About the only value the Pens have on the roster.....or in WB/S......right now is Maatta (who's I assume is as close to untouchable as anyone in the organization) and perhaps, to a lesser extent, Pouliot. Now that I think about it, they probably aren't moving Dumoulin right now, either. Of course, they're largely out of #1 picks (which nobody wants GMJR trading anyway after tossing one in the garbage for Perron).
Malkin (more so) and Crosby have some value, but not at the price GMJR would demand.....and the only franchises who can practically afford them are budget teams (meaning not spending to the cap) who aren't looking to add major salary no matter where they're at in the standings. The Canadiens would probably deal a package of middling prospects like Jarrod Tinordi and Alex Galchenyuk, maybe Tomas Plekanic (to clear cap space), and maybe a pick for Sid.
But the Pens would almost assuredly be looking for someone like Pacioretty in return, and that's an absolute non-starter for Montreal. Of course, if the Canadiens continue to flounder this season, it's possible they might be willing to sweeten a proposed deal for Sid.
But, any deal with Montreal for Sid just isn't going to include the guy we (or perhaps I) want. Dealing from a position of weakness is a devastating position for a GM; if you don't believe it, go ask Garth Snow why he can't deal a top-pairing D-man.....arguably the most valuable position in the League these days.....like Travis Hamonic.
They do have some organizational depth in goal, but moving MAF until they're absolutely sure about Murray (still at least a year+ away).....or even Tristan Jarry, for that matter.....makes that a dangerous decision. Besides, $5 million for a legitimate #1 goaltender these days.....which even his skeptics would now agree is a reasonable description for MAF......is far from the worst deal on the team. Unfortunately, even if there were any thoughts about dealing him now, they've probably been scotched with this new concussion issue.
Obviously, Hornqvist and Perron are untradeable......I admit I remain shocked how far their production (and resulting reputations) have declined in the past year. And while Kunitz has been coming around, nobody is going to do GMJR any favors for an aging guy with an almost $4 million cap number. Maybe they decide Bonino isn't working out, but what's he worth ?? Like you, I assume the Pens are dead stuck with Letang, and left to pray he somehow rediscovers his form of the first half of last season.
As for Kessel, a guy with a goal-scorers' pedigree has value to anyone with decent centers (and especially if they're good on defense). But the notion he returns any kind of bonanza now is obviously nil. That said, I've been thinking the last month it's possible GMJR actually made the deal with the alternative notion PK could be an trade candidate down the road. After all, almost anyone chasing a Cup can use a documented goal-scorer, and might be willing to give up something to get one (especially one who isn't a FA anytime soon).
His value is clearly low today; but who knows what it's like 2 months from now......or in a year. Anyway, I'm not betting a ton of money right now that Kessel will be a long-timer in Pittsburgh.
