Think Henrique is another name that could be interesting, but would need 50% retention and bring another team in for more. Or move someone out.

Even at double retention, he is at $1.45M, so we would have to clear cap elsewhere.

Puustinen should stay with Malkin. The third should be DOC, Eller, Rakell.

I am okay with swapping Puustinen and Rakell, maybe even putting Rust on the 3rd because I know he could carry that line. If I am being honest, I would wanna give someone else a shot over DOC. He shows glimpses, but is just inconsistent.

Yeah if jarry is healthy and still playing well i can see them sending Ned out and getting a replacement from another team for league min maybe, that would clear enough. Just thinking lol, my first choice would still monahan.

He’s cheap, eager, pretty fast, and his energy and forechecking are valuable, especially to our team. The intensity that he brings is not as easy to come by as one may think, and is a role that we need on our old roster. He would be a great complimentary player to an Eller and Rakell. I’d rather just have what DOC brings for free than spend what little assets we have for a player that may be a slight upgrade in skill while lacking intensity and disruptive intangibles, especially if they’re a rental.

We’re not really in the position to do so in the first place. If we were cemented in a Metro playoff seed then maybe I could be convinced otherwise, but we need to just get healthy. Once we are, I think we will be good upfront if Puustinen continues to play well.

If come deadline time we’re in the mix and Puustinen falls off or we’re injured then, for the right price, we explore options, but I really believe that we will be fine up front as long as Puustinen continues to be impactful.

I don't know of a specific name, but it probably should be someone who can provide a scoring touch. The current edition of the 3rd line has been great defensively, but are a lost cause offensively.

Barabanov from SJ makes sense and his defensive metrics have been good this year too. Dubas is also familiar with him and he's already made a trade with Mike Grier. Probably doesn't cost anything more than a 3rd rounder, which in that case, the Pens can just give San Jose their 2026 3rd back.

A 3rd line of Barabanov-Eller-Puustinen could work, but I'm not sure if they could have long term success.

It's kind of a shame because the third line of DOC/Eller/Zohorna was absolutely dominant - and then the Rust/Rakell injuries messed it all up. And now with Puustinen playing well I don't see that line being a possibility again. But to answer your question, probably DOC. Unless they can acquire a clear upgrade from the list you gave. Also, I'd have POJ in over Ludvig.

Continue to let Puustinen build on his game with Malkin and Smith, move Rak down with DOC and Eller. Then focus on getting a 4th line center so you can move Acciari to wing where he is more impactful.