Kuzmenko is an interesting idea, but he's a bit of a gamble if he can return to form. I think if you swap out Raty for Podkolzin we'd be closer.

I'd rather swap Kuzmenko for Hoglander and then raty for Podkolzin. Agree with you on Kuzmenko, not an attractive piece for the Pens imo, too risky and about to be 28, so to me doesn't fit what they'd be looking for.

Pens will also retain 50% IF they were to trade Guentzel which would make his cap hit $3M.

The Pens will likely have to retain on Jake regardless so I'm not sure how much of a tax that will really add in a trade, but I do think there should be a tax for taking Kuzmenko since he's got one more year and is currently an overpaid player. Maybe swap out Raty for Hoglander instead of Podkolzin or tack on a 2nd.

Yeah making someone like guentzel have a cap impact of only $3M for a contender is massive for the buyer because it gives them more flexibility.

Agree that taking on Kuzmenko should cost VAN.

Again i'd just rather he stay there and do 24 1st + Holglander + Pod

If the Pens are forced to move Jake, the only teams that will be interested are playoff teams and most do not have $6M free, so regardless they'll have to retain. In situations like that you're not going to really see much of a tax on that.

I do like your final idea though the most, but even with retention I don't think that works cap-wise for VAN, so we'd still likely need to take a body back.

Just as a counter argument, Kuzmenko is one of the few players you could get back in a Guentzal deal that actually has a chance at replacing a lot of Guentzal's production which could be important for Pittsburgh if they trade Guentzal while still looking to make the playoffs.

I understand your point for sure, but Kuzmenko is too high risk IMO. I think the penguins would rather take the cap space to find a replacement elsewhere in the summer + they'd be more interested in youth.

Penguins pass.
Penguins are not getting rid of Guentzel.
Guentzel is not available.

If the Pens are out of the playoff picture by the deadline that all may change. His agent definitely painted a picture that does not even close to guarantee Jake's future in Pittsburgh.