I’m not sure leaf want a oder forward

Both Smith & Jarnkrok are 32, if anything Smith is signed to less term.
They get slightly older going from Robertson/Samsonov to O'Connor/Nedeljkovic.

Tough call. If Ludvig/Smith are given sufficient playing time before the deadline and they perform well - then moving POJ could be a possibility. But I wouldn't dump POJ just to try and give Smith playing time. POJ is a legitimate NHL dman - Smith and Ludvig are question marks/fringe NHLers at this point. Unfortunately Smith seems to be way down on the totem pole - so not sure if we will get that chance before the deadline to know if POJ is somewhat expendable. It could obviously work out - just not sure if I would take that risk without seeing Smith/Ludvig play together.

Ty Smith has proven he's not an NHL talent.

That Leafs trade is geniunely terrible. It makes absolutely no sense at all for the Pens.

That's fair. I feel like Smith has been playing well offensively in the AHL, but also putting up 3 points in his Spengler Cup game yesterday. A physical partner in Ludvig could be really nice, but I guess that partner could also be POJ. If anything, we can keep the 5-6-7 spots with Ludvig, POJ & Ruhwedel, but there were reports that the Pens wanted to upgrade the bottom pair, so internally, Smith could get a chance. However, this is the smaller part of this whole armchair-GM post.

Idk man, recently he has been putting up solid numbers, notably 3 points in the Spengler Cup in 1 game. A defensive/physical partner in Ludvig could complement his game.

I do see why the trade can be seen as not ideal. I think Smith is the best player, but I dont think he has been the best fit. I also made it to clear up cap space for next season, so we have a better chance to re-sign Jake and bring in another FA (top 6 LW, 3C). The Leafs could add a prospect or pick to incentivize us a bit more.

He might be - I don't keep up with the baby Pens as much as I should. Smith looked good in his limited time last year as well. Honestly in the offseason I was pushing for POJ/Smith down the left side haha - so I'm definitely not opposed to him getting another shot. And agreed - the playstyles on paper could be a good match between the two. I like Ludvig and the physicality he brings - but the results and play overall have been a bit subpar imo. So it just worried me a bit. And true haha - I commented only on the small move. I'm weird. I also didn't have a good take on the TOR trade. I don't think it's a bad trade - but considering the way Ned has played this year I probably wouldn't do it just for that reason alone.

I could see why people are done with Smith, but if we are gonna make a trade, might as well try internally, like we did with the offense.

For sure - I get it - and not saying it definitely wouldn't work. I guess I'd just like that pair on the ice before we trade POJ. But that's a bit of a catch 22, because Smith probably doesn't see the ice without that trade.