If Lebanc is on the market (decent chance he is) he is probably the 2nd most valuable winger available only behind Kreider. 50 point player, RHS, playoff experience, RFA, and good for cap. Galchenyuk is a cap dump to teams out of the race, and Lebanc is worth more than a 2nd

You’re dreaming about Labanc. How about Galchenyuk for Thornton and Marleau, and keep both players in the press box?

He is way more valuable than Kreider. His RFA status and age alone makes him a better asset.

Thornton is a player who could help any playoff contender and the risk is marginal. I think how Neal Broten contributed the New Jersey’s first Stanley Cup in 1995.
For those youngsters, who don’t know who Neal Broten is ...

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=597

Yes and no, both are 50 point players but 1 is 5'11 and the other is 6'3 and very physical. Both are probably 1 and 2 in terms of best forwards at the deadline but Kreider brings more to the table for an all in team. Kreider is also much more of a goal scorer then Labanc.

Not saying that I am in favor of Galchenyuk for Thornton and Marleau or not... but in a vacuum, after this trade I would put Thornton and Marleau as the #10 and #11 forwards on the Pens roster. Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Rust, McCann, Kahun, Hornqvist, Tanev, Simon (only because he is Crosby's favorite). That leaves regulars of Blueger and Reese, as well as Bjugstad and obviously the AHL call-ups.

That’s maybe the cost for Jumbo and Marleau. Labanc will cost you much more

In case it wasn't clear in the description...…..I was being facetious with the trade as a joke that San Jose owes it to Jumbo to literally give him and a good player away to try to get Jumbo a cup.

Personally I would prefer to play Blueger and ZAR. They have formed a tremendous shutdown line along with Tanev and I can see Sully using them to match up against players like Barzal, Aho, Bergeron and Tarasenko in the playoffs.

Honestly I would do Chucky for Joe.
I think Joe might be useful. And if it didn't cost anything I think he'd be a good guy on the ice to fight for a cup. You know you'd get his all. He has nothing to lose as opposed to some rentals.
I also think it would be nice to hand him a cup.
But I wouldn't give up anything for him. If I'm giving up assets it's for a younger guy.
The real issue is Joe will have a foot speed problem. But he can come and play a defensive role. I'm ok with that.

Could Rutherford make shaving a condition of the trade?

maybe the beard is slowing him down?

How about an anti-Samson thing. Samson cut his hair and got weak. Thornton cuts his beard and plays like it is 10 years ago.