For staying competitive, that deal works. Accari good bottom 6 guy (what rust used to be) Denisenko is gonna be a stud.

Are they already traded or just on the block? Are those the teams and the deals are speculative or what?

Zito blocks JR’s number

The teams were my choosing. FLA was anyway. Ottawa continues to be one of the teams linked to Murray.

Rust is not on the block according the article and Rutherford isn't actively shopping him, but he's completely open to moving Rust and is getting calls on him. From the article:


The article also goes on to say that the Pens really want Tanev and this isn't the first report. He's looking for upwards up $5M, but they think maybe offering term, the lower cost of living and playing with family can lower the price. Six years is a lot, but seems like a very "Rutherford" thing to do and for a player like Tanev at his age it would probably work.

NO WAY pens trade Rust after the season he had beside Malkin.

You got the trade value good tho and I think that this is a really realistic view of what may happen. Of course aside from Rust trade.

Believe me, I hope not. This is all based on the article. Moving Rust would be another in a series of poor asset management decisions by Rutherford. When Rutherford gets fixated on what he wants, for good or for bad, he gets tunnel vision. Adding a RD is his top priority, he likes Tanev a lot which means the blinders are pretty much up.

When Rutherford wants what he wants...

1) Wants to get tougher? He gives up a 1st + a solid bottom six forward for Reaves.
2) Wants Jack Johnson? He outbids himself.
3) Wants Brandon Tanev? He outbids himself.
4) Wants Kap back? He overpays.
5) He wanted Sheary back and traded a better cheaper player in Kahun to make that happen.

Now he wants a righty to add to the bottom six. He likes Tanev. This now means two things: He will overpay Tanev + give up too much elsewhere to make that happen.

Florida would be silly to not make that move. I like Acciari's game, but those 20G he put up last year are an aberration and if he came to the Pens I would in no way expect that to happen again, but he is a solid player and I like the edge he brings. Rust >>>>>>> Acciari.

Second, yes, you'd be giving up a top prospect, but you're also getting a top six forward for $3.5M for two more years and you guys want to compete NOW. You always take a given over a possibility.

The Pens lose on this deal, but there are few moves for the Pens in their position where they win a trade for Rust. If they had more money freed up they could probably make something better happen, but they don't and they can't.

Rust a top 6 guy lol. Denisenko is even cheaper than Rust and has a way higher ceiling. No thanks from the Cats

If you don't think Rust is a top-six winger then I question your judgement in general. Denisenko is 20 and probably doesn't hit the NHL until after the coming season.

In general anyone can be a “top 6 forward” depending on the team they’re on. I personally like Rust a lot but not at the cost of Denisenko

Rust put up 27G for 56 points this past season in 55 games and in 72 games the year before he was on another 20+ pace and 38 points year the year before in 69 games. I'm not saying the guy is a 1st line top NHL winger, but his pace and upward trajectory is a top-six. Not to mention his fancy stats when you dig in. He's also $3.5M a year. Trust me, I want him in the Pens top six and I don't want him moved.

Again, I like him but not at the cost of Denisenko/Tippett/Knight

Wouldn't even bother asking about Tippet.

Tippett will be better than rust. Only reason he’s not in the nhl is his defensive game isn’t good. And denisenko is a top 10 prospect in the league. Rust is good but not worth that.

Doesn't really matter anyway. I might as well delete any armchair I did this year.

Hey you were half correct on the other agm..... but it’s not good lol