Quoting: Grievous
Crosby is not part of this discussion, his value is not in question. Rutherford made comments and that is why I did this. The contracts that bog down the Pens are these along with JJ & EG; agreed.
This is unlikely to happen, and both players have tons of value, but they both come with risk. Most GM's hate risk, like most NHL coaches, which is why there is a greater than 50% chance that we'll never know what it will take to move either player this off-season.
But, arguing is fun.... I guess.
kessel and Letang dont "bog down" the pens at all. Kessel is an 80+ point winger making under 7 million and letang is a #1RHD making 7.25 million. they're both on very good contracts. it is OK to Pay good players who deserve big contracts. however, it is not okay to pay guys like Maatta over 4 million, Hornqvist 5.25 million, bjustaad 4.1 million, rust 3.5 etc... its not that these contracts are "bad", but with an expensive core you need to fill out your depth with great value players.
when pens won the cup back to back, Bonino and Schultz both made under 2 million
rust, sheary, guzental (2017), maatta (2016), dumolin, murray, etc all were on ELC contracts
pens need to find that value again to be contenders. letang and kessel are not the problems. its overpriced depth and the lack of ELC's thats gonna hurt them. now with that being said, kessel trade is a great way to get a young, talented winger on an ELC that can break out (think guzental pre 2017). im open to moving kessel but we need to get value back.