Team: 2022-23 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 8, 2022

Published: Jul. 8, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I'm pretty happy with where were at contract wise. Obviously Malkin is being stubborn and his future with the pens is the big question going into day 2/the rest of the offseason. I'm leaving towards not signing Malkin, and the Letang contract didnt do anything to Geno. He stated "I am ready to leave of they dont give me more than 3 years". Imo it's just not worth keeping him for 7+ mil.

As for today Indo believe Marcus Pettersson will be on his way to one of LA or Detroit. Either forna 2nd round pick in this draft or a 3rd. That's my prediction. Another thing to look at is Brock McGinn tonight. I dont believe he will be moved but if we are looking to shed more cap be on the lookout for him.

I do have a wildcard prediction for today as well. Ville Husso's rights were just traded to the Red Wings. Maybe Malkin's right could be moved for a pick. I mean if they still aren't close and Hextall knows it's not worth it, maybe we could use his rights to get another draft pick. I doubt it, but I saw crazier yesterday.

Let's talk Owen Pickering real quick. He looks like hes gonna be a very solid top 4 D. He has a 6'4" 180 lbs frame and that's where he needs to work (and maybe his offensive game a little). I wouldve liked to have Lambert at 21 but Pickering was a good selection as well. He reminds me of K'andre Miller, Victor Hedman, and Tavis Sanheim (Obviously hes got a long way to go). He will not sign his ELC this year. I think he'll play one more year with the Bronco's, then sign his ELC if the management thinks his ready. I expect to be looking at an NHL spot in the next 2-3 years. Letang signing also brings in a big factor cause he would really help mentor Pickering and help his offensive game.

Now for a trad le idea. This is very unrealistic but after what I've seen yesterday, its possible. The Blackhawks a couple months ago said that if Debrincat was traded then Kane was getting traded (and vise versa. Granted they have new managemen). Kane to the pens makes sense in my mind, but I dont think Hextall would make a big move like that. I wont add the trade below as I want to be as realistic as possible, but if it were to happen I was thing a 2023 1st, Kapanen's RFA rights, and Lagere. Now you guys are probably saying "why would the Blackhawks do that". Well let me answer your question very simply. The Hawks have made terrible moves the last couple days. First with Debrincat and then with Dach. This wouldnt be the worst trade for both sides with the new Hawks management.

One more small thing. I think Kapanen's rights get moved today as well.

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