ZAR should be easy to move -- I can't see any teams really giving up anything for Lafferty though; he may be a waivers guy if it comes to that.

We really don’t need to move anyone out. Depth is never a bad thing. Especially with our group

This isn’t my ACGM. But I agree with moving ZAR b4 the offseason.

I just don’t see ZAR being resigned next season with OConnor at LW and Poulin pushing for NHL roster spot at LW. Both being cheaper options. And having Guentzel and Heinen at LW(not to mention Zucker is still there if Poulin isn’t ready and you have Hallander at LW too).

And resigning Rust is a must. Kappy being a RFA we can all agree he resigns getting his arbitration raise. McGinn at RW and Legare pushing for a NHL roster spot at RW(not to mention I think resigning RFA Angello, maybe resigning D.Simon, E-Rod, and Lafferty cheaply as well for RW NHL depth).

ZAR(even though I’m a fan) would just be the odd man out. And he will probably even require a raise next season and becomes an UFA. Pens no longer own his rights(and all the other LW, RW options we probably all agree on).

Trading ZAR now would just be good asset management. Even though I’m a fan and he’s been great; one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL analytics wise. He contributes offensively enough too. And great on the PK and is good for acouple short-handed goals every season so far.

I just see value in trading him now and hope Hextall/Burke do as well. I think pairing him as an asset for someone to take Matheson and his contract should be a priority.

Although, I think along with ZAR, something else would need to be added for a team to take Matheson. I would mind it being a 2nd or 3rd round pick or Puustinen. Or maybe ZAR, Lukas Svejkovski, and a mid round pick.

But getting rid of Matheson and his contract should be a priority. Having D-pairing of Dumoulin/Letang, Pettersson/Marino, PO-J/Friedman or Ruhwedel. It’s horrible having a 3rd pairing LHD making 4.25M. Especially with that term.

And I can easily see next season having lines being:
Guentzel/Sid/Rust(resigns for 5.5Mper)
Poulin/Geno(resigns 7.5-8.5M per 2 seasons)/Kappy
OConnor/Zohorna/Legare
Heinen(RFA, signs 1.75-2M)/Blueger/McGinn

And that’s with Jeff Carter retiring. And trading Zucker if Poulin is ready. Zucker will have just 1 year remaining on his contract this offseason. He should be able to be moved easily. And u resign RFA, Angello, D.Simon, E-Rod cheaply for NHL depth. I also agree Lafferty gets a better opportunity elsewhere and moves on.