I think your title is missing the word "bubble" for which I think the bubble is now burst. Time caught up to this team. Even if this team is improved, it is not improved enough. The Sabres will be a playoff team. The Senators should be a playoff team. The Red Wings will likely make a move or two to be a better bubble team than Pittsburgh. There will almost assuredly be 5 teams from the Atlantic in, even if Boston takes a huge step back after bonuses and retirements of Bergeron and Krecji.

Pittsburgh will not be better than NYR, NJ, or Car. You can make an argument for NYI too. There is a chance that the Metro gets a wild card spot, but if it goes to that, the Isles got in this year and will be better, while the Pens did not get in, and will be a bit worse.

The prospect cupboard is empty. If Letang and Malkin want to leave, or are willing to leave, trade them for young assets. It'd sting trading Crosby, and I'd only do it if Crosby asked for it. Guentzel has to go, he will get a decent return. Trade Rakell and retain and see if you can get something in return.

Don't be the Red Wings post Lidstrom.

Swap the ‘23 3rd for your ‘24 2nd and maybe you get a yes.

Make that 5th a 23 2nd and you’ve got a conversation

You aren’t getting a second and third from any team in the league for him lmaooooooo 😂

Wouldn’t go as far as to say he’s worth a second let’s be real now

He is

The ones that actually know who he is will pay that.

The issue is you just don’t know who the player is. He’s a part of arguably the best d pair over the last three seasons in the entire league. Let’s be real now, you don’t know who the player is.

Lucky if you get a second alone and a late rounder you still ain’t getting a second and third though lmaoo

Anyone that understands common logic and looks at the recent history of trades being made of players his caliber and for his production would agree, hence how half of the Bruins acgm’s have him being traded for a third + mid rounder etc

You don’t understand the players value or production, that’s the issue