VAN declines, Alvin and JR won't deal both Hoglander and Podkozlin in the same deal unless there are multiple pieces coming back

no it doesn't make sense to trade a piece of the main roster

Absolutely... not. Wheres the value coming back for taking on Mikheyev?

Seems pretty terrible for pittsburgh

van is not giving up enough, where is the value for dumping mikheyev for 2 more seasons at 4.75/year,

No....I'd rather let Hoglander develop into Guentzel

Mikheyev is still a good player, just in a scoring slump, I don't think it would cost too much, if anything, to get someone to bite on him, he could just be waived and some bottom feeder would pick him up. As for value, it's pretty fair if you believe in Hog and Podz' potential, that being said, they're both NHL players and this hurts VAN's depth so I don't see them doing this. Take one out, add Raty and a 1st and I think both teams agree.

It's amazing how Jake's value varies from team to team and fan to fan. I'm real curious what the return will be. I am not expecting a "haul" for him. It'll most likely be 2 solid prospects who are either in the league or very close and a 1st round pick.

Unless Jake aggress to an extension as part of the deal, then yes, expect a haul.

PIT
Hoglander
Lekkerimäki
Mikheyev
Van 2025 1st

Van
Guentzel no retention.

This is the best I can do for you.
Hoglander and Lekkerimäki for Jake
2025 1st for taking Mikheyev.

That's as good an offer as your going to get from PIT.