In an ideal world I don't think VAN wants to trade Podz but if Guentzel comes with a reasonable extension I can't see Alvin and JR turning that down, VAN accepts. All these trades are very reasonable but you likely need to attach something minor to Carter and I don't think SJS gives you back your 1st this year, toehrwise this is one of the best ACGMs I've seen, good job!

I mentioned it a few other spots but I've yet to receive any replies.

The phrasing on the trade seemed to be that the Pens would get the option to either give the top 10 2024 1st or defer it to 2025 as opposed to it automatically being deferred.

If the pick is 9th or 10th do the Pens choose to defer it and risk dropping off more next season and pulling a Sharks (giving up the 3rd overall pick which became Tim Stutzle), or do they just give the pick up now? The Pens had an incredibly healthy season (4.1M in cap hit man games lost, 10th lowest in the league. 150 total man games lost) and they're one of the oldest teams in the league. It's not unreasonable to see a scenario where the one or more of the "big 4" (they seem to be counting EK65 in that now) miss a good chunk of time with injury considering the youngest of them will be 34 and already has an extensive injury history.

Obviously if they somehow end up with a top 5 or so pick, whether from winning the lottery or just completely falling off a cliff they'll defer, but I'm curious what the threshold for them actually choosing to defer is.

I think Canucks try someone other then Podkolzin (ie. Karlsson+ another piece. I do believe the plan for Podkolzin is to end up on Miller's line with Boeser. Do I think it ends the deal having Podz in it probably not but Van is really going to need him with us being so darn close to the cap. I wonder Karlsson and Mynio would be a good enough replacement to Podkolzin. Karlsson hasn't really got a fair shake on the big team always on the 4th line not getting a chance with any of the skill guys (other than Höglander,)

Thanks! Carter really doesn't need to be moved, I assume if Pens are out he might ask to ''get another shot'' somewhere, he is a serviceable 4th liner this season so I figured Philly might be the fit to retire. I think if it costs an asset, they just keep him