino is equal to Rust and Bluegar, why would the pens do that just to downgrade on defense?

Nieddereiter has a higher ceiling and a higher proficiency for scoring goals. Because of the higher ceiling, Bluegar is involved.

Easy no from MN.

I'd go as far to say at least a 1st rounder... Brodin > Maatta IMO, Brodin is a 1st pairing defenseman on any team without an elite 1LD (Such as Suter on MN, Hedman on TB, etc). If we didn't have Suter, he'd easily handle the 1st pairing role. He's only 25 with room to grow into an elite player as well (he has that ceiling as an elite shutdown defenseman, but he's not gunna put up great offensive numbers).

Here's a counter offer for you OP:


Niederreiter
Brodin ($1M retained)


Maatta
Sprong
Hagelin

Those ratings are just to sell it to Wild fans.

I'd do that deal in an instant, but its hard to know how the Pens value Sprong. I think Rutherford is really high on him, but Sullivan wants nothing to do with him.

I have heard that before. I wonder why there's a discrepancy between their opinions... From what I've seen Sprong looks really good. He put up great numbers in the AHL last season (at a PPG pace) and should be able to translate his game to the NHL.

The coaching staff endlessly talks about him needing to improve his defensive play, even though it really is not that bad. The problem was that they already had two defensive liabilities in Sheary and Kessel on the team, and I don't think they could afford to have another one in their top 9. Now that Sheary is gone, and Sprong is no longer waivers exempt, he will get a long look at playing on Crosby's RW during training camp. However, if the Pens were to deal him I would want it to be now while his value is still really high, because they screwed themselves by waiting too long to deal Derrick Pouliot and essentially got nothing for him.