Avs run with that if they have something lined up to solve 2C for the playoffs.

2nd probably works for Tex. Not sure CBJ trade him in-division, though.

And man, if TBL were to have essentially given up all they did just to end up with Smith...

Holy crap Avs take that deal immediately, then turn around and use the space to get a 2C.

Trading Jake is highly unlikely because it looks like we are going to be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Therefore, I think we will offer a long term extension once the season is over.

As they should because it is a useless deal for us.

We need a legit 3C -- Ellar is flying so putting him as 4C only makes us a deeper team.

Overall I like
1. I can live with Id like to drop the 4th rd
2. Not sure TB or Pens agree
3. Id do
4. I think we would be better off with out

And RyJo isn't that guy.

Who would you have on your radar then? Maybe a Colton Sissons?

I'm looking at the Panthers. Sam Bennett or Anton Lundell are two names that come to mind. If we trade Guentzel I could see them being a player that comes back the other way. That is if they are even interested in him. But even if not I think those two could be in play.

I love Sam Bennett but Lundell is having a bad year so I can't see them moving Bennet because it weakens them down the middle

I think it would have to be a part of a bigger deal. Would be one piece of many. Can't see them trading either for just picks straight up, but I did see that in a few Florida ACGM. If we traded them Guentzel let's say then he could replace Rodrigues on 1st line while Rodrigues goes to 3C.

Lundell is 3C and Bennett is 2C so Erod 2C would pain me as a Pens fan...

Are we sure its a good idea to trade your leading scorer when you're 1 point out of the WC(3 games in hand) and 2 points out of 3rd in the Metro(1 game in hand)? I'm not asking this rhetorically, or to be an ass haha, I'm just genuinely curious.

Is it just because you think the Pens have no shot this year and don't want to pay Guentzel?

In all honesty, yes. I also don't know if there are many options though that we can weight the cost/benefit analysis and come out with a good trade.

If the team stays in the hunt he isn't going anywhere. I can't see a move unless we drop off a cliff.

I 100% agree if they are positioned where they are now at the deadline, he isn't going anywhere. Nor should he imo. I just feel like the OP has been trading Guentzel in every ACGM and wanted to pick his brain on why haha.

Here's how I see it. I think it is unlikely Guentzel re-signs this offseason. I have no clue what he's thinking or his plans are, but we are about 1-2 years away from a rebuild, which makes us not a great destination to sign a long term contract. We also will not be able to afford to pay him as much as he'd get on the market. If we did we would not have the money to make many other improvements to the team in the offseason. If Guentzel is not looking like he's going to re-sign it would be pretty bad to lose him for nothing in free agency. A long term contract I don't think would make sense for either side, but Guentzel is due for a payday and deserves more than a bridge deal imo. That makes he think he likely won't return. In that case I think we almost have to trade him. I don't think that necessarily means we'd sell. But if we are offered a 1st, an A prospect, and a decent roster player that would help us to still be competitive this year then I think we make that trade.

How much do you think Lundell would cost straight up? I think it's possible they don't accept less than a 1st, but who knows

From PIT? 1st + Pickering at least

Yeah probably not worth it at that point. Just trying to think of players that could help us win now and in the future that we could get in return for Guetnzel. Maybe Rossi from Minnesota or something like that.

He is finally showing his potential, doubt they move him.

I understand the the thinking behind it but it’s just not what they’re going to do.

That's understandable. Appreciate the response. I don't think it's too crazy to see Guentzel re-signing. Just throw him Carter's money, which would be 9.125mil, and I think he'd take it. I know we will point to Nylander's contract - but I honestly don't see Guentzel demanding 11mil+. Then you still have whatever the cap increase is to improve the rest of the team. Could he get 10+ on the open market, maybe, but it would be a new team and most likely a bad one that has a lot of cap space.

My view is if the Pens are where they are now at the deadline - you have to keep him. The Pens time is almost, if not already, over. So I don't think the Pens have the luxury of wasting a possible playoff season, which trading Guentzel would no doubt do. I don't see any scenario where you get an NHL player back in the trade that has this team competing for a playoff spot. In my opinion, I just think it's better to push for the playoffs, and then take your chances on re-signing Guentzel - as opposed to trading him, which basically ends your season, and then trying to regroup find a replacement in the offseason for next year.

Yeah I've seen a couple responses and understand the viewpoint and thinking a little more now. I just still don't personally agree with it. And agreed - I don't think it's what they're going to do either. Even if we think they should. Of course, this is assuming they're where they are now at the deadline too. If they're 10+ points out at the deadline, my take might change. And so might the Pens