Toronto says no in my opinion. Same with Colorado. Jost has elite potential and I don’t want to lose Olli without us getting back a solid defenseman as well.

Thinking your trades are fair with good explanations. Lots of question marks for all teams, which is the nature of most trades. Three fair trades in the same post,, that unusual and hard to do. Five stars for fairness and for some creativity as we haven't seen much of these trade combinations before.

Exact thoughts. Toronto needs more of a stay at home defensemen where as Schultz is more of a puck moving type compared to Zaitsev. I doubt Toronto would want to lose a looked up defender at a fairly young age and a young forward finally starting to shine. Jost does have elite potential and I can't see Pittsburgh give up Määttä for a forward as they already have a staked group of forwards. The trades makes sense, they just aren't realistic. I do like the Carolina trade. Solidifying that right side would make Pittsburgh dangerous in every situation.

Don't know much about Zaitzev but I know Toronto's defence was putrid in the playoffs, so it kind of seems like we lose that trade big time. Is Shultz a #1 no, but very close to a number 2 and definitely 2nd pairing. The way you laid it out forces JJ in the 2nd pair and I do not want the Pens to be forced into that position. Also, the Pens didn't pay Rust 3.5 with term, to put him on the 4th Line. In trading Brassard in any capacity changes us from "best down the middle in the league" to "bad center depth". I do like that you got rid of Simon, hes trash.

The perception of Defense in the league, especially if you're talking to Babs is that they don't come into elite territory until they're around 28. He also stresses that it takes several seasons to truly master the position. If Zaitsev gets back to the first year form with a more mature and smart defensive structure then we are fine. Keep in mind he only has two seasons of North American hockey under his belt, he is 26 turning 27 and he spent all of last season dealing with nagging injuries including post concussion syndrome. I think he gets one more year before people can/should panic/trade.

My biggest problem is you made 3 trades and the Penguins didn't improve at any position? They are weaker at Center. Weaker at Goalie. Please don't undervalue Tristan Jarry. He could start for some teams this year. Didn't Colorado already trade for a goalie this offseason? The defense looks more balanced but only slightly improved. I would be surprised if Colorado would give up on Tyson Jost. With Kapenen the Pens would have 6 right wings. I agree with Palhal that your trades were fair and creative. I look forward to future posts as you have a good mind for working trades. Maybe try targeting someone who would really get the Penguins back to the Stanley Cup finals.