Team: 2023-24 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 5, 2023

Published: Jul. 5, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

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Description:

These trades/signings would basically open up a 2 year window for the pens to win it all again. Would have room to bring back Guentzel, the RFA's and a few replacement level players for next year.
Would be really cool to add Karlsson to this blue line. The top four would be playing like 50 minutes a night so you could match up the P.O.J/Rutta minutes wherever you want. Top two lines would each have a great puck mover getting them the puck and the 3rd and 4th lines won't get completely buried in their minutes like they did last year. They may even help, as crazy as that would be.

Tatar would be awesome to fill the final spot on the third line, but if he signs for more elsewhere, a guy like Suter or even Josh Bailey would be a good replacement.

Center depth is definitely shaky if someone goes down, but could look to address that at the deadline. Depth on defence is exceptional, they are 10 deep with NHL capable d-men. Also have a few call up options for the wing in Poulin, Puustinen, Gruden and Zahorna and of course have 3 NHL level goalies. Could look to trade from these area's to help the center depth.

Team outcome would of course depend on the performance/health they get from Jarry.

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Trades:

Karlsson:
I have a tough time gauging Karlsson's value. He won the Norris last year obviously and is a number 1 d-man on almost any NHL team and San Jose will eat 30-40% of his contract (went with 30%), but... he wants out, has a no move clause (get's to pick where he goes), and the salary cap hit is still big even with the retention. San Jose is not close to competing and I think 3 solid assets plus salary cap to make the move possible that they only have to deal with for 2 years instead of 4 (could also buy out Granlund if they choose, has a reasonable buyout). Carter can mentor some youngsters for a year, sit in the press box or call it quits. Just get him outta here.

Petry:
Is still a top 4 defender, especially on a team like Chicago or Anaheim. Anaheim was the choice because if they find a place for Gibson, they will need some salary to get back up to the floor and have some space on their right side top 4 for someone who could help mentor Drysdale. Legare is a B prospect at best and I feel like him plus an overpaid top 4 guy could bring back a 3rd rounder. Can give Petry's money to McTavish when he is due and by that time Helleson should be ready.

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